More Than a Number: Resource guide for victims
Tragedy can strike anyone, and this guide is meant to help victims and families find a sense of control immediately after.
WBIR
This is a resource guide for victims of crimes in East Tennessee. No matter what happened, the people reading this guide are likely facing challenging times. It is meant to help them navigate the types of organizations and services available to help them heal.
The guide is part of More Than A Number, an initiative to give victims and families more control over the steps that follow tragedy. As part of the initiative, WBIR wants to make sure families have immediate contact information for the organizations in East Tennessee striving to help people recover.
In addition to this resource guide, families and victims can find a family form. It's also part of the More Than A Number initiative and is meant to immediately connect people with our reporters — giving them a chance to share how a tragedy impacted them as the story is shared with the community.
Keep scrolling below to find some of the steps victims and families should take immediately following an incident, as well as contact information for organizations that can provide vital resources.
The First Steps
Whatever happened, it's shocking. Families and victims may not know what to do after a tragedy when the police leave and the next day comes. Below are some general steps that apply to most tragedies, which can help people start the recovery process and find some control in the situation.
Notify friends and family
After finishing with any responding authorities, whether they be law enforcement, medical or any other kind — people should reach out to the loved ones of anyone affected. Reaching out can include sending a text message, making a phone call or messaging them on social media. Getting information out about a tragedy can help everyone impacted work closer together to respond, and will help consolidate relevant information for the next steps.
Reach out to homeowner's insurance
If a tragedy involves a violent situation, like murder or assault, then it's also possible for a person's home to have been impacted. Reaching out to insurance providers and notifying them about the situation can help victims quickly find financial relief. They should be sure to document any damage and be as detailed as possible in describing what happened to the insurance company.
Notify the victim's employer
Family members should reach out to the business or people whom the victim worked for and ask about any benefits or pay that may be relevant following a tragedy. Make sure to ask about life insurance policy information, disability benefits and any pay that may be due including vacation and sick paid time off.
Documents families should seek out
Following a tragedy, families will need to collect some documents and information pertinent to insurance benefits, funeral arrangements and how the victim's items will be handled. A list of relevant documents that families should seek out is available below.
- Death certificate (get multiple copies)
- Life insurance policy information
- Social Security information
- Homeowners Insurance
- Victim’s will
The Tennessee Department of Treasury offers a last-resort resource to financially help victims of violent crime and their families. Dependent relatives of victims may be eligible for reimbursement of medical expenses, lost wages or other costs related to a crime.
It's named the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund and may cover expenses like funeral expenses or crime scene clean-up. Victims of sexually-oriented crimes may also be eligible for up to $3,000 for pain and suffering, and it offers up to $1,250 in travel expenses for trials.
To be eligible, crimes must be reported to authorities within 48 hours unless the victim is a minor, or there is "good cause" for a crime not to be reported quickly. The crime also must have happened in Tennessee, and the victim's actions can't contribute to the crime. Claims also need to be filed within two years of the crime, unless there is also good cause can be established for not doing so.
The fund does not cover costs that can be covered by another source. The costs not covered by the fund can include costs from traveling to doctor appointments or damaged property. People keep receipts and records of any eligible expense to help make sure their claim is processed quickly and accurately.
People can file a claim online through the state's website. The fund has a limit to the amount paid out for each expense.
Victims' Rights
According to the Knox County District Attorney General, Tennessee offers a specific list of rights victims are entitled to after a crime. Those rights are available below.
- The right to confer with the prosecution.
- The right to be free from intimidation, harassment and abuse throughout the criminal justice system.
- The right to be present at all proceedings where the defendant has the right to be present.
- The right to be heard, when relevant, at all critical stages of the criminal justice process as defined by the General Assembly.
- The right to be informed of all proceedings, and of the release, transfer or escape of the accused or convicted person.
- The right to a speedy trial or disposition and a prompt and final conclusion of the case after the conviction or sentence.
