Many questions may arise following a sexual assault and some might not fit into a specific category. You may have concerns about legal issues, payment options or an ongoing investigation. We are here to help you find answers to your questions and connect you to the right resources.
Click through the questions below for more information.
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How do I pay for services?
At The Blue Bench we believe that cost should never be a barrier to receiving the support you need. All of our survivor services are available to teens and adults of all gender and sexual identities, and are offered in English and Spanish. Most of our services are based on recommended donations; however, no one is turned away for inability to pay.
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What is Victim's Compensation?
Crime victim compensation is a government program that provides victims of violent crimes (such as assault, homicide, rape, and, in some states, burglary), as well as their families, with reimbursement for many of their out of pocket expenses. Every state has a crime victim compensation program. (via victimsofcrime.org)
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Am I eligible for Victim's Compensation?
In Colorado there are 6 main eligibility requirements for Victim Compensation:
- The crime must be one in which the victim sustails mental or bodily injury, dies, or suffers property damage to locks, windows or doors to residential property as a result of a compensable crime.
- The victim must cooperate with law enforecment officials (e.g. district attorney, police, sheriff).
- The law enforcement agency was notified within 72 hours after the crime occured.
- The injury or death of the victim was not the result of the victim's own wrongdoing or substantial provocation.
- The victimization occured on or after July 1, 1982.
- The application for compensation must be submitted within one year from the date of the crime; six months for residential propery damage claims.
NOTE: The Victim Compensation Board may waive some of these requirements for good cause or in the interest of justice.
A Case Manager from The Blue Bench is available to support you through this process. A Case Manager can be reached by calling the office during business hours at 303-329-9922, or by leaving a message ANYTIME at ext. 302
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I believe I have been treated unfairly throughout the criminal justice process
At The Blue Bench, we start by believing. We believe you should feel supported and safe after reporting an assault. If you feel you were treated unfairly during the criminal justice process, The Blue Bench Case Managers can help--they can talk with you in depth about your victim's rights and offer options on how to file a grievance.
A Case Manager can be reached by calling the office during business hours at 303-329-9922, or by leaving a message ANYTIME at ext. 302
If you want to further discuss the process, you can also contact our 24-hour Sexual Assault Hotline at 303-322-7273 (English), Linea de Crisis at 303-329-0031 (Spanish), or toll-free at 888-394-8044.
