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Crime Victims Assistance
The state of Ohio has promised crime victims and in some cases, their families, certain rights in connection with our justice system. The Attorney General for the state of Ohio, stands with crime victims to protect their dignity and to ensure that they are empowered to act on these rights. Providing these programs is the least that society can do to help redress the wrong and injury victims have suffered.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner/Sexual Assault Response Team
In conjunction with the Ohio Chapter of the International Association of Forensic Nurses and the Ohio Department of Health, the Attorney General’s Office has created a video that helps train Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners – nurses who have been specifically trained and educated to provide comprehensive care regarding the specific medical and forensic needs of sexual assault patients. These nurses united with other medical professionals to create a Sexual Assault Response Team, which explains the medical treatment and legal processes, offers options for the prevention of disease, and provides counseling and referrals for victims.
VINE
Crime victims have the right to be informed. Through VINE, the largest and most comprehensive automated victim notification system in the country, victims can get information and notifications regarding their offenders free and anonymously. VINE links county sheriffs and statewide correctional facilities to make the status of offenders available 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year. Anyone may call the toll-free VINE hotline to access custody information, which is made available in English and Spanish. Callers may also register directly with VINE to receive telephone notification of changes in custody. A live operator is available 24-hours-a-day to assist callers in accessing information or registering for notification
Directory of Victim Services
Crime victims have a number of places to turn for assistance at the local, state, and federal level. The Attorney General’s Office compiles a list of service provider information in an online directory. While we request corrections and updates from the providers listed in our database, some addresses and telephone numbers may be out of date. In addition, some information, such as street addresses, may not be provided for safety reasons. If you are aware of additional victim assistance providers or detect errors in this directory, please contact the Crime Victims Assistance Office at 1-800-582-2877.
VOCA/SVAA Grants
The Office of Justice Assistance (OJA) is responsible for the administration of the State Victims Assistance Act (SVAA) and the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant programs. The funds are provided to eligible crime victims assistance programs operating in public and non-profit agencies throughout the state of Ohio.
The VOCA/SVAA grant application has been mailed out electronically. Completed applications are to be returned to OJA by August 1, 2008, and the final grant awards will be made in September 2008. The State Victims Assistance Advisory Board, as set forth in Ohio Revised Code 109.91(C)(2) makes funding recommendations, which are submitted to the Attorney General for final consideration. The grant-funding period is from October 1 through September 30.
For more information about Victims Services, call 614-466-5610 or send mail to:
Ohio Attorney General
Crime Victims Services
150 E. Gay St., 25th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
SVAA Board Meeting -- September 5th, 2007
State Victims Assistance Advisory Board (SVAA) Fiscal Year 2008 grant applications will be reviewed.
Wednesday, September 5
SVAA Board Meeting
10:00am - 3:00pm
150 E. Gay Street
16th Floor
Conference Room B