What is General Crime?

Under Minnesota law, a crime victim is defined as a person who incurs loss or harm as a result of a crime. A victim includes the family member, guardian, or custodian of a minor, incompetent, incapacitated, or deceased person. Minnesota Statutes section 611A, subdivision 1.

Law enforcement agencies are required to notify victims of certain victim rights and local resources at initial contact. Prosecutors are required to provide a notice of rights to victims once charges have been filed. Minnesota Statutes section 611A, subdivision 2.

We can assist you if you’ve experienced any of the following crimes:

• Arson or other property damage
• Identity theft
• Robbery
• Gun violence
• Homicide (surviving family members)
• Burglary
• Elder abuse
• Fraud
• Assault
• Auto theft
• Victim of Impaired Drivers
• Bias/Hate Crimes
• Vandalism
• Labor Trafficking
• Other crimes against people or property

The General Crime Program’s mission is to assist victims of general crime. This does not include domestic violence, sexual violence, or human trafficking. If you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, or sex trafficking and would like to speak to an advocate, please reach out to the 24/7 crisis line at 1-866-223-1111.

As a victim of crime, there are certain rights you have as your case makes its way through the criminal court process. You can read the Minnesota State Statute for Crime Victims here. Our General Crime Victim Services advocates can interpret the law and explain crime victim rights. Additionally, we can offer emotional support, help you to address safety concerns, and provide you with resources and referrals.

The legal system can be overwhelming and confusing, but there are options available to victims of crime. We can help you determine if a restraining order is right for you and connect you with a Cornerstone advocate who can assist you in filing an order. Cornerstone advocates can also accompany you to criminal court proceedings and civil court hearings for emotional support. While we are not attorneys, we can connect you to other organizations who can help with legal representation.

If you are experiencing additional expenses as a result of a crime, funds may be available to crime victims throughout the state of Minnesota. Cornerstone’s advocates can help you file a claim for reparations or apply for emergency funds. Emergency funds cover emergency basic needs in the aftermath of a crime for general crime victims and does not cover domestic violence, sexual violence, or sex trafficking.

Cornerstone’s licensed therapists have expertise in helping adults and children 6-17 process traumatic events, identify triggers, and provide healthy coping skills. Our therapy team uses a trauma-informed approach as they listen to and support you. We can help you with a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, or disrupted family functioning. Therapy is offered on a sliding fee scale. 

Cornerstone offers support for crime victims. Our General Crime Victim Services team has specialized training and access to resources for people who’ve experienced a crime and are seeking help. Contact us to learn what options are available to crime victims in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota. We can help you process what you’ve experienced, learn your rights, address safety concerns, and potentially apply for financial support — whether or not you’ve connected to police and law enforcement.

If you are the victim of a general crime that occurred in Minnesota and have incurred additional expenses or financial hardship due to the crime, you are eligible to apply for emergency funding. You don’t need to report to or be involved with law enforcement to be eligible. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Emergency funds do not cover domestic violence, sexual violence, or sex trafficking.

Emergency funds cover basic needs in the immediate aftermath of a crime. Examples of items covered include: impound fees for stolen cars, minor home and car repairs due to a crime, home security cameras, rent assistance, replacement of stolen items that meet a basic need, food and gas, and more. If you have questions on what is covered, please reach out to us.  

Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. There is a maximum assistance of $1,000 per crime. 

Emergency funds do not cover domestic violence, sexual violence or sex trafficking. 

Emergency funds can only cover impound fees for stolen vehicles or vehicles that were impounded due to a crime. Vehicles that have been used in the commission of a crime and impounded are not eligible. Vehicles that were impounded due to parking restrictions or snow removal are not eligible. Impound fees for vehicles stolen out of state and recovered in Minnesota are not eligible.