La Crosse County District Attorney

Victim Witness Staff
Victim Witness Coordinator, Donna Walters - donna.walters@da.wi.gov
Victim Witness Specialist, Kate Stegemeyer - katherine.stegemeyer@da.wi.gov

The Victim-Witness Program is a unit within the La Crosse County District Attorney's Office. The Victim Witness Unit provides a variety of assistance, resources and support to victims of crime while they are involved in the criminal justice system. The Victim-Witness staff consists of a Coordinator, Specialist and a Clerk who provide assistance in the following areas:

Information about your rights as a victim

Specific information regarding your case

Initial notification of the status of your case, by mail, and if requested continuing notification

Assisting with determining restitution

Assistance in applying for Crime Victims Compensation; applications can be downloaded from www.doj.state.or.us/crimeVcomp

Processing of witness fees

Expediting the return of property held as evidence

Assistance in preparing Victim Impact Statements

Accompany you in the courtroom

Provide emotional support

Provide referrals to social service agencies, professional counselors, or other community resources

Assistance with travel and lodging for out of town witnesses

Explanation of the Criminal Justice System, Court Proceedings and Criminal Documents

Victims who survive and witnesses who are courageous enough to come forward turn to the legal system for justice. They often need someone to turn to for emotional support. The emotional and/or physical injury and financial loss are frightening and often devastating. Often, they receive little support from an overburdened criminal justice system. This is where the Victim-Witness Program steps in and assists. The program welcomes walk-ins and receives a very high volume of call-ins.

Area Resources

Great Rivers 211

Gundersen Crime Victim Services
(608) 775-5557

Gundersen Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault 24-hour Crisis Line
(608) 775-5950

Link to Gundersen Crime Victim Services (http://www.gundersenhealth.org/behavioral-health/crime-victim-services)

New Horizons Shelter and Women’s Center
Office Phone (608) 791-2600,
Crisis Line: 1-888-231-0066
nh@nhagainstabuse.org

Safe Path –
Services for Sexual Assault or Domestic Violence Victims
(608) 392-7804

Wisconsin & Federal Crime Victim Links