Victim and Witness Information

There are many resources that are available to victims of all types, including victims of domestic violence and victims of sexual assault. Below are links to websites and documents designed to help crime victims.

Important Note: A person who was arrested may be released on bond or some other form of release. Victims and witnesses should not rely upon an arrest as a guarantee of safety.

Pursing Criminal Charges

• Victim Guide to Pursuing Criminal Charges in Aurora - English(PDF, 188KB)
• Victim Guide to Pursuing Criminal Charges in Aurora - Spanish(PDF, 188KB)

Domestic Violence Victims

For victims of domestic violence, please see the following resources.

• Illinois Domestic Violence Act Referral Agency Information - English and Spanish(PDF, 172KB)
• Illinois Domestic Violence Act State Information - English(PDF, 38KB)
• Illinois Domestic Violence Act State Information - Spanish(PDF, 40KB)

Sexual Assault Victims

• Mandatory Notice of Victim's Right to Information Regarding Sexual Assault Evidence Testing(PDF, 257KB)
• Mandatory Notice for Survivors of Sexual Assault(PDF, 199KB)

Victim's Rights

Illinois law provides for a variety of victim rights. In some cases, victims are able to receive compensation. For more information, visit the following links.

• Safer Communities (Office of the Illinois Attorney General)
• Compensation for crime victims (ILAO)
• Crime Victim Compensation Program (Office of the Illinois Attorney General)

Crime Victims

Crime victims and the public have rights to some information about offenders through VINE, the victim notification network.

The Illinois Automated Victim Notification (AVN) system is also a free service that allows victims to check on an offender's custody status and register for automatic notification when a person is released from jail.

Human Trafficking Victims

• Information about T-Visa and U-Visa

Identity Theft Victims

For information about identity theft in Illinois, see the site of the Illinois Attorney General.

Internet & Fraud Crime Victims

The Aurora Police Department primarily investigates crimes that actually occur within the Aurora city limits. Internet and other crimes where the suspect and/or transaction location occurred outside the city should be reported to the appropriate local jurisdiction or to one of the following agencies:

• Internet-related fraud should be reported to www.ic3.gov
• Non-internet related fraud occurring outside the state of Illinois may be reported at www.ftc.gov

Witness Rights

Witnesses in Illinois also have certain rights, as enumerated in the Illinois Compiled Statutes in 725 ILCS 120/5. These rights include:

1. Notification of all court dates where the witness will be required.
2. Access to employer intercession services
3. Availability of a secure waiting area during trial.
4. Availability of translation or sign language services as necessary.
5. The right to submit a written request to receive notice of post-conviction relief sought, discharge information involving the accused, notification of any escape, parole, or other supervised release.

Witnesses may also request in writing a notice from the appropriate State's Attorney about post-conviction review, associated hearings, notice of the defendant's discharge from custody, release on patrol, probation or escape.