Washington State and US Government Agencies
That Can Help If You Have Been Harassed or Assaulted at School
This page was last updated on 06/15/11. If you know of errors please click here to let us know.Washington State Resources:
Malicious Harassment is a Class C Felony in Washington State. See RCW 9A.36.080. See the law: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9A.36.080
The Office of Crime Victims Advocacy (OCVA): serves as a voice within government for the needs of crime victims in Washington State. Address: Washington State Department of Commerce, Office of Crime Victims Advocacy, P.O. Box 48304, 906 Columbia St. S.W., Olympia, WA 98504-8304; Direct Service Phone Line: (800) 822-1067; Fax: (360) 586-7176. Email: ocva@cted.wa.gov; Website: http://www.ocva.wa.gov/
OCVA Victims of Crime Act Program's purpose is to support the provision of services to victims of crime in Washington State. These services include:
responding to the emotional and physical needs of crime victims
assisting primary and secondary victims of crime to stabilize their lives after a victimization
assisting victims to understand and participate in the criminal justice system
providing victims of crime with a measure of immediate safety and security.
The Office of the Education Ombudsman (OEO): helps solve conflict and problems between Washington families and elementary and secondary public schools. It is part of the Governor's Office and function independently from the public school system. Address: 155 N.E. 100th St. #210, Seattle, WA 98125-8012; Toll-free phone: (866) 297-2597, Phone interpreter services available; Office phone: (206) 729-3232; Fax: (206) 729-3251; Email: OEOinfo@gov.wa.gov (Please note: To protect your confidentiality and that of your student, OEO does not accept requests for conflict resolution assistance via email); Website: http://www.governor.wa.gov/oeo/
- Ombudsmen are impartial. They advocate for fair and equitable processes that support student academic success.
- In many cases, problems with public schools can be solved by following the school's established grievance processes. If there are no conflict resolution processes in your school district or if you have made reasonable efforts to resolve the problem by talking to school officials and it remains unresolved, you should contact OEO.
- Only students or parents/legal guardians of students who are currently enrolled or eligible to be enrolled in elementary or secondary public schools may request assistance of the OEO. Anyone who has questions about the public education system can contact Office of the Education Ombudsman (OEO) to speak with an ombudsman.
- OEO does not provide legal advice or legal services, and cannot help with cases involving elected officials (such as school board members), allegations of educator professional misconduct, or conflict involving private schools, preschools, child care centers, private organizations, businesses, colleges or universities.
Washington State Crime Victims Compensation Program (CVCP): If you are a victim of a violent crime, and you suffered physical or psychological injury, you may be eligible for assistance through the CVCP. Website: http://www.lni.wa.gov/ClaimsIns/CrimeVictims/
Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC): Website: http://www.hum.wa.gov/
United States Federal Resources:
The Matthew Shepard/James Byrd, Jr.,Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009: If you or someone you know has been the victim of a hate crime based on sexual orientation or gender identity, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) may be able to help you. The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 gives the FBI authority to investigate violent hate crimes, including violence directed at the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. Website:
http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/investigate/civilrights/hate_crimes/shepard-byrd-act-brochureThe United States Department of Justice: United States Attorneys: conduct most of the trial work in which the United States is a party under Title 28, Section 547 of the United States Code: the prosecution of criminal cases brought by the Federal government; the prosecution and defense of civil cases in which the United States is a party; and the collection of debts owed the Federal government which are administratively uncollectible. Website: http://www.justice.gov/usao/
The US Department of Justice Eastern District of Washington State: Website: http://www.justice.gov/usao/wae/
The US Department of Justice Western District of Washington State: Website: http://www.justice.gov/usao/waw/