“Support Victims. Build Trust. Engage Communities.” This theme for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, led by the Office of Victims of Crime, is happening now, April 18-24 as an annual observance throughout the country. Get wild wearing pink, purple, and yellow throughout the week to show your support for victims and survivors!
Your local Crime Victim Service Centers in Klickitat County are located in Bingen and Goldendale through Programs for Peaceful Living, which also advocates for victims of intimate partner violence like domestic violence and sexual assault.
Services are for victims of many types of crime, like for the surviving friends and family of a homicide victim or suicide victim, for survivors of attempted homicide or suicide, fraud, property crimes, identity theft, elder abuse, robbery, kidnapping, vulnerable adult abuse, child abuse and neglect, victims of arson, assault, DUI/DWI crash victims, bullying, harassment, hate crimes, human trafficking, terrorism, mass violence, burglary, and vehicular assault.
The client is not alone as they try to find their way back to normalcy. Advocates initially work with clients to find a resolution to the presenting issue, then, as underlying concerns arise, the advocate and client move forward together. Advocates offer support and encouragement as they work to meet the immediate needs, often by engaging community partner resources.
Services always start with a listening ear and then may include many things: therapy; support groups; legal support through Northwest Justice Project or CLEAR attorneys; Civil Legal advocacy which includes assistance with writing out protection orders and court preparation and courtroom support; medical advocacy; assistance with filling out crime victims compensation applications; assistance with writing a Victim’s Impact Statement; providing information and referral to both local and regional community partner resources; crisis intervention; relocation assistance and more.
Programs for Peaceful Living modified services when the pandemic began by offering assistance over the phone. Now that Phase 3 has lightened the restrictions, some in-office advocacy is available, preferably by appointment. All services are free and confidential, and there are no income restrictions.
For assistance, or more information, call the Goldendale office at 509-773-6100 or the Bingen office at 509-493-2662. If advocates are working out of the office, please leave a message and your call will be returned. If you are in crisis, call the 24/7 toll free crisis line: 844-493-1709 and an advocate will help you.