Support Services

Victims for Justice offers free, confidential emotional support and practical advice to help victims and family members cope and recover following a violent crime.

Help When it’s Needed

If you have been the victim of assault, robbery, arson, drunk driving, hit-and-run, or if your loved one was the victim of a homicide, there are resources in our community to support you. Whether you need help coping and recovering emotionally, or find yourself overwhelmed by the processes and systems, VFJ is here to help guide you through the next steps.

All Victims For Justice services are free of charge.

Support Services include:

  • Grief and emotional support, including a monthly support group for surviving family members of homicide victims
  • Education of the criminal justice process 
  • Emergency financial support related to the crime  
  • Court accompaniment  
  • Assistance creating meaningful impact statements
  • Acting as a go-between for the prosecutors and police departments as needed
  • Assistance navigating community resources through information and referrals

To request services, call our office at 907-278-0977 and follow the prompts to speak to an advocate. You may also request help by completing our online form HERE.

 

Emotional Support

At Victims for Justice, we are here to listen. Whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed, angry, or scared, our advocates- trained in trauma response- offer a safe, confidential, and neutral space for you to share your story.  

Based on your personal experience, our advocates provide personalized information, safety planning, resources, and feedback to meet your specific needs. In addition to individual support, we offer access to support groups and canine companions to further assist in your healing journey.

Our Homicide Grief Group is designed to allow conversations to unfold naturally, understanding that grief follows no set path and every healing process is different. Open to anyone who has lost a loved one to homicide in Alaska, regardless of where the family now resides, this group meets on the second Tuesday of every month from 6:00pm – 7:30pm via Zoom.

What to expect during Homicide Grief Group?

Introductions: Our facilitator will guide introductions, offering everyone a chance to share their name, their connection to the group, and any thoughts or updates they wish to express. This initial connection often sets the tone for open and meaningful discussions.

Participation: Depending on the group, participants are encouraged to bring forth topics close to their hearts. This can range from personal experiences with the criminal justice system, navigating special occasions, understanding grief’s diverse responses, and more

Our gatherings typically host a group of 6-10 participants. Join us on Zoom by reaching out to our facilitator, Mattisyn Maloy, at mmaloy@victimsforjustice.org. If you’re new to Zoom or would like assistance, Mattisyn is available to guide you through the process.

Group Etiquette: We kindly ask that you adhere to our guidelines to ensure a respectful and nurturing environment:

  • Find a quiet, private space for our sessions.
  • Mute your microphone when not speaking to minimize background noise.
  • If you arrive late, don’t worry—muted entry is fine, and we’ll provide an opportunity for introductions.
  • Sharing is optional, and your comfort is paramount.
  • To suggest discussion topics, please contact Mattisyn Maloy, at mmaloy@victimsforjustice.org.
  • Feel free to disconnect if you need a break. Rejoin at any point if you wish.
  • Be Respectful. If you are disruptive to the group, you will be removed from the meeting.

Confidentiality: Our meetings are a haven for vulnerable expressions. We kindly request that you honor the confidentiality of shared stories to maintain a safe space for all.

For more information about our emotional support services or to join our Homicide Grief Group, please contact our office at 907- 278-0977. We are here to help.

Financial Resources

Frequently, when we are met with an unexpected event that alters our life, we are unprepared to deal with the financial impacts. Victims for Justice can help try and alleviate some of this burden in various ways. We offer: 

  • Assistance applying to the Violent Crime Compensation Board (VCCB) to cover: 
      • Medical, dental expenses 
      • Counseling 
      • Funeral or burial expenses  
      • Lost wages 
  • Connections to multiple social service resources in the community
  • Emergency financial assistance to cover immediate needs (limited to Anchorage connected crimes) 
      • Please note: any requests for funding must be directly related to loss or injuries incurred as a result of the crime. Individuals who were engaging in any criminal activity that may have caused or contributed to the injury or death are not eligible.

Court Assistance & Accompaniment

Following your case can be overwhelming and stressful. Based on your needs, Victims For Justice provides one-time or ongoing support through the criminal justice process. Our advocates:  

  • Help you understand and navigate the law enforcement and judicial systems  
  • Provide court accompaniment upon request 
  • Assist you with creating a meaningful victim impact statement 
  • Arrange for a canine companion in the courtroom upon request 
  • Help you follow your case and stay apprised of your offender’s whereabouts  
  • Provide education about your rights
  • Upon Request, refer your case to the Office of Victims’ Rights when there are concerns your rights are being violated. 

Please note, our advocates are not lawyers and do not offer legal advice, however, we are here to support you along the way.