Connecticut Office of the Victim Advocate

OVERVIEW The Office of the Victim Advocate (OVA) was statutorily established in 1998 as an independent state agency charged with the promotion and protection of the constitutional and statutory rights of crime victims in Connecticut. Among its many responsibilities, the OVA provides oversight of state and private agencies, and advocacy to crime victims when a violation of their rights is at issue. In order to fulfill its mandate, the OVA receives and reviews complaints of persons concerning the actions of any state agency or other entity that provides services to crime victims. When appropriate, the OVA may also initiate formal investigations into the circumstances of a complaint so as to remedy the concern in a systemic manner. As part of its enforcement abilities, the Victim Advocate is statutorily authorized to file a limited special appearance in any court proceeding for the purpose of advocating for a victim when their rights have been violated. In addition, as part of its advocacy efforts, the OVA conducts programs of public education on the rights of crime victims, undertakes legislative advocacy when necessary, and recommends systemic changes in state policies to ensure the proper treatment and protection of crime victims. The Office of the Victim Advocate currently operates under the following statute when determining who is a "victim of crime" or "crime victim:" C.G.S. Sec. 1-1k: Except as otherwise provided by the general statutes, "victim of crime" or "crime victim" means an individual who suffers direct or threatened physical, emotional or financial harm as a result of a crime and includes immediate family members of a minor, incompetent individual or homicide victim and a person designated by a homicide victim in accordance with section 1-56r. MISSION STATEMENT The Office of the Victim Advocate (OVA), seeks to ensure that the victims of crime become an integral part of the criminal justice system. Through public education of the rights and services available to crime victims, collaboration with law enforcement and service providers, as well as court and legislative advocacy, the OVA believes that the voices of crime victims will become a necessary component of our state.