Confidentiality, Understanding Your Rights, and Victim Compensation

Client Rights and Non-discrimination

LRBOI Client Rights and Non-discrimination

The VSP recognizes and honors all client rights. Additionally, the VSP upholds client confidentiality and abides by the program’s non-discrimination policy. A grievance procedure is provided if a client feels they were not treated according to the program’s policies.

Confidentiality

LRBOI Statement of Confidentiality

The VSP staff maintains strict client confidentiality as protected under the Violence Against Women’s Act (VAWA). Upon intake, a program advocate explains all client rights and reviews the Client Notice of Rights/Confidentiality and the Client Release of Information forms. Regarding the release of confidential information, it is important to understand that the client is in control of what information they share, who they choose to have it shared with, and for how long information can be shared. Clients have the right to revoke previous releases of information at any time.

Victim Rights

LRBOI Victims Bill of Rights Ordinance

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians addresses the rights of crime victims in Ordinance #18-400-12. The purpose of this Ordinance is to protect the rights of crime victims.

United Stated Department of Justice Victims’ Rights Act

Crime victims, as defined by law, shall have the following rights, as provided by law:

• The right to be treated with fairness and respect for their dignity and privacy throughout the criminal justice process.
• The right to timely disposition of the case following the arrest of the accused.
• The right to be reasonably protected from the accused throughout the criminal justice process.
• The right to notification of court proceedings.
• The right to attend the trial and all the other court proceedings that the accused has the right to attend.
• The right to confer with the prosecution.
• The right to make a statement to the court at sentencing.
• The right to restitution.
• The right to information about the conviction, sentence, imprisonment, and release of the accused.

Compensation

Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Crime Victim Compensation Program

The MDHHS Crime Victim Compensation Program helps
pay out-of-pocket medical expenses, lost earnings, funeral bills or counseling for people who impacted as a direct result of a crime.

Address Confidentiality

Michigan Department of Attorney General Address Confidentiality Program

The Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) was created to provide certain protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, or those who fear that disclosure of their physical address will increase the risk of harm.

The ACP is a statewide confidentiality program administered by the Michigan Department of Attorney General that operates to shield a program participant’s actual physical address by providing an official designated/substitute address and free mail forwarding service.