Victim Intervention Program (VIP)

"Putting Lives Back Together"

When Someone You Know Is Touched By Crime

Whenever a crime occurs, many people are affected -- the victim, family members, friends and the entire community. The latest national statistics show that one out of four families in the United States will be touched by violent crime every year. Moved by the very real suffering of the people who make up these alarming figures, the Nashville Police Department developed the Victim Intervention Program as a way to help restore a sense of peace and balance to lives torn apart by violent crime.

The mission of the Victim Intervention Program of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department is to provide mental health services and criminal justice system advocacy whenever individuals, families, and/or the community are affected by violent crime. All services are free, confidential, and provided in an environment which supports cultural diversity: with respect to race, religion, creed, and sexual orientation.

Help Is Here

The Victim Intervention Program (VIP) was first launched in 1975 as a crisis counseling and victim advocacy program. VIP was founded on the idea that anyone who endures a trauma as a result of a criminal act should be offered free and immediate crisis intervention and follow up counseling. Staffed by mental health professionals, VIP is available to victims, their families, and other individuals in crisis who come in contact with the police department. Anyone victimized by a crime who wants counseling or court advocacy is eligible for services. A victim's decision about prosecution does not affect eligibility.

A Wide Range of Services

As the number of violent crimes has continued to climb, the Victim Intervention Program has added services to fill a growing need. A professional and compassionate staff provides:

Crisis Intervention

A 24-hour on call service to victims and citizens involved in crimes reported to the police department.

Counseling

Professional counseling services to individuals, family members and others affected by crime and traumatic police related events. Support groups for victim populations are provided at various times throughout the year and referral services when appropriate.

Critical Incedent Debriefings

Group crisis intervention provided upon request when businesses, schools, or other groups are affected by violence.

Advocacy

Guidance, support, clarification and explanation throughout police and court proceedings.

Consultation and Training

A series of lectures and workshops for community groups and professionals that help to increase awareness and understanding of victimization issues and crisis intervention.

Information and Referral

Coordination and communication among physical and mental healthcare practitioners, social service agencies and the criminal justice system.

It's Your Call

The main goal of the Victim Intervention Program is to help individuals and their loved ones reclaim a sense of health and well-being in the aftermath of a crisis. If you or someone you know is the victim of a crime, please call the appropriate number listed below.

Additional Resources

• The National Center for Victims of Crime
• National Organization for Victim Assistance
• Senate Joint Resolution 2 establishing victims' rights (large image file, 270k)
• MADD
• Police Officers Killed in the Line of Duty - the Officer Down Memorial Page