A victim who wishes to be heard regarding parole release decisions must contact the Parole Board. A victim who is interested in obtaining compensation from the state must file a claim with the Crime Victim's Board. Although it is the victim's responsibility to speak up and ask questions, a victim who needs help can find it. Victim assistance programs Victim assistance programs exist across the state. They also work with the families of victims.
Some programs assist crime victims in general.
Others are set up to help special groups, such as sex crime victims, the elderly, children, domestic violence victims, families of homicide victims, etc. In all counties outside of New York City, you should contact the district attorney's office for information regarding victims assistance programs of all types. As the primary contact, the district attorney's office has available a list of appropriate public and private agencies to which you may be referred. This pamphlet, which is based on New York law, is intended to inform, not to advise. No one should attempt to interpret or apply any law without the aid of an attorney.