Victim Impact Panel
The Victim Impact Panel (VIP) program started six years ago at the Treasure State Correctional Training Center (boot camp) in Deer Lodge. The VIP forces offenders to face the harm their criminal behavior has caused others. Survivors of felonies have volunteered to reveal how crime has affected them, their families and their communities. They confront the offenders one-on-one, helping them take responsibility.
Anita Richards, a homicide survivor and co-chair of the DOC Crime Victims Advisory Council, started the program along with former TSCTC Superintendent Dan Burden.
The Victim Impact Panel occurs every six weeks.
The Department of Corrections is always looking for volunteers to participate on the Victim Impact Panel (VIP). Crime victims/survivors who are ready to share their stories with other victims and offenders, or who would like more information, may contact Tony Heaton, Superintendent, TSCTC, 1100 Conley Lake Road, Deer Lodge, MT 59722; (406) 846-1320 Ext. 2100; email: Tony Heaton
For more information about other victim services and volunteer opportunities for survivors, contact Sally Hilander, Victim Information Specialist, at the Department of Corrections, P.O. Box 201301, Helena, MT 59620-1320; (406) 444-7461; email: Sally Hilander
