Victim Witness Staff
Victim Witness Coordinator, Donna Walters
Victim Witness Specialist, Molly Rosson

The Victim-Witness Program is a unit within the La Crosse County District Attorney's Office. The Victim Witness Unit provides a variety of assistance, resources and support to victims of crime while they are involved in the criminal justice system.  The Victim-Witness staff consists of a Coordinator, Specialist and a Clerk who provide assistance in the following areas:

• Information about your rights as a victim
• Specific information regarding your case
  
• Initial notification of the status of your case, by mail, and if requested continuing notification
  
• Assisting with determining restitution
  
• Assistance in applying for Crime Victims Compensation; applications can be downloaded from www.doj.state.or.us/crimeVcomp 
  
• Processing of witness fees
• Expediting the return of property held as evidence
• Assistance in preparing Victim Impact Statements
• Accompany you in the courtroom
• Provide emotional support
• Provide referrals to social service agencies, professional counselors, or other community resources
• Assistance with travel and lodging for out of town witnesses
• Explanation of the Criminal Justice System, Court Proceedings and Criminal Documents
  

Victims who survive and witnesses who are courageous enough to come forward turn to the legal system for justice. They often need someone to turn to for emotional support. The emotional and/or physical injury and financial loss are frightening and often devastating. Often, they receive little support from an overburdened criminal justice system.  This is where the Victim-Witness Program steps in and assists.  The program welcomes walk-ins and receives a very high volume of call-ins.


Area Resources

• Great Rivers 211
  
  
  

Gundersen Crime Victim Services
(608) 775-5557

Gundersen Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault 24-hour Crisis Line
(608) 775-5950

Link to Gundersen Crime Victim Services (http://www.gundersenhealth.org/behavioral-health/crime-victim-services)

New Horizons Shelter and Women’s Center
Office Phone (608) 791-2600,
Crisis Line:  1-888-231-0066
[email protected]

Safe Path –
Services for Sexual Assault or Domestic Violence Victims
(608) 392-7804

Wisconsin & Federal Crime Victim Links

• Madison Rape Crisis Center
• National Organization of Victims Assistance (NOVA)
• National Center for Victims of Crime
• Parents of Murdered Children
• VOCA (Federal Victims of Crime Act)
• Violence Against Women Office Homepage