Grant County Victim and Witness Services
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The Importance of Your Safety
The Grant County Prosecuting Attorneys office is concerned about the safety of the people who assist in the prosecution of criminal cases. If you have experienced threats or intimidation from the defendant or believe that you may, the following tips can help increase your safety.
Locks
If the defendant or defendants friends or family has keys to your home or vehicle, consider having your locks changed. If you do not currently have locks on your home, investing in locks may be an option to consider. Always lock your vehicle whether at home, around town, and even when you are out of the area.
Protection Orders
You may wish to seek a protection order against the defendant. Protection orders prohibit the respondent from contacting the petitioner either themselves or through a third person. For more information or to obtain a protection order, contact the Grant County Clerks Office at the Grant County Court House or call 754-2011 ext. 2810. Always keep a copy of the order with you and report every protection order violation to law enforcement.
Cell Phones
Did you know that any cell phone can call 9-1-1 in case of emergency? Even if you have a cell phone with no paid coverage plan, it can still be used. Keeping a charged cell phone on your person at all times ensures that you can contact emergency services if necessary. Keep emergency numbers in your cell phone so that you have access to them if needed.
Awareness
Remain aware of your surroundings. If you notice something unusual, get help. For example, if you notice while driving that you are being followed, do not go home. Instead, drive to a police station or to another safe place. If you have a cell phone, call law enforcement or someone you trust.
A Safe Place
Arrange for a safe place to go if you feel you are in danger. This may be with a friend, neighbor, relative, or shelter. If at all possible, it should be a place that the defendant is not familiar with. Have extra clothes for yourself and your children at your safe place or store clothes in a place where you can get them if needed.
Money
Keep a moderate amount of money available to you at all times. If the defendant has access to your bank accounts or credit cards, create separate accounts at least temporarily. If you suspect the defendant may abuse access to your accounts, close or freeze the accounts.
When Children are Involved
Inform your childs school or daycare provider about the situation and be sure they have your current contact information. If your child is listed in a protection order, be sure the school or daycare provider has a copy.
Informing your child
Being involved in a criminal case can be very frightening for children, which can increase when they are not informed of what is happening. Reduce their stress by assuring them that you and others in the criminal justice system (such as law enforcement and the judge) are there to protect them. Help them gain a sense of control and safety in the situation by talking to them about what to do in case of emergency. Be sure they know where to go or who to contact for help if for some reason you are not available.
Your child and 9-1-1
Practice calling 9-1-1 with your child on a pretend phone. Be sure the child can give their name, address, and telephone number when you practice with them. If your child can read, post your address and telephone number near the phone so they wont need to remember it.