Martin County Victim Services

Domestic Violence / Sexual Assault / General Crime

Martin County Victim Services is located at 201 Lake Ave., Security Building, Rm. 309, Fairmont, MN (2^nd floor of the Law Enforcement Center).  This program has been in existence since 1994 and provides assistance to victims of crime across all three crime areas.  The Coordinator assists with criminal justice support, notification of victim's rights, information on charges against the offender, status of offender, notifies victim of court hearings, and also offers support during sexual assault exams if requested. The Coordinator serves as a link to the prosecuting attorney, shares any concerns the victim may have, assists in explaining plea offers, helps prepare Victim Impact Statements, and advocates for the victim to ensure that their rights as a victim are upheld.  The Coordinator assists victims in filing victim compensation claims, coordinators and secures services with other agencies as needed and provides supportive listening and options available to them to assist in various aspects of their lives.  There does not need to be a call to law enforcement or criminal charges filed for this program to assist victims.

The Coordinator also assists in filing Orders for Protection and Harassment Restraining Orders, provides crisis intervention, escorts victims to court hearings, assists in securing needed services for victims and makes referrals to other agencies as needed.   The Coordinator (or another trained volunteer) also facilitates a support/education group for battered women.

S.H.A.R.E. is a support/education group for battered women.  SHARE stands for support, healing, awareness, resources and education.  The goals of the group are to break isolation and develop a support system, provide education about domestic abuse and community resources and empower women to make positive choices in their lives.  There is no fee to attend this group.  For more information, please call 507.238.3228.

Martin County Victim Services also has a 24-hour Crisis Line for victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault.   The 24-hour crisis line provides crisis intervention, immediate response, on-going support and advocacy.  Call: 507.238.3228 (locally) or 800.333.3983 (out-state).

 MISSION:

Victims of domestic violence and sexual assault often feel isolated and misunderstood.  Our mission is to empower these individuals through a 24-hour crisis line that provides crisis intervention, immediate response, on-going support, and advocacy.

CALL: (507) 238-3228 or (800) 333-3983 for referrals, resources, crisis intervention, immediate response, on-going support, and advocacy 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

Police Emergency.................................911

Martin Co. Sheriff Dept .....507-238-4481

Women's Shelter (Mankato).................800-477-0466

International Women's Shelter...............800-438-6439

VINELink - The Minnesota State Victim Notification Service (VINE) is a service through which victims of crime can use the telephone or internet to search for information regarding their offender's custody status and register to receive telephone and email notifications when their offender's custody status changes. This service is brought to you by your local Sheriff Brad Gerhardt.

 The VINE TOLL FREE Number for MN VINE is 1.877.664.8463