VICTIM AND WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Victim and Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) applies in all cases in which criminal conduct adversely affects victims or in which witnesses provide information regarding criminal activity if any portion of the investigation is conducted primarily by the DoD Components. 

The objectives of the VWAP are to:

· Mitigate the physical, psychological, and financial hardships suffered by victims and witnesses of offenses investigated by US Air Force authorities;
· Foster cooperation of victims and witnesses within the military criminal justice system; and
· Ensure best efforts are made to accord to victims of crime certain enumerated rights.

For the purposes of this program, the following definitions apply:

"victim" is a person who suffers direct or threatened physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result of an offense. "Victim" may also include the immediate family of a minor who is a victim or the family of a homicide victim.

"witness" is a person who participates in a military criminal investigation or proceeding for the purpose of providing information or evidence concerning an offense under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). When the witness is a minor, the term "witness" usually includes the minor's parents, or any person having legal custody of the minor. "Witness" does not include a person who assisted, or was otherwise involved, in committing the crime.


PRIMARY POINTS OF CONTACT

Offutt Law Center ~ (402) 294-3732

Security Police Investigations ~ (402) 294-6813

Office of Special Investigations ~ (402) 294-3126


SERVICES AVAILABLE


1. FINANCIAL AID:

a. Military Community

1) Emergency Financial Aid

CONTACT: Air Force Aid Society ~ (402) 294-4329
American Red Cross ~ (402) 294-3640

2) If property is stolen or vandalized on base, compensation may be available. 

CONTACT: Offutt Law Center, Claims Section ~ (402) 294-2348

3) Civilian witnesses (non-government employees) who testify in a court-martial.

CONTACT: Offutt Law Center ~ (402) 294-3732

b. Civilian Community: Nebraska has a Crime Victim's Reparation Act, and military 
personnel can qualify for assistance. 

CONTACT: Jean Brazda ~ Director Victim/Witness Unit, Sarpy Co. ~ (402) 593-2201


2. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE:

a. Military Community

CONTACT: Emergency Room ~ (402) 232-2273

b. Civilian Community: Medical care may be available by referral.

CONTACT: TRICARE ~ (402) 294-5102


3. WITNESS & VICTIM PROTECTION:

a. Military Community: 

1) The Threatened Airman Program

CONTACT: Unit Commander

2) The Threatened Witness Return Program

CONTACT: OSI ~ (402) 294-3126

3) For spouse abuse, spouse and family can be placed in Billeting.

CONTACT: Family Advocacy ~ (402) 294-7860, or the unit commander.

b. Civilian Community:

· Bellevue Police ~ (402) 293-3100

· Sarpy County Sheriff ~ (402) 593-2288

· Sarpy County Attorney's Office ~ (402) 593-2230

· Douglas County Sheriff ~ (402) 444-6641

· Douglas County Attorney's Office ~ (402) 444-7040

c. Department of Social Services offers protection for children who are victims of abuse.

CONTACT: Child / Adult-Abuse / Neglect Hot Line ~ 1-800-652-1999


4. COUNSELING & RELATED SERVICES:

a. Military Community:

CONTACT: Life Skills ~ (402) 294-7411 (On-base)

TRICARE ~ (402) 294-5102 (On-base Office)

Family Advocacy ~ (402) 294-7860

Offutt Law Center ~ (402) 294-3732

Chapel Services - (402) 294-6244 

b. Civilian Community:

1) A Safe House is available for abused women and their children. This shelter provides housing for 30 days, individual and group counseling, and some advocacy work. 

CONTACT: (402) 558-5700

2) A 24-hour Sexual Assault hotline is available for rape victims. If the victim requests, someone will accompany you to the emergency room and through law enforcement proceedings. 

CONTACT: (402) 345-7273

3) A 24-hour hotline is available for child abuse cases.

CONTACT: (800) 652-1999


POSSIBLE AVAILABLE RESOURCES WITHIN THE COMMUNITY CONCERNING SEXUAL ABUSE OR RAPE
(Courtesy of the Offutt AFB Family Support Center)

1. Abuse/Neglect Reporting Hotline: (402) 595-1325 / (800) 652-1999 24-Hour Reporting Line - "Operator on Duty"

Address: Nebraska Health and Human Services
7110 F Street 
Omaha, NE 68117 

· Disseminates child and adult maltreatment reports to appropriate local offices within the Nebraska Health and Human Services System. 


2. Council Bluffs Police Records: (712) 328-4715 or (712) 328-4704 - Sgt. Norris

Address: 227 S 6 Street 
Council Bluffs, IA 51501

· Survivors of domestic violence - provides alarm systems for high risk victims of domestic violence.


3. Call to Protect - Council Bluffs: (712) 242-1660 - "Operator on Duty"

· Recycled cell phones are programmed for 911 and reissued to domestic abuse shelters, other need services and individuals


4. Child and Adolescent Counseling Services: (402) 345-6555 - Jill Bolin

Address: YWCA
222 S 29 Street
Omaha, NE 58131

· Individual and group counseling for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and girls involved in violent dating relationships


5. Heartland Children's Emergency Shelter: (402) 553-3000 - Teffany Heywood 

Address: 2101 S 42 St
Omaha, NE 68105

· Between 12 and 18 years of age, abuse or neglect survivors in transitional homes from foster care. 


