Victim Services Office

Jennifer Miller, Victim Advocate

Violent Crimes Division Office

(816) 234-5205

jennifer.miller@kcpd.org

The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department is committed to the compassionate, competent, and comprehensive treatment of crime victims and their families. This is done by providing support, information, and referrals in the aftermath of a violent crime.

 The Victim Services Program within the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department was established in 1993.  The goals of the program are:

• To reduce the psychological shock and trauma a victim of violent of crime may suffer by lending support to victims and/or their families following a violent crime.  Numerous studies have shown that if a victim receives help at the time of the crisis or shortly thereafter, the psychological trauma can be greatly reduced, thus speeding recovery and a return to normalcy. 
• To provide information regarding financial assistance with medical and/or funeral expenses via the Missouri Crime Victim Compensation program.
• To provide support and assist victims after the initial crisis with referrals to social service agencies and counseling services, an explanation of victim rights per RSMo 595, and (when appropriate) provide information regarding the status of the investigation.

Crime-Related Trauma

The trauma experienced by victims of violent crimes ranges from physical to psychological to social injuries that may linger long after physical wounds have healed.  Intense feelings of anger, fear, helplessness, and depression are common reactions.  Victimization can shatter the most basic assumptions that allow people to function normally in their daily lives.  The emotional damage and social isolation caused by victimization can be compounded by a lack of support and even stigmatization by family, friends, and social institutions, thereby re-victimizing those who have experienced the incident.

Crime-related trauma may impair the ability and willingness of many victims to cooperate with the criminal justice system.  At each key stage of this process, from providing the initial information to police to attending a parole hearing - interacting with the system may be stressful for victims and often intensifies their trauma.  When victims do not report crimes to the police out of fear or a reluctance to testify, it is extremely difficult for the justice system to achieve its mission.

What Is Offered

• Assistance in filing for Crime Victim Compensation
• Referrals to counseling services
• Referrals to community/social service agencies
• Referrals to shelters (domestic violence and homeless)
• Answers about case status and the legal process

Crisis Intervention Services/Support Groups (not inclusive)

• Missouri Victim Assistance Network (MoVA)
• Trauma Support Network (TSN)
• Parent of Murdered Children (POMC)
• Solace House  - For children who have experienced a death
• Compassionate Friends
• Robbery Victim Support Group
• MOCSA
• Redemptorist Social Services

Helpful Phone Numbers 

 CASS COUNTY

CLAY COUNTY

JACKSON COUNTY

PLATTE COUNTY