NATIONAL CRIME VICTIM LAW INSTITUTE
PROTECTING, ENFORCING, & ADVANCING VICTIMS’ RIGHTS www.ncvli.org
OUR VISION Too often, crime victims are re-victimized by the very justice system to which they turn for help. This re-victimization happens when their privacy is invaded, when there are unreasonable delays in the process, when they are silenced at plea and sentencing, when their safety is not adequately considered by the courts, and when they bear the financial burden of their own victimization. We are working to change this.
We fight to secure a society in which: • Every crime victim has comprehensive and meaningful legal rights; • Every crime victim can access a knowledgeable attorney for representation; • Every crime victim’s attorney and advocate has access to education, training, and technical support; • Everyone in the justice system is knowledgeable about and respects the legal rights of crime victims; and • The rights of every crime victim are routinely enforced to facilitate meaningful participation in the justice system.
www.NCVLI.org
OUR IMPACT In California, a sexual assault victim had her private Facebook messages and diary subpoenaed by the perpetrator. NCVLI secured a pro bono attorney, who worked with NCVLI to fight for the victim’s right to refuse to disclose her records.
In Washington, a defendant challenged his burglary conviction, arguing it was prejudicial for the adult victim with developmental disabilities to testify with a facility dog. NCVLI filed an amicus brief in support of the victim.
In Ohio, a fraud victim was unable to exercise his rights to confer with the prosecution, to be present at proceedings, or to receive restitution because the case was under seal. NCVLI fought to allow the victim access so that he could exercise his rights.
In the military, NCVLI helped to design and launch the Special Victims Counsel program, and fought in court to ensure that victims can have attorneys by their side.
In Washington D.C., a domestic violence victim was initially denied restitution because the plea agreement included a “victimless” crime. NCVLI assisted the victim’s attorney in the fight for restitution.
OUR TOOLS
National, regional, local, and online TRAININGS on victim law
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE in the form of legal research, writing, strategic advice, and amicus curiae briefing
T QUICK RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT TOOLKIT that guides practitioners through the steps of asserting victims’ rights
Listings of victims’ rights and resources by location and topic in an online VICTIM RESOURCE MAP
OOL
Basic victims’ rights information in short video QUICKTOOLS
VICTIM LAW LIBRARY filled with innovative legal articles
SUPPORTERS’ VOICES “This was about justice for my daughter . . . Having an attorney made all the difference. She was able to give a voice to my daughter.” Mother of a Victim
“If the rights of crime victims are to be vigorously protected and their needs addressed with care and compassion, two things are clear: Crime victims need lawyers and advocates, and their lawyers and advocates need NCVLI.” Attorney
“I continue to seek out assistance from NCVLI on numerous cutting-edge victims’ rights issues simply because no other national victims’ rights organization is as knowledgeable and responsive as NCVLI.” Attorney
“All I can say is thank you [for your work]. . . [Victim] has felt acknowledged and empowered and it has made me feel like I have provided the best services available to the family I am working with.” Advocate
www.NCVLI.org
Make a Difference Join our VICTIMS’ RIGHTS SPEAKERS BUREAU and bring victims’ rights into your community.
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Join our National Alliance of Victims’ Rights Attorneys and Advocates (NAVRA).
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INVEST in victims’ rights and help create a more just system.
www.NCVLI.org
PROTECTING, ENFORCING, & ADVANCING VICTIMS’ RIGHTS
310 SW 4th Ave., Ste. 540 • Portland, OR 97204 ncvli. org • www.ncvli.org 503-768-6819www. • ncvli@lclark.edu