Click here to download the Victim Assistance brochure in English or Victim Assistance brochure in Spanish.

The Victim Assistance Program (VAP) is a free service provided by the West Jordan Police Department and citizen volunteers.  It provides victims of crime and other traumas emotional, logistic and sometimes financial support.

West Jordan’s VAP began on January 4, 1993.  It was unique in that it was the first VAP in Utah offered by a police department.  Most other VAPs were offered through city and county prosecutor’s offices.  The program began with eight volunteers and one full time coordinator, but currently has two full time staff and twenty volunteers.  The original focus was on domestic violence.  With expanded funding and interest in the program it has grown to include help for victims of all traumatic events both man made and natural. 

Police Officers can call the VAP twenty-four hours a day and get an in person response within thirty minutes.  With a VAP representative to take care of the victim the police officer can be released to collect evidence, investigate leads, and apprehend offenders.

Domestic violence constitutes the majority of the caseload for the VAP.  The VAP helps both men and women obtain protective orders, assistance with food, reparations for medical bills or damaged property, relocation and support through the judicial system.

Support groups in English and Spanish are available free of cost for women in abusive relationships.

Violent crimes such as assault, robbery and rape are extremely difficult for victims.  The VAP can provide immediate crisis counseling and assist with medical bills, therapy and support through the judicial system.

Suicides, although not a crime, leave many victims behind.  The VAP helps families with immediate crisis counseling and can explain to the families the police role and procedures, the Medical Examiner’s role, as well as help with funeral arrangements.

Death notifications are another time when the VAP can be invaluable.  Victim Assistance can go with officers when families are notified of a loved ones death.  The VAP can stay with the family after the police leave and can also help with notifying other family members or clergy as well as assisting with funeral arrangements.

Disasters such as fire or flood can leave families homeless.  The VAP stands ready to assist displaced people with contacting the Red Cross, find lodging, clothing and furniture

 The Victim Assistance Program sponsors a 5K walk/run each year where the contributions go to the victims of domestic violence. For additional information on the race you can contact Cecilia Budd at 801-566-6511 or ceciliab@wjordan.com.

Volunteers are recruited from the community.  There is a mandatory 40-hour training course before volunteers can have contact with victims.  Volunteers are also needed to work in the office.  Volunteers are needed.  If interested please contact Diane at 566-6511 or by e-mail at dianeg@wjordan.com.