Crime Victim Services

Rights and Services for All Crime Victims

1. You have the right to apply for financial help for losses resulting from a violent crime. This assistance does not cover property losses.
   
   For application and information:
   Inside Twin Cities Call: 651-201-7300
   Outside Twin Cities Call: 888-622-8799
   Online Visit: Office of Justice Programs - Help for Crime Victims
   TTY: 651-205-4827
2. You have the right to request that the law enforcement agency withhold public access to data revealing your identity. The law enforcement agency will decide if this is possible.
3. You have the right, if an offender is charged, to be informed of and participate in the prosecution process, including the right to request restitution (money that is court-ordered from the offender and paid to the victim).

If you feel your rights as a victim have been violated, or you do not understand your rights or the information presented here, call the Crime Victim Justice Unit at 651-201-7310 or 800-247-0390, Ext. 3.

Rights of Domestic Abuse Victims

1. You can ask the City or County Attorney to file a criminal complaint.
2. You have the right to go to court and file a petition requesting an Order for Protection from domestic abuse. The order could include the following:
   
   a. an order restraining the abuser from further acts of abuse
   b. an order directing the abuser to leave your household
   c. an order preventing the abuser from entering your home (or a reasonable area around your home), school, business or place of employment
   d. an order awarding you or the other parent custody of/or visitation of your minor child or children
   e. an order directing the abuser to pay support to you and the minor if the abuser has a court order to do so
   
   
3. You also have the right to notification if prosecution of the case is declined or criminal charges are dismissed.

For assistance with Orders for Protection/Restraining Orders, contact one of the following Dakota County Courts:

• Apple Valley: 952-891-7236
• Hastings: 651-438-8110
• West St. Paul: 651-554-6200

Rights of Sexual Assault Victims

1. Sexual assault victims will not incur out-of-pocket expenses for forensic medical exams, and information about evidence collection, storage, and preservation in sexual assault cases.
2. Sexual assault victim services are available by calling Lewis House 24-hours-per day at 651-405-1500.
3. Resource Information can be found at the Minnesota Office of Justice Programs

Identity Theft

Used by victims of identity theft to learn how to protect themselves and report the issue to police. Identity Theft Packet and Reporting Form (PDF)

Resources

Assistance for Victims of Domestic Abuse

Victim Service Providers – 24-Hour Phone Lines

Victim Service Providers – Not 24-Hour Phone Lines

 Victims may apply for financial compensation from the Crime Victim Reparations Board for certain costs incurred as a result of a violent crime, such as: medical care, counseling costs, lost wages, child care, crime scene clean up and funeral expenses – NOT property damage or loss. Claims must be filed within three years of the crime date, except cases involving child abuse. Some exceptions apply.

Other Important Phone Numbers

Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003

(Espanol? La Ley contra la violación en las cárceles de 2003 (PDF))

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) is a federal law established to address the elimination and prevention of sexual misconduct in detention facilities. The Burnsville Police Department is committed to providing detainees housed in its facility a safe environment. 

The Burnsville Police Department has a zero tolerance policy for all forms of sexual misconduct. Anyone with information regarding a detainee who has experienced any form of sexual misconduct while in the custody of the Burnsville Police Department should contact: 

Burnsville Police PREA Coordinator/Division Commander
100 Civic Center Parkway
 Burnsville, MN 55337
 Phone: 952-895-4600 

Or contact the nearest law enforcement agency to make a report. 

When reporting, please include the date, time and place of the alleged incident; victim-suspect-witness information; and details of what happened. Also include your name and contact information; anonymous or third-party reporting will be accepted. 

To date, there have been no reports of staff sexual misconduct or harassment toward any detainee in the Burnsville Police Department temporary holding facility.