Victim Services - Frequently Asked Questions

Who can enroll in the Victim Services Program?

A victim, a witness, family member of a victim, or concerned community member may apply to be enrolled in the Department's Victim Services Program.

How do I locate an offender?

Call Victim Services at 1-800-322-2201 to find the location of an offender.

What happens to an offender once he or she is sentenced?

When an offender receives a state prison sentence, male offenders are transported from the county to the Washington Corrections Center in Shelton, Washington, (except for offenders who have been sentenced to death.) Female offenders are transported to the Washington Correction Center for Women in Gig Harbor, Washington. The offender is initially tested and classified at these Reception Centers. After classification has occurred, offenders may be transferred to another correctional facility.

What should I do if I am receiving unwanted contact from the offender?

If you are being harassed or threatened, or receiving unwanted communication of any kind from an offender in a DOC facility or under the supervision of DOC in the community, please contact the Victim Services Program at (800) 322-2201.  Our staff will assist you in getting the unwanted behavior stopped and taking any necessary safety measures.

If you feel that you are in danger, or if the behavior is in violation of a valid court order, we strongly encourage you to contact local law enforcement authorities immediately.

If I enroll in the Victim Services Program will the offender know that I am enrolled or know my address and personal information?

No. Victim Services enrollee information is kept confidential.

What if I would like to meet with the offender?

The Department will provide victims of crime the opportunity for a structured face to face facilitated meeting with offender(s) in their cases. This meeting will take place in a secure, safe environment to assist victims in working through the impact of the crime. It is not intended to promote any agreement between the victim and offender.

Does the Department of Corrections employ victim advocates that can assist me upon an offender's release to the community?

The Department of Corrections Victim Services Program employs Community Victim Liaisons (CVLs) who can assist you in victim safety planning upon an offender's release from total confinement. The CVL will collaborate with community based providers and other community advocates to ensure that the Department is responsive to victim's needs and concerns and to increase an offender's compliance with victim-related sentence conditions.

You can communicate information directly to the Victim Services Program at 1-800-322-2201 regarding safety concerns relating to the release of an offender.

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