MWT Victim Service Program VISION/ MISSION STATEMENT (Keesânum8âôk)
Tribal Victim Services (Cheequneehtamwâeenune8ak anunumâôkanah) developing safety and support thru awareness of, and access to, cultural teachings and understanding of native historical perspectives. To bring a sense of wellbeing (wunây8ôk) for physical, mental, and spiritual healing during times of need. Making sure Victim Rights are foremost in the circle (putuqây8ôk) that connects us.
PURPOSE
The purpose of Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Victim Services is to bring healing and a sense of normalcy to tribal victims of crime. Providing emotional support that encompass traditional teachings and ceremony. Supplying basic physical needs stripped away by crime. Teaching and promoting a sense of caring throughout the community circle.
MASHPEE WAMPANOAG TRIBAL LAW AND ORDER ORDINANCE
Section 4.11 Victim Rights and Advocate Services
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Law and Order Ordinance (2018-ORD-008) addresses Victim Rights. Tribal Members may not be aware that if they are victims of crime they have rights. The Mashpee Wampanoag Victim Services Program goes beyond and offers emergency basic needs for victims of crime and supportive services. Below are Victim Rights written into our Tribal Law.
(a) Victim Rights: A victim of a crime under this Chapter 4 shall be provided a notice of right to the following:
to be treated with dignity, respect, confidentiality, and sensitivity;
to ensure employment protection;
to be informed, including to have a victim’s advocate appointed to assist victim throughout the Tribal Court proceeding. The victim’s advocate will suggest procedures if the victim is subjected to threats or intimidation, provide contacts for further information, and notify the victim of appeal, escape, or if conviction has been reversed and the right to address parole board if applicable;
to an order restraining the abuser from further acts of violence against the victim;
to an order prohibiting the abuser from using or possessing a firearm or other weapon specified by the Tribal Court;
to be reasonably protected from the accused, which includes a separate waiting area or other safeguards to minimize the victim’s contact with defendant, defendant’s relatives and defense witnesses during court proceeding;
to request full and timely restitution as provided by law;
to request a speedy trial and proceedings free from unreasonable delay; and
to provide a victim impact statement to the Tribal Court, which the Tribal Court is required to consider in making sentencing determinations.
Who We Can Help:
Enrolled tribal members residing in the counties of Barnstable, Bristol, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Suffolk.
How We Can Help:
We can assist with emergency shelter, emergency needs such as clothing and food, protective orders, victim compensation, cultural healing, advocacy support, and community resources and services.
