LANDMARKS IN VICTIMS’ RIGHTS AND SERVICES section 5

Crime Victims’ Rights In America: An Historical Overview Each year, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week provides communities across the United States with a unique op­portunity to contribute to reshaping the future for victims of crime—by raising awareness about crime-victim issues, by identifying and reaching out to victims who need our help, and by thinking anew about how to help individuals and communities harmed by crime. This annual observance also reminds us that, by honoring the past, we stand on the shoul­ders of those who led our nation’s struggle to secure basic rights, protections, and services for crime victims.

“Landmarks in Victims’ Rights and Services” illustrates just how far we have come—from 1965 to the present—by highlighting significant federal and state laws, the growth of national and community victim service organizations, the release of groundbreaking reports, and the development of victim assistance approaches that have expanded the nation’s capacity to help victims rebuild their lives.

As you make your plans for 2011 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, draw on this information-packed resource to underscore how the victim services community continues its dedication to reshaping the future while honoring the past. Use this historical overview to inform your speeches, media interviews, public service announcements, op-ed columns, and any other outreach efforts during National Crime Vic­tims’ Rights Week and throughout the year.

Key Federal Victims’ Rights Legislation

1974 Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act

1980 Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act

1982 Victim and Witness Protection Act

1982 Missing Children’s Act

1984 Victims of Crime Act

1984 Justice Assistance Act

1984 Missing Children’s Assistance Act

1984 Family Violence Prevention and Services Act

1985 Children’s Justice Act

1988 Drunk Driving Prevention Act

1990 Hate Crime Statistics Act

1990 Victims of Child Abuse Act

1990 Victims’ Rights and Restitution Act

1990 National Child Search Assistance Act

1992 Battered Women’s Testimony Act

1993 Child Sexual Abuse Registry Act

1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act

1994 Violence Against Women Act

1996 Community Notification Act (“Megan’s Law”)

1996 Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act

1996 Mandatory Victims’ Restitution Act

1997 Victims’ Rights Clarification Act

1998 Crime Victims with Disabilities Act

1998 Identity Theft and Deterrence Act

2000 Trafficking Victims Protection Act

2001 Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act (established September 11th Victim Compensation Fund)

2003 PROTECT Act (“Amber Alert” law)

2003 Prison Rape Elimination Act

2003 Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act

2004 Justice for All Act, including Title I The Scott Campbell, Stephanie Roper, Wendy Preston, Louarna Gillis, and Nila Lynn Crime Victims’ Rights Act

2006 Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act

2010 Tribal Law and Order Act

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“…for EVENTS are as much the parents of the future as they were the children of the past.”

–John Galsworthy, Saint’s Progress (1919)

1965 • Thefirstcrimevictimcompensationprogramisestab­

lishedinCalifornia.

• By1970,fiveadditionalcompensationprogramsare createdinNewYork,Hawaii,Massachusetts,Maryland, andtheU.S.VirginIslands.

1972 • Thefirstthreevictimassistanceprogramsare

established—

– Aid for Victims of Crime in St. Louis, Missouri.

– Bay Area Women Against Rape in San Francisco, California.

– D.C. Rape Crisis Center in Washington, DC.

1973 • TheresultsofthefirstannualNationalCrimeVictim­

izationSurveyarereleased.Thesurvey,commissioned bythePresident’sCommissiononLawEnforcement andtheAdministrationofJustice,asksU.S.household membersabouttheirexposuretocrime.Itisintended tocomplementtheFBI’sannualcompilationofcrimes reportedtolawenforcementagencies.

1974 • TheLawEnforcementAssistanceAdministration

(LEAA)fundsthefirstvictim/witnessprogramsinthe BrooklynandMilwaukeeDistrictAttorneys’officesand sevenotherofficesthroughagrantgiventotheNational DistrictAttorneysAssociationtoestablishmodelas­sistanceprogramsforvictims,encouragevictimcoopera­tion,andimproveprosecution.

• Thefirstlawenforcement-basedvictimassistancepro­gramsareestablishedinFortLauderdale,Florida,and Indianapolis,Indiana.

• CongresspassestheChildAbusePreventionandTreat­mentAct,whichestablishestheNationalCenteron ChildAbuseandNeglect.ThenewCenterestablishes aninformationclearinghouseandprovidestechnical assistanceandmodelprograms.

1975 • Thefirst“Victims’RightsWeek”isorganizedbythe

PhiladelphiaDistrictAttorney.

• Citizenactivistsfromacrossthecountryunitetoexpand victimservicesandincreaserecognitionofvictims’rights throughtheformationoftheNationalOrganizationfor VictimAssistance(NOVA).

