Landmarks in Victims’ Rights and Services

CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS IN AMERICA: A HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

The impressive accomplishments, struggles, and victories of the past 32 years of America’s victim assistance discipline are incorporated into this summary document, which for the first time reflects findings from the OVC Oral History Project sponsored by Justice Solutions, the National Organization for Victim Assistance, the National Association of Crime Victims Compensation Boards, and the National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators. It can be reproduced as a document on its own, or incorporated into speeches, brochures, and other public outreach activities sponsored during NCVRW and throughout the year. States can also consider developing their own historical overview that highlights state-specific achievements that have advanced victims’ rights and services.

THE OFFICE FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD

Since 1983, OVC has provided vision, leadership, funding, and substantial support to community- and system-based victim assistance programs, as well as to allied professions, to enhance victims’ rights and services. Key landmarks in public policy and program development are included in this summary, which can be utilized as a stand-alone document or incorporated into other victim and public outreach efforts sponsored during 2004 NCVRW and throughout the year.

THE CRIME VICTIMS FUND: TWO DECADES OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Since 1985, the Crime Victims Fund, established by the Victims of Crime Act passed in 1984, has provided over $5.5 billion to support victim assistance and services. Key accomplishments of the Crime Victims Fund are detailed in this document, which should be utilized to commemorate the 20-year anniversary of the passage of VOCA in conjunction with 2004 NCVRW. Victim assistance programs that have benefited from the VOCA fund should emphasize the difference that VOCA has made in the lives of victims and survivors for the past two decades.