NCJ Number
210558
Date Published
2004
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This report presents an update on action steps taken by the District of Columbia’s Office of Victim Services to provide care to all victims of violence, and presents future steps and projects currently undergoing implementation.
Abstract
In 2004, the Office of Victim Services (OVS) was established in the District of Columbia to ensure dedicated attention to the city’s crime victims. OVS develops initiatives, awards funds to grantees, and monitors their performance for compliance with District and Federal regulations. Since its establishment, OVS has focused on the implementation of action steps under the Annual Report 2003-2004: Moving Forward in Victim Services, calling for the completion of 12 distinct action steps to provide a comprehensive system of care for all victims of violent crime. This report provides an update on the 12 action steps that includes: (1) an increase in emergency shelter; (2) the expansion of services to victims; (3) the provision of 24-hour language access; (4) the creation of model projects; (5) the implementation of a victim service center; (6) the establishment of an Office of Victim Services; (7) the development of training; (8) the expansion of education efforts on crime victim issues; (9) the coordination and expansion of community relationships; (10) the development of an outreach plan; (11) the development of cross system policies and procedures; and (12) the development of a comprehensive legislative agenda. The report concludes with future steps and current projects being implemented.