National Crime Victims Rights Week
Victims of crime face many challenges in our community each and every day, but National Crime Victims’ Rights Week affords us the opportunity to bring attention to not only the rights victims of crime are entitled to, but also spotlights agencies that are providing services to victims in our community.
Cherokee Family Violence Center (CFVC) has been providing lifesaving services to victims of Intimate Partner Violence for over 30 years. In partnership with the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and many other victim service providers throughout Cherokee County, we encourage victims to reach out for assistance; no one should have to navigate the complex and often-overwhelming criminal justice and social services systems, alone.
Victim service providers help victims rebuild their lives. We can help you learn about your legal rights and options, cope with the impact of a crime, access victim compensation, develop a safety plan, and navigate the criminal justice and social service systems.
One in three individuals will experience Intimate Partner Violence during their lifetime. If you or someone you know is being abused, help is available at Cherokee Family Violence Center, 24 hours a day.
Call us anytime at 770-479-1703 or 1-800-33-HAVEN.
Georgia’s Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights
Crime victims are entitled to rights that include:
- Notification of legal procedures and of your rights as a victim;
- Notification of the defendant’s arrest, release from custody, and any court proceeding in which release is considered;
- Ability to express opinion on the disposition of the defendant’s case;
- Have a separate waiting area for court proceedings;
- Notice of the availability of victim compensation and community based victim service programs;
- Designate a family member to act in your place if you are physically disabled and unable to personally assume your rights under law.
(O.C.G.A. 17-17-1 through 17-17-16)
Victims must provide to the law enforcement agency, prosecuting attorney, and custodial authority (jail, prison or other) a current address and telephone number to be notified of specific actions in a criminal case against the defendant.
Crime Victims’ Compensation Program
The Georgia Crime Victims’ Compensation Program can assist victims of violent crime with medical bills and counseling expenses, lost wages and loss of support, funeral expenses and crime scene cleanup. Victim advocates at most organizations in our area are prepared to assist you or someone you know with an application. The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council may also be able to assist victims with questions by calling 1-800-547-0060. Applications are available online at cjcc.ga.gov.
VINE Notifications
VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) is a service through which victims of crime or other individuals can use the telephone or internet to register and receive telephone and/or email notification when an offender is eligible for release from custody, when there has been a change in their status (for example, if they were transferred to another jail) or if the offender has been released from custody.
There are two ways to register to receive notification about the custody status of an offender via VINELink:
By Web – www.vinelink.com
By Phone – 1-800-501-0367
Registration for VINE is easy and the information is very useful. It allows you to receive up to the minute information about a jailed offender.
The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) helps lead communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week every April by promoting victims’ rights, and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, being held April 10th-16th, features the theme—Serving Victims. Building Trust. Restoring Hope.— and presents the opportunity to highlight the importance of providing needed services at the earliest stage of victimization. Early intervention helps prevent both further victimization and involvement in the criminal justice system, thus addressing the cycle of violence and restoring hope for the future. The following resources will offer assistance and information which may prove helpful in addressing common issues for victims of crime.
Domestic Violence Resources
Cherokee Family Violence Center
Main Office 770-479-1804
Legal Office 470-309-2829
Hotline 770-479-1703
Georgia Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-33-HAVEN
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE
Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence 404-209-0280
Georgia Commission on Family Violence 404-657-3412
Office 404-496-4038
Hotline 404-452-6248
United 4 Safety (for LGBTQ victims) 404-200-5957
Sexual Assault Resources
Office 770-427-2902
Hotline 770-427-3390
Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault (GNESA) 404-815-5261
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) 1-800-656-HOPE
Law Enforcement
Cherokee County Emergency Dispatch 911
Cherokee County Non-Emergency Dispatch 770-493-4080
Acworth Police Department 770-974-1232
Ball Ground Police Department 678-454-5077
Canton Police Department 770-720-4883
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office
Main 678-493-4200
Criminal Investigation Division 770-928-0239
Oak Grove Precinct 770-529-7302
Bridgemill Precinct 770-479-4766
Hickory Flat Precinct 770-479-4555
Waleska Precinct 770-479-0451
Freehome Precinct 770-844-6777
Warrants and Civil Service 678-493-4251
Holly Springs Police Department 770-345-5537
Nelson Police Department 770-735-2211
Woodstock Police Department 770-592-6030
Cherokee County Marshal’s Office 678-493-6200
Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad (CMANS)
Main 678-493-7625
Anonymous Tip Line 770-345-7920
Prosecution
Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office
770-479-1488
Cherokee County Solicitor General’s Office
Main 678-493-6360
Domestic Violence Unit 678-493-6380
Victim Witness Assistance 678-493-6381
Children and Youth Services
Anna Crawford Children’s Center 678-504-6388
Cherokee Youth FOCUS 770-345-5483
Child Care Resource and Referral 404-479-4240
Child Protective Services (DFCS) 1-855-GA-CHILD
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) 770-345-2374
Hope Center 770-924-0864
Safe Kids of Cherokee County 678-493-4343
Mental Health Services
Highland Rivers Center 770-704-1600
Suicide Lifeline 1-800-784-2433
Family Violence Intervention Programs
Ascension Mental Health and Counseling 678-763-5860
Choice Counseling 770-594-5317
FOCUS Counseling and Training, Inc. 770-516-1050
Medical Resources
Cherokee County Health Department
Canton 770-345-7371
Woodstock 770-928-0133
Give Back a Smile 1-800-773-4227
Medicaid Transport 1-866-388-9844
Northside Hospital Cherokee 770-720-5100
PeachCare for Kids 1-877-427-3224
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital 770-793-5000