Six Clinics Will Increase Victim Access To No Cost Legal Services
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After a competitive national selection process, the National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI), with funding from the federal Office of Victims of Crime, has announced the six locations that will increase awareness of victims’ rights and increase victim access to no cost legal services through an expanded body of attorneys knowledgeable about rights assertion and enforcement in criminal trial and appellate courts. Located in Arizona, Florida, District of Columbia, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio, it is anticipated that the Clinics will begin serving victims under their Projects in the fall of 2019.
“Victims’ rights have existed for decades but too often victims do not know they have rights, and even when they are aware of them, they do not know how to activate them,” said Meg Garvin, Executive Director of NCVLI. “The Rise Project will ensure victims can access no cost attorneys to secure their rights so that they can meaningfully participate.”
“Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center (OCVJC) is honored to have been selected by the National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI) and the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), for the Rights In Systems Enforced (RISE) Project,” said Cathy Harper Lee, Executive Director of OCVJC. “We are excited to begin work with our partners, NCVLI, OVC, and Legal Aid of Western Ohio on this very important project to provide crime victims’ access to no cost legal services to protect and enforce their rights.”
“The thought of engaging in legal systems following the traumatic experience of victimization is often overwhelming, which is why NVRDC provides support and services to survivors not only in the immediate aftermath of a crime, but also throughout their recovery,” said Bridgette Stumpf, Executive Director and Co-Founder of NVRDC. “We know the devastating long-term effects unaddressed traumas can have on families and communities which is why we are incredibly honored that NCVLI and the Department of Justice have chosen to support NVRDC’s critical work supporting the DC community.”
Read the full Press Release.
Stay up to date on their progress by visiting the Project webpage.
