Victims' Rights Initiatives

The criminal justice system traditionally has been preoccupied with prosecuting criminals and, as a result, has often neglected to fully acknowledge the rights of victims. However, the criminal justice system has made great progress at incorporating victims' rights and issues into its process in recent years. To further this progress, OVC has funded several initiatives to raise awareness of victims' rights and generate support for victims. Because these initiatives share the common goal of expanding compliance with victims' rights, each in some fashion supports the others. The projects also support OVC's training and education efforts as well as the development of programs that help victims understand and assert their rights—therefore improving victims' access to the criminal justice system.

See the box at the right for detailed information about OVC's initiatives in this area.

Conclusion

OVC recognizes that statutes on paper are merely words until they are put into practice. As a result, OVC is committed to educating and supporting victims, victim advocates, victim/witness coordinators, prosecutors, judges, courts, and victims' rights attorneys in initiatives that facilitate victim access to the criminal justice system and build the capacity of victim service organizations to advocate for and uphold victims' rights.

Focus On Home | Report to the Nation 2003 | OVC Home