Attorney General Long Announces New Victim Witness Program

PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Larry Long will launch a new Victim Witness Program during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which is April 10-16, 2005. 

This program will provide Victim Services to rural and other areas where services are not currently available. The program will include two Victim Witness Specialists, with one covering Central and Western South Dakota and the second one covering Eastern South Dakota. Services will include crisis intervention, coordinating with local shelters and counseling services, keeping victims notified of court proceedings and working as a liaison with law enforcement and prosecutors.

"This program is vital to those victims living in our less populated areas of the state," said Long. "Victims of violent crimes are often the last to know about court proceedings, offender status or restitution information. Our hope is that this new program will help fill those voids."

This program is funded by a federal grant through the Department of Social Services.

If you need any additional information regarding this program contact Sara Rabern at 605-773-3215.

-30-