The Asheville Police Department wants to make sure that anyone affected by crime feels safe and supported. Our Victim Services Unit has two advocates who help victims, witnesses, and their families through difficult times.

How Advocates Can Help You

If you have been a victim of a crime in Asheville and reported it to the police, these services are free and private:

  • Safety planning: Helping you create a plan to stay safe.
  • Basic needs: Connecting you to places that can help with emergency food, clothing, shelter, or rides.
  • Counseling: Connecting you with therapists or support groups.
  • Case updates: Giving you information on the investigation and if the suspect is in jail.
  • Court support: Helping you understand the legal system and going with you to meetings or interviews.
  • Compensation: Helping you apply for victim’s compensation, if it applies to your case.
  • Retrieving items: Helping you get items stored by the police.

Protection orders (Restraining orders)

If someone is hurting you or your child, stalking you, or making you afraid, you can ask the court for protection:

  • 50B order for protection from family members or partners.
  • 50C order for protection from strangers, neighbors, or others (specifically for stalking or sexual assault).

The Victim Services team or the Buncombe County Family Justice Center can show you how to apply for these.

Victim Compensation

If you were a victim of a crime and were not doing anything illegal yourself, you might be able to get money back for medical or counseling bills, funeral costs, and lost pay from work (in some cases). You can apply at ncdps.gov or call 1-(800) 826-6200. The Victim Services team can help you with this process.

Community Resources

Resource
Best for
Phone Number
Buncombe County Family Justice Center All-in-one services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse (828) 250-6900
Our VOICE 24-hour sexual assault crisis line (828) 255-7576
Helpmate 24-hour domestic violence crisis line (828) 254-0516
Mobile Crisis 24-hour mental health crisis support (888) 573-1066
United Way Finding local community resources Dial 211
Pisgah Legal Free or low-cost legal advice for low-income clients (non-criminal cases) (828) 253-0406
Asheville-Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) Crisis, shelter, medical, and jail ministries  (828) 259-5300
Buncombe County Department of Social Services (DSS) Medicaid, food stamps, and emergency services (828) 250-5500

Contact Us

The unit is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Raine Harrison, Victim Services Coordinator, (828) 259-5912, rharrison@ashevillenc.gov

Tammy Jones, Victim Services Coordinator (Family Justice Center), (828) 250-6913, tgjones@ashevillenc.gov