Victim Services

05/19/2026

Embracing your individuality unleashes a unique spark that illuminates the world in a way that was previously unimaginable! ✨

05/12/2026

Embrace the present moment and unlock your inner strength, letting your past experiences inform your journey towards a brighter, more triumphant future! 🙌🏻

04/28/2026

A gentle reminder that trauma can also lead to a renewed sense of meaning, identity, and a rediscovery of our own strength.

04/25/2026

What can communities do to support victims?

Supporting victims of crime starts with creating a culture of empathy, awareness, and action.

Communities can make a meaningful difference by:
▪️ Listening without judgment and believing victims when they share their experiences
▪️ Respecting privacy and allowing individuals to share their stories on their own terms
▪️ Sharing trusted resources so victims know where to turn for help
▪️ Supporting victim service organizations through advocacy, partnerships, and community engagement

Even small actions—like checking in on someone, learning the signs of trauma, or speaking up against harmful attitudes—can have a lasting impact. When communities are informed and compassionate, victims are more likely to seek help and begin the healing process.

💙 As Crime Victims’ Rights Week comes to a close, our commitment to victims doesn’t end here. Advocacy, awareness, and support are needed every day of the year. Informed, supportive communities don’t just help individuals—they create safer environments for everyone.

04/24/2026

How does crime impact victims?

The effects of crime often go far beyond the immediate incident. Victims may experience:
▪️ Physical injury
▪️ Emotional trauma, including fear, anxiety, or loss of trust
▪️ Financial stress from medical bills, lost wages, damaged property
▪️ Long-term mental health effects, such as depression or PTSD

These impacts can affect every part of a person’s life—relationships, work, and overall sense of safety. And for many, the healing process isn’t linear.

💙 Recovery is possible with the right support. Advocacy services help victims navigate resources, rebuild stability, and regain a sense of control—reminding them they don’t have to go through it alone.

04/23/2026

What services are available to crime victims?

Many programs offer a range of support designed to meet both immediate and long-term needs, including:
▪️ Crisis intervention & safety planning
▪️ Court advocacy & assistance
▪️ Referrals to counseling and community resources

No one organization does this work alone. In the Brainerd Lakes Area, Victim Services, Relationship Safety Alliance , and SASMN work together to ensure every victim has access to the support they need—when they need it.

Through collaboration, coordination, and shared commitment, we help fill gaps, reduce barriers, and make sure no one has to navigate the aftermath of crime on their own.

04/22/2026

Why do some crimes go unreported?

Less than half of violent crimes are ever reported to law enforcement. Behind that statistic are real barriers that many victims face every day.

Common reasons include:
▪️ Fear of retaliation
▪️ Hesitation or reluctance to involve law enforcement
▪️ Belief that what happened “wasn’t serious enough”

This is where advocacy services matter. Advocates provide confidential support, help victims understand their options, and meet them where they are—whether or not they choose to report. By reducing barriers and building trust, advocacy services ensure victims are not navigating these experiences alone.

04/21/2026

If you believe in the work we do, please take a moment each day to vote and consider sharing this post to help us spread the word.

👉 Vote here: www.oldnational.com/cyc

Choose Your Charity is back!

Old National is celebrating our growth in the Upper Midwest (MN, ND and Western WI) by awarding a total of $265,000 to 96 area 501(c)(3) organizations. The winners will be chosen based on voting from the local communities., so click here to vote: https://m.cmpgn.page/BXr6Xx?embed=4&script=0

04/21/2026

What rights do crime victims have—and why do they matter?

Crime victims are not just witnesses to a process—they have rights. These rights are designed to ensure their voices are heard and their experiences are respected every step of the way.

Victims have the right to:
✔️ Be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect
✔️ Be informed of court proceedings
✔️ Be present and heard at key stages in their trial
✔️ Receive restitution, when applicable

💙 These rights exist to ensure victims are supported, empowered, and included in the criminal justice process.

04/20/2026

How common is crime in the Brainerd Lakes Area?

According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, nearly 600 violent crimes—including homicide, aggravated assault, sexual assault, and robbery—have been reported in the past five years across the Brainerd Lakes Area.

In addition, within just the last year, nearly 2,000 property and personal crimes were reported in Crow Wing County alone. These incidents include theft, arson, simple assault, identity theft, forgery, shoplifting, kidnapping/abduction, criminal sexual conduct, larceny, and more.

These numbers highlight an important reality: crime impacts our community more often than many people realize, affecting individuals, families, and neighborhoods across the region.

Why staying informed matters:

Understanding the scope and frequency of crime in our area is a critical first step toward prevention and support. When community members stay informed, they are better equipped to recognize risks, support victims, and advocate for the resources and services needed to keep our communities safe. Awareness doesn’t just inform—it empowers action.