- The right to restitution from the offender.
- The right to be informed of each of the rights established for victims.
The Knox County District Attorney General's Office also offers lawyers to help victims navigate the criminal justice process. It said victims do not need to hire a private attorney for criminal proceedings. People covered in the office's jurisdiction can reach out to the office to find out more about which Assistant District Attorney will handle their case and their Victim/Witness Coordinator.
People may want to hire a private attorney during a civil case. The Knoxville Bar Association offers a referral service for anyone looking for an attorney. People can call the association to learn more about it, at 865-522-7501.
If appearing in court, victims should make sure to dress cleanly and appropriately. Clothing and appearance cannot "disrupt the judicial process." No shorts, short skirts, tank tops or torn jeans are allowed in court. Neither are hats or non-prescription sunglasses, except for medical or religious reasons.
People should also make sure not to miss their court date, especially if they are issued a subpoena. Failing to show up for court can result in a warrant being issued.
Metal detectors are also set up at the City County Building, where most trials take place. Nothing that can be considered a weapon is allowed inside.
In the courtroom, people also make sure not to read, talk, chew gum, make distracting noise or do anything else that may distract people. Food and drinks are not allowed inside courtrooms, and children under 6 years old are not allowed inside unless they are part of the case. Victim Coordinators may be able to help victims find childcare if they need it.
Smoking is not allowed in any public area of the court buildings. Victims are also not allowed to communicate with inmates in court.
Resources and Services
Tragedies are costly, and families may wonder how to pay for bills or groceries after one. They may also wonder how to pay for services needed after a crime, such as counseling or transportation. Some home insurance policies also offer resources for incidents, and people should ask providers if their policies offer any benefits for their situations.
People can also call the Social Services Hotline during business hours, at 211. By calling the number, people will be connected with social service experts who may be able to guide them to services. Tennessee Voices for Victims also helps coordinate general services and resources across the state.
There are organizations in East Tennessee that offer services and resources to help families recover. Basic information about contacting them is available below.
GROCERIES
Second Harvest Food Bank: info@secondharvestetn.org, 865-521-0000
- Second Harvest also offers an online map of associated food banks across East Tennessee. It is organized by county.
Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee: 865-546-3500, supplementprogram@cacnutrition.org
- The Knoxville-Knox CAC also offers a variety of nutrition assistance programs, including ones targeted at helping seniors and a mobile affordable meal service.
MENTAL HEALTH
McNabb Center: 1-800-255-9711
- The McNabb Center offers a range of mental health services, including a crisis hotline. Anyone who needs to immediately talk to someone can call the center at 865-539-2409 to connect with them.
- Victim Services are also available, including a domestic violence crisis hotline at 865-637-8000.
- There is a Homicide Loss Support Group available as well.
Hope for Victims: 865-924-3480, hopeforvictims@gmail.com
TRANSPORTATION
Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee: cactrips@cactrans.org, 865-524-0319
UTILITIES
Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee: A variety of different programs, as well as applications for them and their eligibility requirements, is available through the Knoxville-Knox County CAC website.
HOUSING
Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee: 865-244-3080
- Most of the organization's housing programs focus on repairs and energy efficiency. People should make sure to call during regular business hours.
LEGAL AID
Legal Aid of East Tennessee: 865-637-0484
- There is an online form people can fill out to ask for information.
CHILDCARE
Childhelp Children's Center of East Tennessee: 865-637-1753, kbender@childhelp.org
Family Form
Some tragedies attract media attention. Family members and friends may receive emails and phone calls after a person's death from reporters asking if they would be interested in speaking about the victim.
As part of the More Than A Number initiative, WBIR wants to give people a chance to make sure they only speak with reporters when they are ready.
Families and friends can fill out the form below to send WBIR their contact information, as well as basic details about when they would be available for an interview — only if they would like to speak with a reporter.
When you are ready, please fill out the form below. A reporter will reach out at the time you indicate is best for you.