6. Council Bluffs Domestic Violence/Sexual Abuse Program: (712) 328-0266 - Dianne McKey

Address: 300 W Broadway Suite 223
Council Bluffs, IA 51503

· 18 years of age and older for shelter - shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault

· Women's support group for victims and survivors of domestic violence


7. Crime Victim Assistance Division - Iowa Attorney General's Office: (800) 373-5044 - Ruth Walker 

Address: Iowa Attorney General's Office
Lucas Building, Ground Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319

· Assists victims of crimes with medical expenses, lost wages and counseling related to the crime injuries


8. Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services - YWCA: (402) 345-6555 - Emily Nguyen

Address: YWCA 
2222 S 29 Street 
Omaha, NE 68131

· Individual and group counseling for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault


9. Domestic Violence Coordinating Council: (402) 398-9928 - Sue Michalski, Educational Director or Kati Rieple

Address: 1905 Harney St., Suite 501
Omaha, NE 68102

· Coordinates response to domestic violence in Omaha


10. State of Nebraska Health and Human Services: (402) 595-2850 or (402) 595-1325 

Address: 1313 Farnam St
Omaha, NE 68102

· Adult & Children Protection and Safety - Abuse


11. Family Life Skills Counseling and Learning Center: (402) 348-1440 - "Operator on Call" 

Address: 319 S 17th Street, Ste 300
Omaha, NE 68102-1911

· Individual and group classes on developmental reconstruction to help break reactive behavior patterns of abuse, break patterns of the past, improve self-image, rebuild lives and increase ability to function in a healthy relationship.


12. Heartland Family Service Centers: Crisis intervention and counseling; Protection order assistance; 24-Hour Domestic Abuse Crisis Line; Safe Haven Transitional Shelter; Criminal justice advocacy; Protection Order assistance; 

· Omaha: (402) 553-3000 - Dianne Roberts is also the primary point of contact for the following Family Service Centers

· North Omaha: (402) 451-6244

· Papillion: (402) 291-6065

· South Omaha Counseling: (402) 734-3000

· Council Bluffs: (712) 322-1407 


13. Federal Information Center: (800) 688-9889 Hotline - "Operator on Duty" 

Address: P.O. Box 450
Camby, IN 46113

· Single point of contact for those who have questions about Federal agencies, programs, and services


14. Iowa Attorney General's Office: (800) 373-5044 - Ruth Walker 

Address: Locus Building, Ground Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319

· Crime Victim Compensation program reimburses crime victims for their out-of-pocket expenses resulting from injury from crime

· Sexual Abuse Examination Payment Program pays medical providers for the cost of an evidentiary sexual abuse examination


15. Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Inc.: (402) 342-7038 - Corporate Office "At-Ease Program" (military members/families) POC: Deb Jones (402) 292-9105 

Address: 120 S 24 Street Ste 100
Omaha, NE 68102

· Parents United Against Sexual Abuse - a support group for parents of sexually abused children

· Services for sexually aggressive children 

· Mental Health Counseling - outpatient counseling to child and adults 


16. National Domestic Violence Hotlines: (800) 799-7233 - "Operator on Duty" 

Address: P.O. Box 161810
Austin, TX 78716

· Information and referral for domestic abuse survivors, their families and the professionals who work with them

· Crisis intervention


17. Omaha/Douglas County Victim Assistance Unit: (402) 444-4597 or 4900 - Konney Eckersley, Program Director and Assistant Director Rhonda Rolles

Address: 1905 Harney Ste 500
Omaha, NE 68102

· Assist victims in preparing restitution claims and Victim Impact Statements

· Assist victims when filing for protection orders or warrants

· Provide transportation assistance to victims and witnesses to and from court 


18. Safe Haven: (402) 292-5888 - Julie Fagaan, Program Coordinator

Address: Family Services
302 American Parkway
Papillion, NE 68046

· 18 years of age and older, female survivors of domestic abuse and their children

· Domestic abuse shelter program 

· Support Groups, counseling, life skills training, and a children's group 


19. Victim/Witness Unit - Sarpy County: (402) 593-2201- Jean Brazda, Director 

Address: 1210 Golden Gate Drive, Ste. 3147
Papillion, NE 68046

· Aid crime victims in locating assistance


20. Victim/Witness Unit - Pottawattamie County: (712) 328-5649 - Rebecca Bell 

Address: Pottawattamie County Attorney
227 S. 6th Street 
Council Bluffs, IA 51501

· Works with victims to obtain restitution

· Advises victims about court dates 

· Provides referrals to human service agencies 


21. VINE - Victim Information Notification Everyday: (877) 634-8463 - "Operator on Duty" 

Address: 10401 Linn Station Road
Louisville, KY 40223

· Allow callers to register to receive telephone notification when an offender is released, transferred or escapes


22. Women Against Violence Hotline - YWCA: (402) 345-7273 - "Operator on Duty" 

Address: YWCA
222 S. 29 Street
Omaha, NE 38131

· Crisis hotline for survivors who have suffered rape, sexual assault, or domestic violence

· Support information and referral for domestic violence, rape, and sexual assault