They support them through the often complicated and lengthy ordeal of testifying in a criminal trial, or simply understanding the judicial system. I've never met any of the people there, but I talk to them on the phone all the time. They call me, they check in with me. Payments from the state allowed her to afford therapy and to go back to school to complete her degree in psychiatric nursing. From July 1996 until July 1997, Perthes and her staff of seven helped 535 new victims and maintained contact with 5,300 victims from previous years through calls, personal meetings and letters.
Police refer crime victims to the program, but some people discover it on their own.
To be eligible for aid, people must have filed a crime report with police. Applicants for financial aid must cooperate with police, and must not have been involved in any illegal activity when the crime occurred. When someone first contacts us, the initial part is really to just listen and give the person support. As they talk I try to figure out what the person needs,'' said Perthes. Perthes then makes referrals from her exhaustive list of community resources and therapists.