The following is a summary of free services that are available to crime victims and witnesses:

• INFORMATION about the status of your court case through letters and phone calls

• NOTICE of court proceedings, including changes

• INFORMATION AND EXPLANATION about criminal justice proceedings

• ORIENTATION to the courtroom setting

• COMPANION to attend court with you and provide emotional support

• FINANCIAL COMPENSATION ASSISTANCE for victims of violent crimes

• EMPLOYER INTERVENTION to explain time missed from work due to required court appearances

• PRIVATE WAITING AREA prior to your court appearance

• PROPERTY RECOVERY of stolen items being held as evidence

• SUPPORT GROUP for family members and friends of murder victims

• ASSISTANCE if you are intimidated, harassed or afraid

• CALL THE WITNESS INFORMATION LINE for up-to-date court reporting times at 912-652-7330 for Superior Court and 912- 652-7327 for State Court, or check online at www.chathamcounty.org/vwapline.asp the night prior to scheduled court appearances

• ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT with any problems that you may be having as a result of the crime or court appearances

• REFERRAL to social service agencies, counselors and others who can assist you with personal problems.

The Victim-Witness Assistance Program is funded primarily by the Chatham County Commission.

Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or by appointment.