FAIRFIELD, IOWA -- One Heartland resident is starting a support group for victims of non-violent crimes.

Lila Williams of Fairfield suffered the theft of $57,000 worth of product from her business two years ago.

She says she was satisfied with the judicial process, but not so much with states services, or lack there of.

Iowa offers programs and compensation for victims of violent crimes, but currently lacks programs for non-violent victims.

“I think a lot of victims of non violent crimes feel (abandoned by the government after the legal process). The Department of Corrections leans towards getting the felon a good job, trying to get them an education, try to get them to be contributing members of society again,” said Williams.

After the legal process, Williams says she feels the court focuses on helping the criminal, not the victim.

“And the way they have told me they see it is that they want to keep them from making another crime.  And the way to keep them from making another crime is good education, good job, just … get their lives back together again.  There isn’t that kind of help for the victim,” Williams said.

KTVO checked with the Crime Victim Assistance Division with the Iowa Attorney General’s Office and they said they have no statutory authority for these programs.

Bob Brammer from the Attorney General’s office said he likes the idea and the idea of people taking their own initiative, but he said for the state to do that it would take enormous resources and they are already swamped with violent crime victims.

Victims of non-violent crimes such as Williams cannot receive the services available from the state if they were a victim of domestic abuse, rape, or other violent crimes even though there are still some after affects.

“None of these services are rendered to victims of non-violent crimes.  When you become a victim of a non-violent crime there can be a sense of betrayal, depression, shock.  That is hard to get over,” Williams said.

In addition to offering support for other victims like her, Williams looks to raise awareness and make some changes with the state. 

Some of the changes relate to voting rights, continued probation until restitution complete, let the victims voice and opinions be heard, provide counseling and financial aid for non-violent victims, and charge interest on the balance of restitution.

If you are interested in joining Lila’s support group or for more information, you may reach Lila at 641-233-8022 or email her at lila@lisco.com.