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ALERT! Berks County South Campus Closed Monday, October 5: The Berks County South Campus will be closed to staff and the public on Monday, October 5, to complete a scheduled electrical utility project. The South Campus Building will be without power from 8 am to 5 pm while Met-Ed conducts this work. For safety reasons, no one will be permitted to enter or access the South Campus building for any reason between 8 am to 5 pm on October 5.

The County appreciates the public’s understanding and apologizes for any inconvenience this temporary closure may cause.

Victim/Witness Assistance Unit

The Victim/Witness Assistance Unit was established to assist victims and witnesses of crime and their immediate family members throughout the judicial justice process.

Our mission is to serve as advocates for the enforcement of fundamental rights of crime victims and promote the belief that all victims and witnesses deserve to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect throughout the judicial process.  All victims will be afforded, consistent with the law, the ability to choose their level of participation.

Services Provided

  • Explanation of the Judicial System
  • Case Information and notification
  • Accompaniment to all court proceedings
  • Preparation for court testimony
  • Secure waiting room
  • Assistance with written and/or oral victim impact statements
  • Assistance with completion of restitution forms
  • Court tours for children
  • Assistance with filing compensation claims
  • Referrals to community agencies
  • Enrollment in notification program (adult offenders cases only)
  • Assistance with receiving apology letters (juvenile offenders cases only)

All services are provided free of charge

Additional Information for Victims of Juvenile Crimes


Information and Resources

Victim Bill of Rights
Victim Bill of Rights
The Berks County Victim/Witness Assistance Unit is dedicated to supporting victims of crime. We feel that it is extremely important for every victim to know their rights.
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Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
As a victim of a crime, you are entitled to some form of compensation for your losses or damages as a direct result of a criminal act.
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Criminal Case Procedures
Criminal Case Procedures
This flow chart will display the process of a criminal court case. 
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Criminal Witness Brief Guide
Criminal Witness Brief Guide
This may answer some questions you have about serving as a witness.
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Defendant Release Notification
Defendant Release Notification
This service will allow crime victims to obtain timely information about the custody status of offenders in a county jail or state prison.
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Address Confidentiality Program
Learn how the Office of Victim Advocate can help you with an alternative mailing address to keep your actual home address out of public records. 
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