2009 National Crime Victims' Service Awards Call for Nominations

The Office for Victims of Crime is now accepting nominations for the 2009 National Crime Victims’ Service Awards. To learn more about the awards and for nomination information click here.

New Report by Human Rights Watch

A significant new report by Human Rights Watch, “Mixed Results: US Policy and International Standards on the Rights and Interests of Victims of Crime,” reviews current US law and practice against international human rights standards. This is the first report of its kind to compare the United States’ treatment of crime victims to the international standard. The report’s analysis is based on interviews with crime victims, victims’ rights advocates and attorneys, and provides an assessment of international standards and U.S. domestic law. The report finds that while there are many instances in which the U.S.’s treatment of crime victims meets or exceeds international standards, the U.S. has not incorporated many of the recommended international law standards for the treatment of crime victims into its domestic criminal justice systems. Specifically, HRW called on all jurisdictions in the U.S. to ensure that the definition of “victim” in state and federal law does not arbitrarily deny victims of crime access to their rights. The report ultimately concludes that that much more can be done in the U.S. to ensure that victims’ rights and their legitimate interests in the criminal justice systems are upheld.

NCVLI is Awarded Two Federal Grants

NCVLI is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a two year grant of $4,248,155 by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime. Most of the grant will go to allow NCVLI to continue its support of its nationwide network of eight direct-service, pro bono clinics serving crime victims and establish up to four new clinics. (Watch NCVLI’s website in the coming weeks for information of a Request for Proposals.) These funds will also continue NCVLI’s on-call legal technical assistance to attorneys, advocates, and criminal justice professionals nationwide; training and education programs on crime victims’ rights; a bi-annual newsletter; and the annual Law & Litigation Conference. Over the years NCVLI’s network of clinics has represented over a thousand crime victims as they assert and seek enforcement of their rights. This grant will ensure that even more victims receive expert assistance.

In other good news, NCVLI was awarded a grant of $150,000 by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). This two-year grant will allow NCVLI to provide training and legal technical assistance to OVW grantees across the nation that provide direct legal services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and/or dating violence. Because the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was only recently amended to allow for assistance to these victims in criminal courts—as opposed to civil courts—the grantees should benefit immensely from NCVLI’s expertise. NCVLI will partner with the American Bar Association Commission on Domestic Violence and the Victims Rights Law Center on many of the trainings.

Congratulations to Russell Butler - Recipient of an Award for Legal Excellence

NCVLI would like to congratulate Russell Butler of the Maryland Crime Victims Resource Center, who has been awarded one the Maryland Bar Foundation's 2008 Legal Excellence Award! Specifically, the award for Advancement of Public Understanding of the Law.

Russell works tirelessly on behalf of crime victims in Maryland and nationwide in courts, legislatures, and the realm of public education. He is a true inspiration and it is fantastic that his work has been recognized. Thank you for all you do Russell!

Catherine Harper Lee Recognized by People Magazine

The September 8, 2008 issue of People Magazine features a tribute to Catherine Harper Lee, founder of the Justice League of Ohio. Recognized in the magazine as a “Hero Among Us,” Harper Lee tells her own story and the reasons she established the Justice League of Ohio. NCVLI is thrilled to see a heroine like Cathy being recognized for her outstanding work on behalf of crime victims. Congratulations Cathy!

2009 VOCA Funding Update