If you are a victim of a crime, you have rights, too! The Prosecutor's office has a victim-witness assistance program. Ms. "Pete" Schmidt serves as an advocate for victims and witnesses and provides guidance through the maze of the criminal justice system. Contact the advocate: victims@vernoncountymo.org

As part of services to victims, the prosecutor's office also participates in various programs to benefit victims, and to educate those who have victimized them, including:

• Victim Impact Panel: a two hour course for persons convicted of alcohol related traffic offenses.

• Domestic Violence Victim Impact Panel: a six-hour for persons convicted of assaults on family members.

• 12-week Domestic Violence Course: an intensive course for persons convicted of domestic violence crimes.

• Domestic Violence Task Force: the prosecutor and the victim/witness advocate are members of a task force which seeks to find way to more effectively address domestic violence. If you are a victim of abuse by a family member, and need shelter, contact the Moss House at 667-7171

• Financial management: Education for those who write bad checks.