Two different methods of investigation were employed to answer the following questions: (1) were victims being notified of their rights; (2) were they encouraged to participate in the criminal justice system at all stages; and (3) were they receiving protection from harm that may result from participation in the system. The first method of investigation was a survey of victims whose perpetrators had been arrested for felony cases that were tried within the past 2 years. The second method of investigation was an analysis of victims’ rights and the agencies responsible for protecting and upholding those rights. Results show that, in regard to victims of felonies, the State’s notification program is among the best in the Nation, reaching the vast majority of victims as their perpetrators’ cases go through the system. However, victim notification falls off as the case progresses and does not include the offenders’ final release from prison. Challenges remain in regard to victims of misdemeanors. Victims of misdemeanants are not regularly and routinely notified of their rights or the progress of their offenders’ cases through the criminal justice system. In regard to victim participation, the vast majority of victims remain on the sideline. Victim participation is limited to the submission of written victim impact statements by approximately a third of victims of felonies. Although most victims feel encouraged by victim advocates to submit impact statements, most feel no similar encouragement to participate by police, prosecutors, judges, or correctional officials. Victims’ financial losses caused by crimes are routinely ignored by the criminal justice system. Victim protection remains the greatest unmet challenge facing Rhode Island. Recommendations include police providing all crime victims with a written summary of the rights and services available to them; victim restitution for out of pocket losses; and bail laws amended to require judges to consider the level of future danger a defendant would pose to the victim. 51 footnotes, 2 appendices