Victims Of Crime Assistance (VOCA)
Our Victims of Crime Assistance Program provides confidential and trauma-informed services to help individuals and families understand their rights, build safety, heal, seek justice, and obtain compensation after a crime. Advocates provide safety planning, legal advocacy, court accompaniment, referrals, and other services necessary to help survivors meet their unique goals.
All VOCA services are free thanks to our funding from the Ohio Attorney General's Office, the Office of Criminal Justice Services, the Office of Justice Policy and Programs, and the City of Columbus.
Services are available in English, Spanish, Somali, Nepali, and Hindi, and Arabic, with interpretation available in many more languages.
Eligibility
Anyone, regardless of immigration status, who has been the victim of any crime is eligible for services. This includes but is not limited to the following: assault, abuse, domestic violence, murder or homicide of a family member, sexual violence, robbery or theft, fraud or scams, stalking, or tenants’ rights violations.
Program Services
Advocacy for refugee and immigrant interests in local task forces, committees, coalitions, and collaborations with other victims services agencies
Assistance in filing victim’s compensation claims
Strengths-based case management
Safety Planning
Counseling referrals
Assistance during court appearances and victims’ impact statements
Referrals to legal services
Community outreach
Information and referrals to local, state, and national resources
Monthly support groups for those who have lost a loved one to violence (see images below for more information)
Funding Partners
Intern with VOCA
The CRIS VOCA team is currently seeking a qualified candidate for a Sexual Assault Prevention Fellowship beginning January of 2024 for up to three semesters. This paid internship will provide opportunities to learn about all aspects of the field of victim advocacy, gain experience working with survivors across all victimization types from a variety of refugee and immigrant communities in Central Ohio, and support the VOCA team in the development of a new program engaging men in sexual assault prevention. Learn more by reading the full fellowship description and apply directly to VOCA Program Manager Lara Downing (contact info listed below).
Have questions? Want to schedule an appointment?
Contact us today.
To speak to an advocate or to make a referral, please call, text, or send Whatsapp message to 614-230-8346 (interpretation is available). Our case workers are available to answer calls Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If your call is not answered, please leave a voicemail message and we will return your call within regular business hours. For your safety, we will not call you back if you do not leave a voicemail message. If you are experiencing an emergency please call 911.
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Lara Downing
VOCA PROGRAM MANAGER
614-230-8346
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Alma Diaz-Cruz
VOCA STAFF MEMBER
614-852-6691
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Amal Mohamed
VOCA STAFF MEMBER
614-400-0548
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Anoj Sharma
VOCA STAFF MEMBER
614-314-0748
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Lina El-Zein
VOCA STAFF MEMBER
614-403-8950
CRIS's Victims of Crime Program does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, native language, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Participants will never be required to report a crime to law enforcement in order to receive services. In the case of family or domestic violence, participants do not need to be separated or broken up with the person/people who have harmed them in order to receive services. Services are available regardless of immigration status.
If you feel that you have been discriminated against at CRIS, please contact Karina Harty-Morrison at karina@cris-ohio.org.