FAQs
Q: I have whiplash, and I'm not badly injured, can you help me?
A; MADD Victim Advocates are available to anyone who has been affected by an impaired driver. That includes people whose lawn has been damaged by a drunken teen driver to those severely injured or whose friend or family member has been killed.
Q: I don't know if alcohol was involved in the crash should I still call you?
A: MADD's main concern is impaired driving but we are here to support any victims of any crimes. Also, we might be able to make some inquiries about the facts that are available.
Q: What about my family? I feel like they're victims, too.
A: Well, you are right. The pain and devastation of being involved in a crash goes far beyond the direct victim. Our support is available to family, friends and communities.
Q: I don't know who to call next, I feel so alone, what should I do?
A: A MADD Victim Advocate will ask you some questions about the circumstances of the crash, and help you decide which agency is appropriate for you at the present time. We can give you numbers, or even make calls for you asking for information.
Q: Our family is suffering emotionally from this. Where do I turn?
A: MADD has free beneficial books and brochures that many be helpful in understanding what is happening to you.
The Minnesota State Office also has a lending library that contains books on grief and injury for adults and children.
We can help you contact appropriate referrals that can assist you beyond MADD.
Q: This crash has caused us so much financial burden. I don't know what to do.
A: A MADD Victim Advocate can assist you in filing applications to the State of Minnesota for funds that are available for victims of violent crimes.
Q: I'm not getting any answers from law enforcement. What should I do?
A: A MADD Victim Advocate will attend all court appearances with you and give you support. There are a few people who choose to stay away from court proceedings. A MADD Victim Advocate will attend those proceedings and give you a report of what went on.
Q: When do I get to tell the drunk driver how I feel?
A: A Victim Impact Statement can be read at the time of sentencing. A MADD Victim Advocate will give you a workbook to help you with the statement, and help you write it, if you choose.
A while after the sentencing some people have chosen to work through Restorative Justice and meet with the offender. MADD can support you through that process as well.
Q: Who can I turn to when all the court appearances and everything is over? I'll feel so empty.
A: Our MADD Victim Services are available as long as you want and need them. Some people are still in contact with MADD after twenty years!
Q: What can I say to my neighbor who drinks and then drives with the children in the car?
A: Please call the police to protect the children. MADD can send you information about child endangerment. It is a serious problem in our country.
Q: I'm in a nursing home or I don't have transportation, and I can't get to your office.
A: MADD will make arrangements to come to you when it is convenient for you, day or evening.
Q: I hear so much about Victims Rights. Do I have any?
A: A MADD Victim Advocate will send you information outlining your rights; some of which include knowing about court dates and plea agreements.
Q: Will an attorney or someone from the prosecutor's office call me?
A: MADD Victim Advocates have a relationship with people in the prosecutor's office and will help you make contact with them.
Q: How much will MADD services cost me?
A: Nothing. MADD Victim Advocates are free of charge. In addition there is no time limit to the amount of help and assistance MADD provides.
Upcoming Events:
All meetings are held at the St. Paul office unless otherwise noted.
May 18
Volunteer Orientation
May 25
Victim/Survivor Support Group
June 12
Walk Like MADD 5k
June 22
Summer Memorial
June 29
Volunteer Orientation
July 27
Victim/Survivor Support Group
August 10
Volunteer Orientation
August 21
A Day of Hope and Healing
August 24
Victim/Survivor Support Group