Site navigation

Criminal Victim Information

Resources for Victims of Violent Crimes

If you or a loved one were a victim of a violent crime, you may feel overwhelmed with the aftermath. You are not helpless or alone. Below, access resources to help guide you through this time with details on how to receive court-ordered restitution, find shelter in a safe environment and monitor your offender confidentially. 

The Legislature established a Victim's Bill of Rights in South Dakota Codified Law. The law provides victims with several rights, including notification of court proceedings and the right to attend those proceedings, the right to receive restitution if ordered by the court, the right to testify and provide victim impact statements to the court—crime rights of the victim statute 23A-28C-1.

Regain your stability and get support on your next steps to ensure your safety and healing.

Won Your Case? Receive Your Restitution

If you were a victim of a crime and the defendant was ruled guilty, they may owe you restitution. Restitution is money given to crime victims from their offenders to compensate for their crimes.

The South Dakota Crime Victims' Compensation (CVC) Program offers assistance to victims of violent crimes. Through the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, the CVC Program can pay victims as much as $15,000 for expenses accrued as a result of personal injury or death. Expenses that may be covered include but are not limited to medical bills, funeral costs, dental devices, loss of income, eyeglasses, mental health counseling, and other similar expenses. 

Learn More About CVC  Call the Program

Enforce Payment

South Dakota allows victims the ability to enforce restitution payments. If the defendant fails to satisfy the restitution as ordered by the court, SDCL 23A-28-1 enables the victim to file this form with the Clerk of Court in the relevant county. Learn the process here, and access the form to get started.

Explore How to Enforce Restitution

Provide Information

If the court orders restitution, the prosecutor may need additional information for every victim to ensure you receive the right payment amount— such as addresses, phone numbers, emails and dates of birth. Restitution amounts will be listed for every victim in the case. Find the document below for more information. 

Access Restitution Form

Find a Shelter

Whether you're escaping an abuser or facing homelessness, we have resources for you to find emergency shelter and assistance. You can find support through these resources, no matter your situation.

Access Shelter Resources

Monitor Your Offender

The South Dakota Statewide Automated Victim Information & Notification program is free, automated and confidential, providing victims with crucial information about their offender, such as offender release.

Learn More & Register

Additional Resources

Find more resources for violent crime victims, covering domestic violence, missing persons, hit and runs, mental health services and more.

Whether you or a loved one have experienced domestic violence or sexual violence, these resources can help.

General Resources

State Resources

Access State Resources

South Dakota has many active missing persons cases. Browse missing persons listings.

The South Dakota Department of Public Safety offers the Crash Assistance Program to guide families through devastating crashes. Learn more about this resource.

If you or a loved one have been a victim of a violent crime, it may benefit you to talk to a mental health professional. 

As a senior citizen, there are special resources just for you for estate elder abuse, health care, legal help and more. Browse these resources. 

The South Dakota Department of Public Safety offers resources and support to victims of human trafficking, including therapy, shelters, advocacy and more. Find out how the DPS can help you.

If you identify as American Indian or Alaska Native, the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs offers the Victim Assistance Program for those in need. Find out what the program offers. 

Related Documents

Didn't find what you were looking for? Browse these related files.

Victim’s Guide For Enforcing A Restitution Order

If the defendant fails to satisfy the restitution as ordered by the court, this document allows the victim to enforce the restitution order in the same manner as a judgment in a civil action.

English

Additional Restitution Information Form

The court may ask for more information. Use this form to provide the court with additional restitution information to ensure each victim receives the right amount of restitution from the defendants.

English

2018 Drug Courts Program Evaluation Report

South Dakota currently has ten drug courts, including two drug courts with a DUI track. This program evaluation looks at national best practices and standards, recidivism rates of participants after exiting drug court, and the costs associated with the South Dakota drug court program.

English

Child in Need of Supervision Petition

The CHINS Petition form initiates legal proceedings for a Child in Need of Supervision in South Dakota. It requires detailed information about the child and guardians.

English

Child in Need of Supervision Petition Example

This is an example of the CHINS Petition form, used in South Dakota to initiate legal action for a Child in Need of Supervision, detailing the child's circumstances and required interventions.

English

Problem-Solving Courts FY2020 Annual Report

Problem-solving courts were created to solve a unique and expensive problem within the criminal justice system. The 2020 Problem-Solving Courts Annual Report provides a snapshot of court operations during a very unusual year.

English

South Dakota Clerk of Courts

A directory listing contact details for South Dakota Clerk of Court offices, including mailing addresses, physical locations, and phone numbers by county.

English

Criminal Law Resources

Protection Orders

Whether you are a vulnerable adult, a victim of domestic violence or a victim of stalking, you may be entitled to a protection order in South Dakota. Learn more about how and get help filling out forms.

Get Legal Help

A legal proceeding can present significant challenges for individuals, and obtaining legal assistance may be the best step for you to take. South Dakota has legal assistance options available that offer little to no-cost for individuals who meet certain income requirements.