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The Victim Witness Assistance Program, an arm of the Racine County District Attorney's Office, is in place to assist victims and witnesses through the criminal court process. Chapter 950 of the Wisconsin State Statues outlines the program function to ensure that all victims and witnesses of crime are treated with dignity, respect, courtesy and sensitivity. The rights extended in Chapter 950 to victims and witnesses of crime are honored and protected by law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and judges in a manner no less vigorous then the protections afforded criminal defendants.
In January of 2003, The Victim Advocate Unit of the program implemented a support group for family and friends of homicide victims. "Survivors of Murdered Loved Ones", SOMLO, meet the second Saturday of the month during the months of January - May and September - December. The meetings are held at the Aurora Walk-In Facility, 8348 Washington Avenue in Racine. The meetings are held from 9:00 to 11:00 am. The tone of the meetings are nonjudgmental, caring, honest and will always offer an educational component.
The Victim Witness staff developed a web site to support and provide information to victims and witnesses of crime. The site can be visited at www.racinevictimsrights.org.
The staff of seven (7) employees has offered assistance to 7,033 clients by phone and 1,403 clients in person for court support or office appointments through the 2004 year. An additional 14,895 letters of correspondence were sent to victims advising them of the status of their cases.
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