Help for Crime Victims and Witnesses From the Berks County DA
The Victim/Witness Assistance Unit of the Berks County District Attorney's Office helps victims and witnesses of crime, and their immediate family members, through the judicial process. Staff serve as advocates for the fundamental rights of crime victims, and all victims are afforded, consistent with the law, the ability to choose their level of participation.
The unit explains the judicial system, gives case information and notification, accompanies you to all court proceedings, prepares you for court testimony, and provides a secure waiting room. Staff help with written or oral victim impact statements, with completing restitution forms, and with filing compensation claims, and they make referrals to community agencies. Court tours are available for children. In adult offender cases you can enroll in the notification program; in juvenile offender cases the unit helps with receiving apology letters. All services are provided free of charge.
The unit also points victims to further information: the Victim Bill of Rights, financial assistance for losses or damages that are a direct result of a criminal act, a flow chart showing the process of a criminal court case, a brief guide for people serving as a witness, Defendant Release Notification so crime victims can get timely information about the custody status of an offender in a county jail or state prison, and the Address Confidentiality Program, through which the Office of Victim Advocate can help with an alternative mailing address to keep your actual home address out of public records. For victims of juvenile crimes, there is also information on the Restitution Incentive Program and the Impact of Crime Class.
The unit is in the Services Center at 633 Court Street, 5th Floor, Reading, PA 19601. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. For general questions, the office number is 610-478-6000. The unit's page also has an "Email Us" link.
The page does not say how services begin, whether you need a referral or an appointment, or how long the help lasts. County buildings are closed on holidays.
Source: berkspa.gov/departments/da/victim-witness, read November 2, 2026.
The details
In Berks County District Attorney's Office’s words
The Victim/Witness Assistance Unit was established to assist victims and witnesses of crime and their immediate family members throughout the judicial justice process. Our mission is to serve as advocates for the enforcement of fundamental rights of crime victims and promote the belief that all victims and witnesses deserve to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect throughout the judicial process. All victims will be afforded, consistent with the law, the ability to choose their level…
Organization
Berks County District Attorney's Office
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This listing summarizes publicly available information from berkspa.gov/departments/da/victim-witness. Last recorded review: November 2, 2026. Contact the provider to confirm eligibility, hours and availability before you go. If something here is wrong, tell us.