The Victim Justice Initiative offers many services all aimed at increasing options for victims of violence.  
        
Legal Representation for Victims within Criminal Cases
The Victim Justice Initiative privately represents victims of violent crimes in the criminal justice system by assuring that they understand their rights and that prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement comply with their legal obligations to assist those victims. Depending on the situation, this may include litigating on behalf of a victim to ensure his/her rights are maintained during the course of the criminal case.  While some victims seek out services from the Victim Justice Initiative because their rights have been violated, others want their own attorney to explain procedures to them, answer questions or give legal advice.  All victims, regardless of what brings them to us, can be assured they will feel supported throughout the criminal justice system as they will have their own team of experts to guide them through the process. 

Tort Litigation

The purpose of filing a tort claim is to recover financial damages intended to “make the victim whole.”  While a financial settlement cannot completely erase the psychological pain that victims of violence experience, for some, holding the perpetrator financially accountable is empowering.  Occasionally, suits may also be filed against third parties whose negligence contributed or allowed the act of violence to occur.  .   

Immediate Civil Needs
Many peoples’ lives are destroyed after being victimized.  They may be evicted, failing out of school, left unemployed, stuck with medical bills, pushed to release therapy records, or in need of a restraining order.  Because these problems cannot be dealt with by the District Attorney’s Office, but are solvable legal issues, victims can benefit from private, legal representation.