Survivor's Program
The survivor’s of homicide victims program supports and advocates for individuals who have lost a family member or friend through homicide or vehicular homicide. With each survivor we encounter, we strive to provide immediate to long-term support, enhance coping skills, empower victims to regain control over their lives, share information and facilitate the use of appropriate resources, and make referrals whenever appropriate to lessen any secondary trauma. We collaborate with professionals who deal with victims of violent crime, and expand their knowledge-base regarding the needs and rights of victims.
Benefits of the program include:
- Emergency crisis support
- Court accompaniment
- Case coordination through investigation, prosecution, and post-sentencing
- Assistance in filing for financial compensation for crime related expenses
- Post-conviction support
- Community education and professional training
- Victim Impact Panels
Who is a "victim?"
The Iowa Code defines a crime victim as "a person who has suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm as the result of a public offense or a delinquent act, other than a simple misdemeanour, committed in this state." “Victim” also includes the immediate family members of a person who died or was rendered incompetent as a result of the offense, or who was under eighteen years of age at the time of the offense. "Violent crime" means a forcible felony, as defined in section 702.11, and includes any other felony or aggravated misdemeanour which involved the actual or threatened infliction of physical or emotional injury on one or more persons.
How can I help?
Survivor's Program is always accepting new volunteers. Donations are welcome. Click here to learn more.
Need to talk?
Survivor Link is an opportunity to link those who have experienced the death of their loved one due to murder or a vehicular homicide. Many people benefit from talking to others that can relate, or are at different places in the grieving process. If you are interested in receiving the support of a peer, please contact Survivor Program staff, BJ Franklin bjfranklin@horizonsfamily.org or Penny Boerner Galvin pboernergalvin@horizonsfamily.org.
Local support group schedule:
Cedar Rapids area victim support group meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 7PM-8:30PM in the Schwartz Center (Room C) at St. Luke's Hopsital, 1026 A Avenue NE.
Davenport area victim support group meets the second Tuesday of each month from 7PM-8:30PM at 2800 Eastern, Building #9. Call 563-271-5908 for more information.
Important information and resources for victims:
VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) is available online, or by phone at 1-888-7-IAVINE (1-888-742-8463).
The Iowa Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General, hosts a page for Crime Victim Assistance Services, including information on the Crime Victim Compensation Program. The Crime Victim Assistance division can also be reached by phone at 1-800-373-5044.
The Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner has a website loaded with valuable FAQs, including a downloadable Request for Autopsy Report Form.
Serving loved ones of homicide victims: bjfranklin@horizonsfamily.org pboernergalvin@horizonsfamily.org
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