Victim Advocacy Program

Woman in motorized wheelchair with stylish look

According to a report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, “the rate of crimes against persons with disabilities is at least twice that of persons without disabilities.” People with disabilities who are victims of crime often find it difficult to navigate the criminal justice system and gain access to support services. The criminal and civil legal systems often find it challenging to provide appropriate, accessible services to people with disabilities. DRW provides support to victims and their families to ensure they understand and know how to exercise their rights while working within the criminal and civil justice systems. Advocates also work with service providers, District Attorneys, and others to educate them about the specific needs of survivors with disabilities.

How We Help

Our Victim Advocacy program provides direct service to individuals with disabilities who experience crime, even if the crime has not been reported. Our Victim Advocacy Specialists work to ensure that each eligible person receives the advocacy, services, and support that is desired to move forward, find justice, and obtain safety and stability in whatever form the victim/survivor needs.

We do this through promoting:

  • Personal Advocacy
  • Victim Accompaniment
  • Information and Referral
  • Criminal Justice Support (Law Enforcement, Courts)
  • Advocacy within Civil Proceedings
  • Crime Victim Compensation
  • Crime Victim Rights
  • Co-Advocacy with Local Service Providers
  • School Advocacy
  • Housing Rights
  • Employment Victim Related Supports
  • Access to Services (criminal justice, victim services, disability services)
  • Post Crisis Stabilization
  • Safety Planning

Women smiling while playing with a game.

Eligibility

To access Victim Advocacy services from Disability Rights Wisconsin, you must be:

  • A child or an adult with a disability who has experienced crime, even if it has never been reported; or
  • The family member of such an individual.

Victim Advocacy Team membersOur Team

Our Victim Advocacy team is made up of highly knowledgeable advocates who strive to help victims get the support they need.

Spread the Word!

Interested in helping us spread the word about our Victim Advocacy Program? Please download and print the resources below. Feel free to contact us if you’d like to request a larger order of resources, we’re more than happy to help facilitate that process. Thank you for joining our efforts!

Contact Us

Advocacy services are free and confidential to victims of crime with disabilities and their families. Disability Rights Wisconsin is an equal opportunity service provider.

Need assistance? Visit our How to Get Help page to find out if we can help with your situation.

DRW Programs

Victim Advocacy Program Resources & Documents

  • Wisconsin Lawyer Lookup

    Look up a lawyer in the Wisconsin Court System.

  • Wisconsin Coalition against Sexual Assault

    WCASA is a membership agency comprised of organizations and individuals working to end sexual violence in Wisconsin.

  • State Bar Lawyer Referral Modest Means Program

    The Modest Means Program of the State Bar of Wisconsin assists people whose income is too high to qualify for free legal services, but too low to pay a lawyer’s standard rate.

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline

    Highly-trained advocates are available 24/7 to talk confidentially with anyone experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship.

  • Free Legal Answers

    American Bar Association

  • End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin

    For advocates, survivors and allies, End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin is the only statewide coalition led by social policy advocates, attorneys and experts working to support, connect, equip, empower and lead organizations for social change to end domestic abuse because everyone deserves dignity and safety.

  • Deaf Unity

    Deaf Unity provides services to and advocates for Deaf victims.