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The Office of Norfolk District Attorney William R. Keating understands that unfortunately some citizens become a victim of a crime or witness to a crime. This is frequently a very difficult and painful experience. This office is available to support victims and witnesses in the immediate aftermath of a crime and to provide critical advocacy assistance throughout the court process.

The Massachusetts Victim Bill of Rights provides that victims and witnesses receive information about the criminal case and advocacy services available to them. The Victim Witness Services Unit is here to ensure that those rights and services are made available to the victims and witnesses in Norfolk County. Victim Witness Advocates are assigned to the five District Courts as well as the Superior Court, Juvenile and the Probate and Family Court.

Many citizens are unaware that the Norfolk District Attorney's Office represents the citizens of the Commonwealth when prosecuting defendants accused of committing a criminal offense in Norfolk County. If a crime is committed against a person or their property, a victim does not have to hire a private attorney. The District Attorney's Office prosecutes the case in the name of the Commonwealth; that is, Commonwealth vs. John Doe.

Working as a team, an Assistant District Attorney ("ADA") and Victim Witness Advocate ("Advocate") are assigned to each case once it enters the court system. The ADA and Advocate keep the victim or witness informed of the case progress and will answer any questions that arise concerning it.

Victim and witness' input and involvement are important. It is the policy of District Attorney William R. Keating that the interests and concerns of victims are presented to the court and that the views of crime victims are considered in determining the appropriate recommendations concerning the disposition of a case. Advocate victim witness services that are available include:

• Crisis Intervention and Emotional support
• Referrals for financial, medical counseling, legal and other services
• Court accompaniment and in-court support

• Safety Planning and protection for domestic violence victims
• Victim impact statements
• Property return and intervention with employers or creditors
• Claims for victim compensation
• Application of Inmate Status Notification