Victim/Witness Program

About the Program


The Victim/Witness Program of the Seward County Attorney's Office is designed to answer questions and provide assistance to you in dealing with the criminal and juvenile justice system. You will find basic information with an explanation of the steps that are involved in typical criminal and juvenile prosecution cases.

Kansas Crime Victims


A major emphasis in our office is complying with the provisions of the Kansas Victims Bill of Rights. Our duties include prompt notification of all adult public hearings, providing assistance to victims of crime, locating additional resources to assist victims and their families, arranging for witness appearances, and providing support throughout the criminal process. The system is similar in juvenile proceedings.

Services Provided to Victims of Crime

  • Crime Victims Assistance - Helps to ensure efficient and effective Statewide coordination of local crime victim and witness assistance programs and direct assistance to crime victims and their families. The program also educates and trains the public, professionals, and victims' advocates on crime victims' rights. In addition, the program is responsible for administering numerous State and Federal grant funds which provide services to the victims of crime.
  • Crime Victims Compensation Board - Provides victims with financial assistance for loss of earnings and out-of-pocket loss for injuries sustained as a direct result of violent crime. This includes reasonable medical care, mental health counseling, or other services necessary as a result of the injury. In the event of the death of the victim, reasonable medical expenses and the partial cost of funeral, burial or cremation is reimbursable.

How to Apply for Compensation


Victims or their representatives can apply for compensation by filing a Declaration of Eligibility Form with the Crime Victims' Compensation Board.

Compensation Process


  • Victims or their representatives can apply for compensation by filing a Declaration of Eligibility Form with the Crime Victims' Compensation Board. The form is available in the Seward County Attorney's Office or by contacting the Crime Victims' Compensation Board in Topeka, KS at (785) 296-2359.
  • If you are seeking restitution for damages you must submit proof of loss to the Victim/Witness Coordinator.
Keeping Track of the Defendant 

  • Kansas VINE, Victim Information and Notification Everyday, is an automated victim notification system that is being implemented across Kansas. This is free, confidential and voluntary for victims of crime, criminal justice professionals, and the general public to use. Kansas VINE search and notification is specific to adult offenders housed in county jails.  Kansas VINE does not include the Department of Corrections offenders housed in state institutions. 

A few key features:

  • Victims can anonymously search for offenders and register for notification. Searches and registration for notifications can be conducted through an automated telephone system at 1-866-574-8463; on the web at https://www.vinelink.com/#/home/site/17000; or through a free mobile app called VINELink.



    • Victims can select to be notified by telephone, which requires a 4 digit PIN to confirm receipt of notice; or text; or by email. Victims can register numerous phone numbers, email addresses for any and all notification delivery methods. Notifications are delivered in English and Spanish.  



      • VINE Service is available in English and Spanish, with telephone access to live Customer Service Representatives 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Customer Service Representatives have access to language assistance for close to 200 different languages.
      • Print material is available in English and Spanish


          • Keeping Track of the Defendant once they have been sentenced and sent to prison
          We Need Your Assistance
          As a victim or witness of a crime, your assistance is vital to our system of criminal justice. This system is absolutely dependent upon your cooperation. Without your help in reporting and testifying about crime, it would not be possible to successfully prosecute criminals. Crime is a community concern, and only through a cooperative effort can we make our community the best that it can be.

          Russell Hasenbank, Seward County Attorney
          Carmen Flores, Victim/Witness Coordinator