Rights Development

As the only national legal organization focusing on victims’ rights enforcement, NCVLI continues to be recognized a the leader regarding crafting of model victim law.

For instance, NCVLI worked closely with Congress to pass the statutory Crime Victims’ Rights Act of 2004, 18 U.S.C. § 3771, even being named in its legislative history. In addition, NCVLI provided leadership to ensure the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), allows for representation and services under to extend into criminal courts. NCVLI also routinely provides guidance to state legislatures and advocates on victim legislation. Most recently, NCVLI has been engaged in providing consultation on an Oregon Constitutional Amendment to provide enforceable rights, which successfully led to a provision that was referred to the people on the May 2007 ballot with a unanimous vote in the Oregon House and Senate.