Under the Law:
Arkansas law (Act 873 and Arkansas Victim Rights Law/Act 1262) provides certain protections to victims.
1. Victims may be present at all court proceedings and/or may have a representative appear on their behalf.
2. A victim may submit an impact statement to the court.
3. An employer cannot fire or discipline an employee who participates in criminal proceedings at the prosecutor’s request.
4. A victim may request a secure waiting area during court proceedings.
5. Upon conviction of the defendant, the victim is entitled to know where he/she/they are confined, information about their release, furlough, or if they escape, and has the opportunity to testify or submit a written statement to the parole board.
6. A victim is entitled to know about any appeals filed.
7. A victim may designate a person to serve as moral support during court proceedings and may appear with them in court.
8. These protections are in addition to those protections found elsewhere in state and federal law.
If you feel you are in danger of being victimized again, you should contact your local prosecutor’s victim coordinator to begin the process of filing for an order of protection or you can download the form to file for an order of protection at DomesticShelters.org..
The Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations Program, administered by the Office of the Attorney General on behalf of the Crime Victims Reparations Board, provides financial compensation to victims who have suffered personal injury or death as the result of a violent crime.
Shelters:
For a list of domestic violence service providers, visit the Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence website, which includes a map of coalition shelter locations in Arkansas and gives detailed contact information for each organization.