1976 • TheNationalOrganizationforWomenformsatask

forcetoexaminetheproblemofbattering.Itcallsforre­searchintotheproblem,alongwithmoneyforbattered women’sshelters.

• Thefirstnationalconferenceonbatteredwomenis sponsoredbytheMilwaukeeTaskForceonWomenin Milwaukee,Wisconsin.

• InFresnoCounty,California,ChiefProbationOfficer JamesRowlandcreatesthefirstvictimimpactstatement toprovidethejudiciarywithanobjectiveinventoryof victiminjuriesandlossesatsentencing.

• Thefirsthotlineforbatteredwomenisstartedby Women’sAdvocatesinSt.Paul,Minnesota.

• Women’sAdvocatesandHavenHouseinPasadena,Cal­ifornia,establish the first shelters for battered women.

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An Historical Overview

• NebraskaandWisconsinbecomethefirststatestoabol­ 1980 ishthemaritalrapeexemption.

1977 • TheNationalAssociationofCrimeVictimCompensa­

tionBoardsisestablishedbytheexisting22statevictim compensationprogramstofosteranationwidenetwork ofcompensationprograms.

• Oregonbecomesthefirststatetoenactamandatoryar­restlawindomesticviolencecases.

1978 • TheNationalCoalitionAgainstSexualAssaultisformed

tocombatsexualviolenceandpromoteservicesforrape victims.

• TheNationalCoalitionAgainstDomesticViolence (NCADV)isorganizedasavoiceforthebattered women’smovementonanationallevel.

• ParentsOfMurderedChildren,Inc.(POMC),aself-helpsupportgroup,isfoundedinCincinnati,Ohio.

• Minnesotabecomesthefirststatetoallowprobable cause(warrantless)arrestsincasesofdomesticassault, regardlessofwhetheraprotectionorderhasbeenissued.

1979 • FrankG.CarringtonfoundstheCrimeVictims’Legal

AdvocacyInstitute,Inc.,topromotetherightsofcrime victimsinthecivilandcriminaljusticesystems.The nonprofitorganizationisrenamedVALOR,theVictims’ AssistanceLegalOrganization,in1981.

• TheOfficeonDomesticViolenceisestablishedinthe U.S.DepartmentofHealthandHumanServicesbutis laterclosedin1981.

• TheWorldSocietyofVictimologyisformedtopromote researchrelatingtocrimevictimsandvictimassistance, advocateforvictims’interests,andadvancecooperation ofinternational,regional,andlocalagenciesconcerned withcrimevictims’issues.

• MothersAgainstDrunkDriving(MADD)isfounded afterthedeathof13-year-oldCariLightner,whowas killedbyarepeatdrunk-drivingoffender.Thefirsttwo MADDchaptersareestablishedinSacramento,Califor­nia,andAnnapolis,Maryland.

• CongresspassestheParentalKidnappingPrevention Actof1980.

• Wisconsinpassesthefirst“CrimeVictims’Billof Rights.”

• TheFirstNationalDayofUnityisestablishedin OctoberbyNCADVtomournbatteredwomenwho havedied,celebratewomenwhohavesurvivedthevio­lence,andhonorallwhohaveworkedtoenddomestic violence.

• ThefirstVictimImpactPanelissponsoredbyRemove IntoxicatedDrivers(RID)inOswegoCounty,New York.

1981 • PresidentRonaldReaganproclaimsthefirst“National

Victims’RightsWeek”inApril.

• Theabductionandmurderofsix-year-oldAdamWalsh promptanationalcampaigntoraisepublicawareness aboutmissingchildrenandenactlawstobetterprotect children.

• TheAttorneyGeneral’sTaskForceonViolentCrime recommendsthataseparatenationaltaskforcebecre­atedtoexaminevictims’issues.

1982 • InaRoseGardenceremony,PresidentReaganappoints

membersoftheTaskForceonVictimsofCrime,which holdspublichearingsinsixcitiesacrossthenationto focusattentionontheneedsofcrimevictims.TheTask Force’sFinalReportoffers68recommendationsthat becometheframeworkfortheadvancementofnewpro­gramsandpolicies.Itsfinalrecommendation,toamend

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theSixthAmendmentoftheU.S.Constitutionto guaranteethat“…thevictim,ineverycriminalprosecu­tion,shallhavetherighttobepresentandtobeheard atallcriticalstagesofjudicialproceedings…”becomesa vitalsourceofnewenergytosecurestatevictims’rights constitutionalamendments.

