Victim Witness Advocate

Conway Police Department

What does a victim witness advocate do?

The Victim Witness Advocate's goal is to reduce the impact that crime, and the resulting involvement in the criminal justice system, has on the lives of victims and  witnesses.  The Victim Witness Advocate is committed to ensuring that all victims of crime within the Town of Conway are treated with fairness and the respect and dignity that they deserve.  As an assistant to the prosecutor, the Victim Witness Advocate enhances the effectiveness of the prosecution division by assisting the department Prosecutor with trial preparation, case tracking, evidence presentation, witness preparations, negotiated dispositions and general court proceedings.

The Conway Police Department is lucky to have a Victim Witness Advocate on staff Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  The Conway Police Department is also lucky to have a Victim Witness Advocate with experience in the prosecution of both felony level offenses, as well as with misdemeanor level offenses.  

As a victim...

Being a victim of a crime can be a traumatic experience.  Crime can happen to anyone, regardless of precautions a person may or may not have taken.  While a victim’s world can be turned upside down by a traumatic event, victims can regain a sense of balance and strength as they heal.

 Common Short-Term Effects

People often suffer emotional and physical trauma following a crime.  Victims may blame themselves instead of the person or people who hurt them, or be afraid that family or friends will blame them.  Hardest of all, victims may worry that they will be victimized again.  A victim may feel numb or unemotional for some time after the event.  Disbelief, denial, and anger are also common responses to victimization.

In addition, victims may have questions about where to go for medical treatment, about what will happen if they report a crime to the police, or how to find psychological or emotional support in the community.  These concerns are normal, understandable responses to crime, and it may be helpful to speak to a victim service professional or counselor to discuss the impact of the crime on your life.

 Common Long-Term Effects

Possible long-term effects from victimization can include:

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, please contact a victim service provider.  A professional may be able to help you identify ways to cope with the long-term impact of the victimization.

Decision to Arrest

The Police Officer has the responsibility to decide whether or not to make an arrest; an Officer can arrest with or without your consent if the Officer believes that a crime has been committed in their presence.

How to Obtain a Protective Order

Safety with a Protective Order

Crime Victim Compensation

The New Hampshire Victims’ Compensation Program helps innocent victims of violent crime in NH with expenses directly related to crime injuries.  Crime victim compensation is a direct reimbursement to, or on behalf of, a crime victim for the following crime-related expenses:

You cannot be paid for property loss or pain and suffering.  Awards can be made up to a max of $25,000.  Collateral sources available to the victim such as insurance, Medicaid, Medicare or Social Security need to be considered first.

Should you require additional information please call:

1-800-300-4500 (in NH only) or (603) 271-1284

Prior to a Violent Incident:

When Preparing to Leave:

Safety in your Home:

Know Your Rights: 

If you are the victim of domestic violence and you believe that law enforcement protection is needed for your physical safety, you have the right to request the officer assist in providing for your safety, including asking for an EMERGENCY RESTRAINING ORDER OF PROTECTION.  You may also request that the officer assist you in obtaining from your premises and curtilage; toiletries, medication, clothing, business equipment, and other items as determined by the courts, and in locating and taking you to a local safe place including, but not limited to, a designated meeting place to be used as a crisis center, a family member’s or friend’s residence, or a similar place of safety.  If you are in need of medical treatment you have a right to request that the officer assist you in obtaining an ambulance.

Melissa Smith
Victim Witness Advocate

Victim Resources:

Conway Police Department

Emergency - 911
Non-Emergency - (603) 356-5715
Victim/Witness Advocate - (603) 356-5715

New Hampshire Circuit/Family Court System (State Wide)

Phone - (855) 212-1234
Website - https://www.courts.state.nh.us/ 

Carroll County Attorney's Office

Phone - (603) 539-7769
Website - https://www.carrollcountynh.net/county-attorney 

Memorial Hospital, North Conway, NH

Phone - (603) 356-5461
Website - https://mainehealth.org/memorial-hospital 

NH Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence

Phone - (603) 224-8893
Website - https://www.nhcadsv.org/ 

NH Bureau of Elderly & Adult Services

Phone - (800) 949-0470 or (603) 271-9203
Website - https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dcbcs/beas/index.htm 

NH Division of Children Youth & Families

Central Intake Phone (Reporting Child Abuse) - (800) 843-5533 or (603) 271-6562
Website - https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dcyf/cps/index.htm 

Human Services General

Starting Point - (800) 336-3795
Sexual Assault Support Services - (888) 747-7070
Help Line - (800) 852-3388
State Domestic Violence Hotline - (866) 644-3574
State Sexual Assault Hotline - (800) 277-5570

Corrections, Probation & Parole

Probation Office Phone (Ossipee) - (603) 539-4137
Carroll County Department of Corrections Phone - (603) 539-2284
New Hampshire State Prison Phone - (603) 271-5600

Miscellaneous

New Hampshire Victim's Bill of Rights (NH RSA 21-M:8-k) - http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/I/21-M/21-M-8-k.htm