OVC Focus On Series banner Photo of counseling session; shows an older man placing his hand in support on the younger man’s shoulder.


        Victims' Rights

Traditionally preoccupied with prosecuting criminals, the criminal justice system often has neglected to fully acknowledge the rights of victims. However, recently great progress has been made toward incorporating victims' rights and issues into the process. To further this progress, OVC has funded several initiatives to raise awareness of victims' rights and generate support for victims. 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.

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

Conclusion

Because statutes on paper are merely words until they are put into practice, OVC is committed to educating and supporting victims, victim advocates, victim/witness coordinators, prosecutors, judges, courts, and victims' rights attorneys through 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.


Print Full Text icon

Topic-Specific OVC Initiatives

OVC neither endorses, has any responsibility for, nor exercises any control over the organizations' views or the accuracy of the information contained in those pages outside of OVC’s Web site.

National Crime Victim Law Institute

State Legislators’ Victim Education Project

Victims' Rights Compliance Project

Database of Federal, State, and Tribal Victims' Rights Laws

Judicial Education Project

Archive iconThe information on this page is archived and provided for reference purposes only.