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Van Buren
County Victim Service Unit
The Van Buren County Victim Services Unit is a trained volunteer group under the direction of the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office, the Michigan Sheriff's Association and the Coordination of Heather Barr. Dedicated to helping victims, survivors and their loved ones work through a crisis or crime, they are the helping hands of the police, fire and medical personnel. The Victim Services Unit frees authorities to do their job without leaving victims alone or feeling ignored. The objective of the unit is to assist and their efforts are focused on avoiding further victimization. The unit is designed to comfort and help victims immediately after an incident by providing short-term crisis intervention. Having no personal reference for traumatic events, most victims feel lost and in need of guidance. They can offer answers to such common questions as what happens next, funeral preparations, why an autopsy is needed, why a crime scene takes so long to process and who will guide them through the court system. Referrals can also be made to appropriate agencies and services within the community. On scene, the Victim Services Unit plays a vital role by lending support and assisting victims and witnesses through the initial shock of trauma. The Unit can separate victims from the scene of an investigation while maintaining a link to officers for the victim's questions and concerns. At a secondary site, they can stay after officers leave, working to pull a support system of close friends, family or church personnel into place. WHEN TO REQUEST THEIR SERVICES
Homicide,
suicide or any death or serious injury HOW TO REQUEST THE VSU Victim Services Unit volunteers can be requested by any police department, fire department or hospital within the county, or by volunteers themselves. They will respond, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, to the scene, police agencies or other locations. To request the VSU, contact the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office Dispatch at (269) 657-3101.
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