• TheVictimandWitnessProtectionActof1982brings “fairtreatmentstandards”tovictimsandwitnessesinthe federalcriminaljusticesystem.

• Californiabecomesthefirststatetoamenditsconstitu­tiontoaddresstheinterestsofcrimevictimsbyestablish­ingaconstitutionalrighttovictimrestitution.

• ThepassageoftheMissingChildren’sActof1982helps guaranteethatidentifyinginformationaboutmissing childrenispromptlyenteredintotheFBINational CrimeInformationCenter(NCIC)computersystem.

• Congressabolishes,throughfailureofappropriations, theLawEnforcementAssistanceAdministration;many grassrootsandsystem-basedvictimassistanceprograms close.

1983 • TheOfficeforVictimsofCrime(OVC)isestablished

bytheU.S.DepartmentofJusticewithintheOfficeof JusticeProgramstoimplementrecommendationsfrom thePresident’sTaskForceonVictimsofCrime.OVCes­tablishesanationalresourcecenter,trainsprofessionals, anddevelopsmodellegislationtoprotectvictims’rights.

• U.S.AttorneyGeneralWilliamFrenchSmithestablishes aTaskForceonFamilyViolence,whichholdssixpublic hearingsacrosstheUnitedStates.

• U.S.AttorneyGeneralSmithissuesthefirstAttorney GeneralGuidelinesforVictimandWitnessAssistance, whichoutlinesstandardsforfederalvictimandwitness assistanceandimplementationofvictims’rightscon­tainedinthefederalVictimandWitnessProtectionAct of1982.

• InApril,PresidentReaganhonorscrimevictimsina WhiteHouseRoseGardenceremony.

• TheFirstNationalConferenceoftheJudiciaryonVic­timsofCrimeisheldattheNationalJudicialCollegein Reno,Nevada,withsupportfromtheNationalInstitute ofJustice.Confereesdeveloprecommendationsforthe judiciaryonvictims’rightsandservices.

• PresidentReaganproclaimsthefirstNationalMissing Children’sDayinobservanceofthefourthanniversary ofthedisappearanceofsix-year-oldEtanPatz.

• WisconsinpassesthefirstChildVictimandWitnessBill ofRights.

• TheInternationalAssociationofChiefsofPoliceBoard ofGovernorsadoptsaCrimeVictims’BillofRightsand establishesaVictims’RightsCommitteetofocusatten­tionontheneedsofcrimevictimsbylawenforcement officialsnationwide.

1984 • ThepassageoftheVictimsofCrimeAct(VOCA)

establishestheCrimeVictimsFund,madeupoffederal criminalfines,penalties,andbondforfeitures,tosupport statevictimcompensationandlocalvictimassistance programs.

• PresidentReagansignstheJusticeAssistanceAct,which establishesafinancialassistanceprogramforstateand localgovernmentandfunds200newvictimservice programs.

• TheNationalCenterforMissingandExploitedChil­drenisestablishedasthenationalresourceagencyfor missingchildren.TheCenterwasmandatedaspartof theMissingChildren’sAssistanceActof1982.

• TheTaskForceonFamilyViolencepresentsitsreport totheU.S.AttorneyGeneralwithrecommendationsfor action,includingimprovingthecriminaljusticesystem’s responsetobatteredwomenandestablishingprevention andawarenessactivities,educationandtraining,and datacollectionandreporting.

• TheNationalMinimumDrinkingAgeActof1984is enacted,providingstrongincentivestostatestoraisethe minimumagefordrinkingto21,savingthousandsof younglivesinyearstocome.

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An Historical Overview

• TheSpiritualDimensioninVictimServicesinCharles- • TheU.S.SurgeonGeneralissuesareportidentifying ton,SouthCarolina,isfoundedtoinvolvethefaithcom- domesticviolenceasamajorpublichealthproblem. munityinviolencepreventionandvictimassistance.

• CongresspassestheFamilyViolencePreventionandSer­ 1986 vicesAct,whichearmarksfederalfundingforprograms servingvictimsofdomesticviolence.

• ConcernsofPoliceSurvivors(COPS)isorganizedatthe firstpolicesurvivors’seminarheldinWashington,DC, by110relativesofofficerskilledinthelineofduty.

• Avictim/witnessnotificationsystemisestablished withintheFederalBureauofPrisons.

• Victim/witnesscoordinatorpositionsareestablishedin theU.S.Attorneys’OfficeswithintheU.S.Department ofJustice.

