The Victim Services Unit
The VSU will answer your questions and help with:
- Safety planning
- Referrals to resources
- Crisis intervention
- Going to court
- Coordinating community services
Know your rights
The Massachusetts Victim Bill of Rights gives victims and survivors of crime a meaningful role in the criminal justice system.1
The VSU helps with your rights to:
- Get the name and contact information of the probation officer who is supervising the person on probation
- Get the schedule of restitution payments
- Know of any changes to a restitution order
- To be heard at any hearing where the restitution may be changed
- Speak with a probation officer before the filing of a presentence report
Frequently asked questions
What is probation?
Probation is a court ordered sentence. While on probation, offenders must follow certain rules called conditions. Offenders are assigned supervising probation officers who monitor that they follow court orders. While on probation, the offenders are called probationers.
What happens if probationers don’t obey the court orders?
When probationers don’t obey the court orders, their probation officers may notify the judge and ask for a court hearing called a “Violation of Probation Proceeding”.
What is a Violation of Probation Proceeding?
“Violation of Probation Proceedings” are court hearings. At the hearings, probation officers present evidence to show that there has been a violation of probation. If judges decide that the probationers violated probation, then they may change the rules or conditions or order jail time.
If an offender is sentenced to jail as a result of a Violation of Probation Proceeding, can I be notified of their release?
Yes. Contact the Victim Services Unit. We will help you become certified to receive notification of release.
What information can I have about the probationer?
- Conditions of probation
- Significant violations of probation
- Warrants
Personal information about the probationer cannot be shared.
Why is the supervising court different than the court where the probationer was sentenced?
MA Probation Service supervises probationers in the communities in which they live. If a probationer moves to another community, their supervision may be transferred to another court and probation officer.
Will I be notified if the restitution amount changes?
Yes, the supervising probation officer or victim services coordinator will let you know if there may be any changes. As a victim of crime, you have the right to tell a judge what you think about any changes.
How do I receive the restitution payments?
You will receive a check from the court Clerk’s Office.
Statewide resources
Massachusetts Probation Service Victim Services Unit
617-727-5300
Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance Victim and Witness Assistance Board
617-586-1340
Victim Compensation and Assistance Division
Office of the Attorney General
617-727-2200, ext. 2160
Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) – Victim Services Unit
617-660-4690 or 617-660-4606 (TTY)
Department of Youth Services (DYS) Victim Services Unit
617-960-3290
Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) Victim Services Unit
978-369-3618 or toll free, 866-684-2846 or (866) 6VICTIM
Massachusetts Parole Board Victim Services Unit
508-650-4500
Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB) Victim Services Unit
978-740-6440 or toll free, 800-936-3426 or (800) 93MEGAN