August 28, 2012 > Victim & Witness Services for Alameda County Victim & Witness Services for Alameda County Submitted By Newark PD Are you a crime victim? A 'victim' is defined under the California Constitution as "a person who suffers direct or threatened physical, psychological, or financial harm as a result of the commission or attempted commission of a crime or delinquent act. The term 'victim' also includes the person's spouse, parents, children, siblings, or guardian, and includes a lawful representative of a crime victim who is deceased, a minor, or physically or psychologically incapacitated. The term 'victim' does not include a person in custody for an offense, the accused, or a person whom the court finds would not act in the best interests of a minor victim" (Cal. Const., art. I, ¤ 28(e)). The Victims & Witness Services Unit of Alameda County offers crime victims and their families support and information at every stage of the criminal process. Victims have rights, and the Alameda County District Attorney along with the Newark Police Department is committed to ensuring that those rights are protected. The Victims & Witness Services Unit provides appeal notification to victims and their families, as well as assistance and outreach when the District Attorney's Office is prosecuting a case. For more information on this service visit http://www.alcoda.org/victim_witness/