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Helping Hands

Victim Services

In response to the special needs of victims and their families, and to become more sensitive to what is essential to them, AAIM established the Victim Services Program. The following services are offered to assist victims through this tough time. All services are rendered free of charge. 
 

If you’re a crash victim needing assistance, please get in touch with the Director of Victim Services at aaim.kristina@gmail.com​ or our office at info@aaim1.org.

Court Process

Criminal cases can be confusing and stressful for victims, and in most cases, victims are completely unfamiliar with the process. Through AAIM's Victim Services Program, AAIM personnel accompany victims to court. They track their case disposition to help ensure justice is done and offer clarification and explanations about the criminal process, as necessary. No victim should have to face this alone. 

Impact Statement

Assistance is given in preparing Victim Impact Statements. The Victim Impact Statement is a written, personal account by a victim of how their life has been affected by this devastating tragedy within the guidelines given by the state's attorney's office. The Victim Impact Statement may be allowed to be read in open court. This decision is up to the judge overseeing the case. Under the Victim's Rights Amendment to the Illinois Constitution, this statement becomes a permanent part of the defendant's record.

Support Groups

AAIM offers Victim Support Groups that meet online through Zoom and Facebook. The groups are open to all those affected by crash victims' devastation. The purpose of the AAIM Victim Support Groups is to provide a safe place for victims to express their thoughts and feelings and to offer support, comfort, understanding, and encouragement. Please get in touch with us if you would like more information.

Referrals

AAIM offers assistance in obtaining counseling referrals and legal referrals. All resources are only recommendations and are not affiliated with AAIM in any way. Many of AAIM's referrals have been suggested to us by victims who have used these services.

Intangibles

AAIM Victim Services personnel are not professional counselors, but they are excellent listeners and always offer a shoulder to lean on. If you just let your feelings out, we will be here to talk to you. Thank you for giving AAIM the opportunity to help—in any way we can.

Speaking On A Panel

Being a speaker on a Victim Impact Panel (VIP) can positively affect a victim. It becomes a tool for moving through the overwhelming emotional pain that accompanies the tragic loss of a loved one due to an impaired driver. It may also help promote personal healing. While AAIM encourages this practice, the decision to speak on an AAIM Victim Impact Panel (VIP) is very individual and can only be determined by the victim. Victims interested in being speakers are invited to observe a panel as guests before giving a speech. Victim Services personnel will assist in preparing a speech, as necessary. AAIM Victim Impact Panels (VIPs) are presented to DUI offenders in the courts, schools, community groups, and law enforcement.

Printed Material

Other printed material about AAIM and its programs is also available. Please get in touch with the Schaumburg AAIM office to request information. You may also contact Victim Services personnel for limited materials.

AAIM information packet
AAIM brochures 
AAIM bumper stickers 
Grief support information 
Counseling referrals 
Legal referrals 
State office brochures 
Illinois Secretary of State 
Illinois Attorney General 
Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority

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