• CaliforniaStateUniversity,Fresno,initiatesthefirstVic­timServicesCertificateProgramofferedforacademic creditbyauniversity.

• OVCestablishestheNationalVictimsResourceCenter, nownamedtheOfficeforVictimsofCrimeResource Center(OVCRC),toserveasaclearinghouseforOVC publicationsandotherresources.

1985 • TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$68million.

• TheNationalVictimCenter(renamedtheNational CenterforVictimsofCrimein1998)isfoundedin honorofSunnyvonBülowtoprovideastrongnational voiceonbehalfofcrimevictimsandtoeducateAmeri­cansaboutthedevastatingeffectofcrimeonoursociety.

• TheUnitedNationsGeneralAssemblyadoptsthe DeclarationofBasicPrinciplesofJusticeforVictims ofCrimeandAbuseofPowerthatservesasthebasis forvictimservicereformatnationalandlocallevels throughouttheworld.

• PresidentReaganannouncestheChildSafetyPartner­shiptoenhanceprivatesectoreffortstopromotechild safety,clarifyinformationaboutchildvictimization,and increasepublicawarenessofchildabuse.

• TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$62million.

• OVCawardsthefirstgrantstosupportstatevictimas­sistanceandcompensationprograms.

• Twoyearsafteritspassage,theVictimsofCrimeActis amendedbytheChildren’sJusticeActtoprovidefunds specificallyfortheinvestigationandprosecutionofchild abuse.

• Morethan100victimadvocatesmeetinWashington, DC,ataforumsponsoredbyNOVA,andformallyagree toseekafederalconstitutionalamendmentonvictims’ rights.

• RhodeIslandpassesavictims’rightsconstitutional amendmentgrantingvictimstherightstorestitution,to submitvictimimpactstatements,andtobetreatedwith dignityandrespect.

• MADD’s“RedRibbonCampaign”enlistsmotoriststo displayaredribbonontheirautomobiles,signalinga pledgetodrivesafelyandsoberlyduringtheholidays. Thisnationalpublicawarenessefforthassincebecome anannualcampaign.

• Byyear’send,35stateshaveestablishedvictimcompen­sationprograms.

1987 • TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$77million.

• TheNationalVictims’ConstitutionalAmendment NetworkandSteeringCommitteeareformedatameet­inghostedbytheNationalCenterforVictimsofCrime. Thisinitiativebecomesinstrumentalinthepassageof victims’rightsamendmentsthroughouttheUnited States.

• SecurityonCampus,Inc.,(SOC)isestablishedbyHow­ardandConnieClery,followingthetragicrobbery,rape,

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andmurderoftheirdaughter,Jeanne,atLehighUni­versityinPennsylvania.SOCraisesnationalawareness aboutcrimeandvictimizationonournation’scampuses.

• TheAmericanCorrectionalAssociationestablishesa TaskForceonVictimsofCrime.

• NCADVestablishesthefirstnationaltoll-freedomestic violencehotline.

• OctoberisofficiallydesignatedasNationalDomestic ViolenceAwarenessMonthtohonorbatteredwomen andthosewhoservethem.

• Ina5-4decision,theU.S.SupremeCourtrulesinBooth v.Maryland(482U.S.496)thatvictimimpactstate­mentsareunconstitutional(inviolationoftheEighth Amendment)whenappliedtothepenaltyphaseof acapitaltrialbecause“onlythedefendant’spersonal responsibilityandmoralguilt”maybeconsideredin capitalsentencing.Significantdissentingopinionsare offered.

• VictimsandadvocatesinFlorida,frustratedbyfiveyears ofinactionbytheirlegislatureonaproposedvictims’ rightsconstitutionalamendment,beginapetitiondrive. Thousandsofcitizenssignpetitionssupportingconstitu­tionalprotectionforvictims’rights.TheFloridalegis­laturereconsiders,andtheconstitutionalamendment appearsonthe1988ballot.

1988 • TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$93million.

• OVCsetsasidefundsfortheVictimAssistancein IndianCountrygrantprogramtoprovidedirectservices toNativeAmericansbyestablishing“on-reservation” victimassistanceprogramsinIndianCountry.

• TheNationalAgingResourceCenteronElderAbuse isestablishedbyacooperativeagreementamongthe AmericanPublicWelfareAssociation,theNational AssociationofStateUnitsonAging,andtheUniversity ofDelaware.RenamedtheNationalCenteronElder Abuse,itprovidesinformationandstatisticsonthisissue ofgrowingconcern.

