About the Elbert County Sheriff's Office

Victim Assistance Program

OUR VISION:

That every victim of crime and every Elbert County Resident is provided support, advocacy and education in their time of need.

OUR MISSION:

Through intervention, advocacy, and education, the victim assistance program provides support to individuals in a manner that empowers them to recover from traumatic events.


The Elbert County Victim Assistance program is staffed by dedicated victim advocates that help individuals who have been victimized or who have otherwise experienced trauma. Advocates are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist individuals and families with services such as:

  • Crisis Intervention
  • Criminal Justice system support and advocacy
  • Information /Referral to community resources
  • Education on the dynamics of victimization and trauma


  • For more information about the program or if you need assistance with trauma or crime related issues, please contact our office at (303) 621-2027 ext. 6126-or 6129





    Victim Assistance Services
    SUPPORT:
    Becoming a victim of crime is probably one of the most stressful events in a person's life. Within the first few minutes, hours or even days after the crime a victim, and those around them, are likely to experience physical, emotional or financial harm that is difficult for them to cope with. In the aftermath of a victimization and/or traumatic event such as the loss of a loved one, our advocates are here to help. We provide:
  • Crisis Intervention, either at the scene of the crime or by phone
  • Emotional Support intended to empower individual recovery after a traumatic event
  • Grief Support to those whose loved ones have died


  • ADVOCACY:
    Once a crime is reported, the person who was victimized becomes part of the criminal justice system. Navigating the criminal justice system can be a confusing and sometimes frustrating experience. To help victims through their experience, our team of advocates is there to help victims in many ways:
  • Ensuring the rights of victim's, including the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect, as outlined in the Colorado Victims' Right's Amendment C.R.S. Section 24-4.1-302(1)
  • To help identify available community resources for those who have been victimized and for those who have experienced a traumatic event.


  • EDUCATION:

    We recognize that crime not only affects the individual it was perpetrated against, but it also affects the community as a whole. As such, our victim assistance program works diligently to provide community education which focuses on victim issues and the needs of those in crisis. Community education is multi-faceted and ranges from:

  • Training of local law enforcement on victims' rights legislation and victims' right's amendment
  • Assisting schools with intervention in the aftermath of school crises
  • Facilitating community wide campaigns during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and National Crime Victims' Rights Awareness Week

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    Victim Resources

    From Crime to Recovery:

    Although every person's experience in the aftermath of a crime or traumatic event is different, the recovery process can be extremely difficult. Recovering from the debilitating effects of physical, emotional and financial harm can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to assist individuals with rebuilding their lives' after a crime or traumatic event. It is important for you to remember that experiencing reactions such as shock, disbelief, anger, fear, frustration, confusion, guilt, shame, or sorrow is normal. You should also remember YOU CAN RECOVER. The following information is provided to assist you during your journey:


    Victim Right's & Compensation & Notification
  • Right's of Crime Victims Brochure / Right's of Crime Victims Brochure- Spanish
  • Victim Compensation Brochure
  • CO VINE stands for Colorado Victim Information and Notification Everyday and is a system that notifies victims when an inmate is transferred, released, or escapes. Please click here for more information.


  • Domestic Violence
  • Types of Abuse
  • Safety Plan
  • www.twcfoc.org

  • Sexual Assault
  • www.ccasa.org
  • www.raap.org

  • Grief Support
  • www.heartlightcenter.org
  • www.afsp.org

  • Identity Theft
  • http://cbi.state.co.us/inv/ID_Theft/Index_IDTheft.html
  • For additional resources or to speak to an advocate, please call (303) 621-2027 ext. 6126 or 6129

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    How to Get Involved

    Victim Assistance Program Events

    2012 National Crime Victims' Rights Week - April 22-28, 2012: Extending the VISION: Reaching Every VICTIM- please check back for list of local activities.

    In recognition of National Crime Victim's Rights Week, The Elbert County Sheriff's Office will be sharing our county's vision, determination and passion for justice that helps us all empower victims to live full lives beyond the crime. On April 28, 2012, Elbert County will observe National Crime Victims' Rights Week with a creative expression exhibit and recognition ceremony. Community members are encouraged to participate in this week's events and to finds ways to help victims of crime. Click here for more detailed information on local activities and how you can "get involved" or contact the Elbert County Sheriff's Office Victim Assistance Program at 303-621-2027 ext. 6126 or 6129.


    Volunteer Opportunities

    Providing early intervention and support after a victimization is essential in helping victims recover. When in crisis, people often turn to family and friends to help them in their time of need. While family and friends can be a reliable source of comfort, they often have difficulty providing the necessary resources that empower victims to move from crime to recovery. Our Victim assistance program utilizes trained volunteer advocates to support victims and connect them with valuable resources immediately following a crime or traumatic event. Volunteer advocates are needed to provide:

  • On-call crisis intervention
  • Emotional support
  • Referrals and information on victim specific needs or other needed resources
  • If you would like to make a difference in someone's life, are dedicated and compassionate, this volunteer opportunity could be for YOU. If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Advocate with the Victim Assistance program and would like more information, please contact:

    Sunni Ward
    Victim Assistance Coordinator
    303-805-6126
    Sunni.ward@elbertcounty-co.gov
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    Contact Us

    The Elbert County Sheriff's Office Victim Assistance program provides crisis intervention, support, advocacy, resources, referrals, and follow-up assistance to victims and co-victims of crime 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The program is staffed by a team of dedicated Advocates whose primary focus is in assuring that victims are treated with fairness, dignity and respect during the criminal justice process. Additionally, we are here to help individuals who need support, information or referrals following a traumatic event.



    The Victim Assistance Program is located
    In the Elbert Sheriff's Office
    751 Ute. Ave
    Kiowa, CO 80117
    Hours: 8:00am- 4:30pm

    Advocates are available to assist you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. If you would like to speak to an advocate, please call (303) 621-2027 ext. 6126 or 6129 during regular business hours, or (303)-660-7500 after hours for response by an on-call advocate.

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