Victim Services Program

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Mission Statement

The mission of Morongo Victim Services (the “Program”) is to ensure the rights of all individuals to a safe and secure environment and to empower those who are being oppressed by reducing trauma and ending revictimization in the protection of future generations.

Why should you consider contacting the Program?

• There are no charges or income eligibility requirements for our services.
• The staff does everything possible to protect prospective and existing clients’ confidentiality and recognizing the effect(s) of trauma on clients.
• Our services are offered in culturally sensitive and trauma-informed way.

About the Program

The Program is comprised of an Attorney, Case Manager and Legal Advocate who provides access to services that enhance victim safety and to identify and work to resolve obstacles that may impede victim/survivors’ access to resources within the county, human services, social services, civil and criminal justice system, including tribal community resources.

All of the services of the Program are cost-free and there are no income guidelines. The primary service area will be for all victim survivors at risk or suffering from incidents of crime residing within the exterior boundaries of the Morongo Indian Reservation.  The Program can also provide general information and referrals to individuals for services located in other counties or Tribal Nations.

You may be eligible for assistance if you are:
Primary Victim – you have been injured by an act of violence, including while trying to assist a victim or prevent a violent crime from occurring;
Secondary Victim – you were injured through witnessing an act of violence, or you are a parent or guardian injured as a result of learning about an act of violence committed against your child; or
Related Victim – you were a close family member, dependent, or a person who had an intimate relationship with a person who died as a result of an act of violence.

• Information and Referral
• Personal Advocacy/ Accompaniment
• Emotional Support of Safety Services
• Shelter/Relocation Services
• Criminal/Civil Justice Assistance
• Training and Community Awareness
• 24-hour hotline

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior used by one person to gain power and control over another within a close relationship, such as a partner, spouse, or family member.

It can take many forms, including:

• Physical abuse: hitting, slapping, pushing, choking
• Emotional or psychological abuse: threats, insults, intimidation, manipulation
• Sexual abuse: forced or coerced sexual acts
• Financial abuse: controlling money or preventing someone from working
• Verbal abuse: yelling, name-calling
• Social or digital abuse: isolation, monitoring phones or social media

Domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, culture, or background. It often happens repeatedly and may get worse over time.

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is any sexual contact or behavior that happens without a person’s clear, voluntary consent. If someone is pressured, forced, threatened, manipulated, or unable to agree, it is sexual assault.

“Sexual violence is never the victim’s fault.”

If you need support, reach out to our confidential 24-hour helpline.

What is Stalking?

Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention or behavior that makes someone feel afraid, unsafe, or harassed.

It’s not a one-time event. Stalking keeps happening and crosses boundaries, even after the person has shown they want it to stop.

Stalking can include:

• Repeated unwanted texts, calls, DMs, or emails
• Following someone or showing up where they are without permission
• Watching, tracking, or monitoring someone (in person or online)
• Sending unwanted gifts or messages after being told to stop
• Spreading rumors or trying to control who someone talks to
• Using technology to track someone’s location or activity

“You deserve to feel safe.”

If you need support, reach out to our confidential 24-hour helpline.

Types of Victimization

The DOJ Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) supports services for victims of many crimes, prioritizing violent crimes like homicide, sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking, and elder abuse, but also covers fraud, identity theft, drunk driving and technology-facilitated abuse, alongside broader issues like mass violence and terrorism. OVC funded programs provide services and resources to victims of crime such as advocacy, counseling, legal aid, emergency shelter or relocation, access to civil and criminal justice resources and court accompaniment.    

Eligible Crimes Covered by OVC Programs:

Violent Crimes: Homicide, rape, sexual assault, robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault, domestic violence, child abuse/neglect, elder abuse, gang violence.

Crimes Involving Threats/Fear: Stalking, harassment, bullying, teen dating violence.

Financial/Economic Crimes: Identity theft, fraud, and exploitation (especially for elders).

Technology-Facilitated Crimes: Cyberbullying, online harassment, image-based sexual abuse (child pornography), non-consensual sharing of intimate images (NCII), deepfakes, online extortion, and stalking.

Public Safety & Other incidents: Missing and Murdered Indigenous People’s, Victims of Drunk Driving (DUI/DWI), mass violence, terrorism, child abduction, hate crimes, adult physical assault, Arson, burglary and robbery.  

Human Trafficking: Sex and Labor Trafficking.

How We Can Help

The support services we offer play a critical role in helping individuals affected by violence stay safe, understand their options, and begin recovery. These services are confidential and non-judgmental.

• Emergency Shelter/Relocation Services
• Emergency basic needs
• Legal Assistance
• Restraining Orders
• Transportation
• Therapy
• Advocacy
• Transitional Housing
• 24-hour Helpline

Contacts & Resources