Letter From the Prosecutor

A Message From the Prosecuting Attorney

It is the duty of the Porter County prosecuting attorney to seek justice in all cases. It is also our responsibility to preserve and defend the rights of crime victims. Upon becoming prosecuting attorney in 1991, one of my first orders of business was to increase the presence of the Victim Assistance Program. Its mission remains a simple one: to help guide crime victims through the criminal justice system, seeking their input and keeping them informed of the status of their cases; to aggressively pursue restitution and Victims Compensation for crime victims; and to assist crime victims in obtaining help from social service agencies.

It is impossible to expect crime victims to negotiate the complex maze of the criminal justice system without help. Victim advocates who are knowledgeable about the legal system, and who understand the dynamics of victimization, must be available to give assistance. Through the Victim Assistance Unit and the Domestic Violence Unit of the Porter County prosecuting attorney, help and information are available. Only with the aid of these dedicated professionals can true justice and healing be accomplished. We are proud to assist in making these important services available to the citizens of Porter County.

Victim Assistance Unit

The Victim Assistance Unit consists of five victim advocates who work out of both the Valparaiso and Portage offices. Working closely with the Victim Assistance Unit is the Domestic Violence Unit of the Porter County prosecuting attorney. All victims are encouraged to ask questions and to ask for help from the Victim Assistance Unit. It is the duty of the Porter County prosecuting attorney to seek justice in all cases. It is also our responsibility to preserve and defend the rights of crime victims. Upon becoming prosecuting attorney in 1991, one of my first orders of business was to increase the presence of the Victim Assistance Program. Its mission remains a simple one: to help guide crime victims through the criminal justice system, seeking their input and keeping them informed of the status of their cases; to aggressively pursue restitution and victims compensation for crime victims; and to assist crime victims in obtaining help from social service agencies.

It is impossible to expect crime victims to negotiate the complex maze of the criminal justice system without help. Victim advocates who are knowledgeable about the legal system, and who understand the dynamics of victimization, must be available to give assistance. Through the Victim Assistance Unit and the Domestic Violence Unit of the Porter County prosecuting attorney, help and information is available. Only with the aid of these dedicated professionals can true justice and healing be accomplished. We are proud to assist in making these important services available to the citizens of Porter County.

Brian Gensel
Prosecuting Attorney