Attorneys like Isenberg & Hewitt offer survivors of violent crimes the ability to seek civil justice while also providing information on available victim resources in Georgia. Whether assaulted, abused or seriously injured, a victim’s needs rarely begin and end with a legal claim and survivors are oftentimes overwhelmed dealing with medical expenses, financial instability, housing and mental health concerns created by a traumatic event.
An experienced law firm can do more than investigate a case and pursue compensation for a victim. Experienced trial lawyers who regularly handle these traumatic events can help clients identify the resources survivors often need and provide information on what options might be available while connecting them with entities and organizations offering additional services and support.
Connecting Clients with Victim Resources in Georgia
Unfortunately, crime victims, victim-survivors and family members are often faced with the task of navigating multiple systems in order to get the help they need. That might include coordinating with law enforcement, prosecutors, doctors, insurance companies, employers, therapists, victim advocates and more. Victims, survivors and family members can and should rely on experienced legal counsel to help them understand how these systems overlap and what additional assistance may be available.
While experienced legal counsel can help with holding perpetrators and negligent parties accountability and pursue appropriate compensation, other resources can also help address a multitude of additional matters caused by the traumatic event.
Available Victim Resources in Georgia and Nationwide
Some of the entities and organizations available to crime victims and their families include:
The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council offers one of the most important victim resources available to victims of crime in Georgia that few Georgia-residents are aware of. The Georgia Crime Victim Compensation Program provides eligible victims with up to $25,000 in financial assistance to help them and their families get back on their feet in the healthiest possible way. This program includes expenses like:
- medical and dental bills
- mental health counseling
- loss of financial support
- loss of a paid position
- funeral expenses
Sexual assault service organizations also provide multiple specialized resources for victims, combining staff members from both public and private agencies in one centralized location. Family Justice Centers help by offering multiple services under one roof, including counseling, emergency shelter, victim advocacy, crisis intervention, medical procedures, legal advocacy and support groups.
Mosaic Georgia, located in Lawrenceville, provides support to children, youth and adult victims of sexualized violence, by providing free, confidential support and services to victims, families and survivors of sexual abuse/assault.
Atlanta Victim Assistance serves victims of crime within the City of Atlanta with a primary focus on “crimes against persons” as opposed to crimes involving property, focusing on providing assistance to victims of aggravated assault, domestic and family violence, gun violence, human trafficking, child abuse, elder abuse, homicide and sexual assault.
Crime Victim Advocacy Council (CVAC) is a non-profit 505(c)(3) organization dedicated to preventing crime and assisting crime victims and their families and communities in Georgia through quality education, advocacy and counseling. CVAC offers a 24-hour hotline with personnel available to help victims at any time. They also provide assistance navigating CJCC’s Crime Victim Compensation program, with creating a Victim Impact Statement and understanding the Crime Victims Bill of Rights. The organization also has individual and group counseling for victims of crime.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline specializes in assisting victims of trafficking throughout the country by updating a referral directory containing appropriate organizations for emergency, transitional and long-term services. Their resources go beyond litigation and offer help with:
- emergency housing
- long-term housing
- food and clothing
- medical treatment
- transportation
- identification documents
- employment assistance
- immigration-related assistance
RAIIN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) provides free and confidential support, services and information centered on trauma-informed counseling and mental health resources available for victims of sexual assault, trafficking, physical violence, abuse, or a catastrophic injury. The organization provides survivors with connections to:
- support groups
- sexual assault and grief counselors
- trauma-informed therapists
- child therapists and family counseling
- survivor support organizations
- educational resources
You can report a suspected trafficking situation through the RAIIN site!
Connecting Victims with Additional Attorneys
As an experienced law firm, Isenberg & Hewitt understands that a client’s situation can extend outside a pure civil justice/civil litigation arena. Our team can connect victims with service providers that can help victims and their families.
When working with an experienced, trauma informed team like Isenberg & Hewitt, a client can expect support and services far beyond less-experienced general practitioners can provide. After more than 35 years serving and representing victims of crime and family members of those left behind as a result of crime and violence, our team has earned a highly regarded reputation among not only its peers and defense lawyers, but in multiple organizations and advocacy groups that can assist crime victims with a multitude of additional needs and resources.
Helping a victim connect with the right organizations and victim resources in Georgia isn’t about strengthening a lawsuit. It’s about helping survivors access the support they need to recover and get back on their feet. Responsible trial lawyers handling these complex matters involving assailants and negligent parties causing injury and trauma understand when additional support is needed. Pursuing a civil case is just one piece of the puzzle and the Isenberg & Hewitt team understands that helping clients identify additional resources to support their recovery is essential to the whole recovery process.
If you or a loved one has suffered from sexual assault, human trafficking, or other serious crime, our firm can help you understand your options. Contact Isenberg & Hewitt for a free and confidential consultation.