"Victim of Crime Resources"

In the realm of criminal law, a victim of crime is an individual who has directly suffered harm as a result of unlawful activities. These harms can manifest in various forms, such as physical injuries resulting from violent offenses like assault or robbery, psychological distress stemming from situations like harassment or cyberbullying, emotional trauma inflicted by domestic violence or sexual assault, financial losses due to theft, fraud, or property damage, and fundamental rights violations like discrimination, hate crimes, or human trafficking.

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When an individual is recognized as a victim of crime, it signifies that they have experienced tangible or intangible damages that warrant legal recognition and protection. This acknowledgement is crucial for ensuring that the victim’s rights are upheld throughout the judicial process, enabling them to seek justice, obtain restitution, and receive support to navigate the aftermath of the crime.

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Victims of crime are afforded certain legal rights and protections to safeguard their interests and well-being.

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These rights often include:

• The right to be informed about the progress of the case and relevant court proceedings

• The right to participate in the legal process by providing impact statements or testimonies

• The right to seek compensation or restitution for the harm suffered

• The right to protection from retaliation, harassment, or intimidation

Moreover, victims of crime can benefit from a range of support services tailored to their specific needs. These services can include counseling, advocacy, legal assistance, emergency shelter, and referrals to community resources aimed at addressing their emotional, physical, and financial challenges in the aftermath of the crime.

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By acknowledging and prioritizing the rights and well-being of victims across a spectrum of offenses, the legal system strives to promote accountability, facilitate healing, and empower individuals to

rebuild their lives in the wake of traumatic experiences.

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In-Kind Donations Needed

Spiritual & Emotional Comfort Items

(For crisis stabilization, grief care, and spiritual restoration)

• Complete Bibles (standard print, large print, bilingual, children's, trauma recovery editions)

• Prayer Shawls / Mantles

• Olive Oil

• Handkerchiefs or Prayer Cloths

• Devotional Journals & Scripture Notebooks

• Inspirational Keepsakes (keychains, bookmarks, cross pendants, etc.

• Encouragement Cards or Handwritten Notes (can be anonymous or faith-group made)

• Comfort Blankets (shoulder wraps, lap quilts, small shawls)

• Weighted Blankets (child & adult sizes for trauma and anxiety relief)

• Portable Scripture Audio Devices or Pre-Loaded USB Drives with Worship Music

• Earbuds / Noise-Canceling Headphones (helpful in shelters or noisy environments)

• LED Candles / Night Lights (for calming and grounding presence)

• Personal Prayer Boxes or Blessing Jars

Basic Hygiene & Personal Care Items

(Individually packaged for dignity and health)

• Travel-Size Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, lotion, deodorant, soap, etc.)

• Kleenex Tissues (pocket-size and boxes)

• Adult, Children, and Teen Underwear (new only)

• Hairbrushes, Combs, Hair Ties, Headscarves

• Reusable Water Bottles or Thermoses

• Disposable Razors / Shaving Kits

• Hand Sanitizer / Antibacterial Wipes

• Blank Cosmetic Bags or Travel Cases

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Immediate Comfort & Relief Kits

(Used in post-incident or shelter transition support)

• “Crisis Comfort Kits” – small drawstring bags including:

  • Bibles or devotionals

  • Kleenex packs

  • Snacks or protein bars

  • Water bottle

  • Encouragement card

  • Olive Oil

• “Grief Support Bags”

  • Journal

  • Candle

  • Handkerchief

  • Scripture-based devotional

  • Weighted shoulder wrap or prayer shawl

• “Safe Sleep Kits”

  • Small pillow

  • Fleece throw or comfort blanket

  • Ear plugs or noise-reducing headphones

  • Eye mask

  • Travel-size nightlight

Household Restoration Donations

(For victims restarting after violence, trafficking, or displacement)

• New Pot & Pan Sets (boxed)

• New Dishware Sets (4-piece, 6-piece boxed sets)

• Cutlery / Silverware Sets

• Microwave-Safe Dish Sets & Utensils

• New Small Appliances (toaster, microwave, hot plate, electric kettle)

• New Bed Linens & Pillow Sets (Twin, Full, Queen sizes)

• Towels & Washcloth Sets (gender-neutral preferred)

• Laundry Baskets

• Basic Household Supplies

  • Dish soap, sponges, paper towels, plastic cutlery, freezer & large storage bags, large storage jars for pantry items, storage drawers and bins with lids

  • Toilet paper, trash bags, contractor bags, laundry detergent, fabric softener,cleaning products

• Hygiene Start-Up Buckets for women or families:

  • Feminine hygiene products

  • Soap, shampoo, toothbrush kits

  • Lotion, combs/brushes, deodorant

  • Washcloths & hand towels

Flexible Assistance Items

(For urgent or transition needs)

• Gift Cards

  • Visa/MasterCard (most versatile)

  • Grocery Stores (Walmart, Aldi, Schnucks, etc.)

  • Pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS)

  • Clothing Stores (Target, Old Navy, Burlington, etc.)

  • Gas Cards or Ride Share Vouchers

Special Populations Support

(Children, teens, elderly, or disabled victims of crime)

• Stuffed Animals & Faith-Based Plush Toys

• Coloring Books (biblical & therapeutic themes)

• Crayons / Journaling Sets

• Children’s Story Bibles

• Teen Devotionals / Faith-Based Affirmation Cards

• Mobility Assistance Items (walkers, canes, reachers — new or lightly used and sanitized)

• Reading Glasses (various strengths)

• Blankets with Pockets or Heat Wraps for Seniors

• Non-Slip Slippers or House Shoes (new only)

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Miscellaneous Items Often Overlooked

• Ziploc Bags / Gallon Freezer Bags (for kit packing)

• Reusable Grocery Totes

• Travel Pill Organizers

• Flashlights / Battery Packs for Phones

• New Undergarments (men, women, children—all sizes)

• Socks (seasonal: thermal, no-show, diabetic socks)

• Shoe Inserts or Insoles

• Alarm Clocks (battery operated)

• Bible Tabs / Highlighters / Sticky Notes for Devotional Use

• Refillable Planners or Pocket Calendars

• Faith-based Wall Art or Picture Frames for housing transitions

• Portable Folding Chairs for those in shelter environments

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click on the (BLUE) titles below to access each website listed

Resources in Missouri