• Statev.Ciskieisthefirstcasetoallowtheuseofexpert testimonytoexplainthebehaviorandmentalstateof anadultrapevictim.Thetestimonyisusedtoshowwhy a victim of repeated physical and sexual assaults by her intimate partner would not immediately call the police or take action. The jury convicts the defendant on four counts of rape.

• TheDrunkDrivingPreventionActispassed,andall statesraisetheminimumdrinkingageto21.

• Victims’rightsconstitutionalamendmentsareintro­ducedinArizona,California,Connecticut,Delaware, Michigan,SouthCarolina,andWashington.Florida’s amendmentisplacedontheNovemberballot,whereit passeswith90percentofthevote.Michigan’samend­mentpasseswithmorethan80percentofthevote.

• OVCsponsorsthefirst“IndianNations:JusticeforVic­timsofCrime”conferenceinRapidCity,SouthDakota.

• AmendmentstotheVictimsofCrimeActlegislatively establishtheOfficeforVictimsofCrime,elevatethe positionofDirectorbymakingSenateconfirmation necessaryforappointment,andencouragestatecompen­sationprogramstocovervictimsofdomesticviolence, homicide,anddrunkdriving.Inaddition,VOCA amendments,atthebehestofMADDandPOMC,add anew“priority”categoryforfundingvictimassistance programsfor“previouslyunderservedvictimsofviolent crime.”

• OVCestablishesaFederalEmergencyFundforvictims inthefederalcriminaljusticesystem.

1989 • TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$133million.

• Ina5-4decision,theU.S.SupremeCourtreaffirmsin South Carolinav.Gathersits1987decisioninBoothv. Marylandthatvictimimpactevidenceandarguments areunconstitutionalwhenappliedtothepenaltyphase ofacapitaltrial.Again,significantdissentingopinions areoffered.

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1990

An Historical Overview

• ThelegislaturesinTexasandWashingtonpassvictims’ rightsconstitutionalamendments.Bothareratifiedby voters.

• TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$146million.

• CongresspassestheHateCrimeStatisticsAct,requiring theU.S.AttorneyGeneraltocollectdataontheinci­denceofcertaincrimesmotivatedbyprejudicebasedon race,religion,sexualorientation,orethnicity.

• TheStudentRighttoKnowandCampusSecurityAct, requiringinstitutionsofhighereducationtodisclose murder,rape,robbery,andothercrimesoncampus,is signedintolawbyPresidentGeorgeH.W.Bush.

• CongresspassestheVictimsofChildAbuseAct,which featuresreformstomakethefederalcriminaljustice systemlesstraumaticforchildvictimsandwitnesses.

• TheVictims’RightsandRestitutionActof1990in­corporatesaBillofRightsforfederalcrimevictimsand codifiesservicesthatshouldbeavailabletovictimsof crime.

• CongresspasseslegislationproposedbyMADDto preventdrunkdriversandotheroffendersfromfiling bankruptcytoavoidpayingcriminalrestitutionorcivil fines.

• TheArizonapetitiondrivetoplacethevictims’rights constitutionalamendmentontheballotsucceeds,and theamendmentisratifiedbyvoters.

• ThefirstNationalIncidenceStudyonMissing,Ab­ducted,RunawayandThrownawayChildreninAmerica showsthatmorethanonemillionchildrenareabducted annually.

• TheNationalChildSearchAssistanceActrequireslaw enforcementtoenterreportsofmissingchildrenand unidentifiedpersonsintotheFBI’sNCICcomputer system.

1991 • TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$128million.

• U.S.RepresentativeIleanaRos-Lehtinen(R-FL)in­troducesthefirstCongressionalJointResolution(H. J.RES.247)toplacevictims’rightsintheU.S.Constitu­tion.

• CaliforniaStateUniversity,Fresno,approvesthefirst bachelor’sdegreeprograminvictimologyinthenation.

• TheNationalCenterforVictimsofCrimereleases America Speaks Out,areportonthefirstnationalpublic opinionpolltoexaminecitizens’attitudesaboutvio­lenceandvictimization.

• Ina7-2decisioninPaynev.Tennessee(501U.S.808), theU.S.SupremeCourtreversesitsearlierdecisionsin Boothv.Maryland(1987)andSouth Carolinav.Gathers (1989)andrulesthattestimonyandprosecutorialargu­mentscommentingonthemurdervictim’sgoodcharac­ter,aswellashowthevictim’sdeathaffectedhisorher survivors,donotviolatethedefendant’sconstitutional rightsinacapitalcase.

• U.S.AttorneyGeneralWilliamP.Barrissuesnewcom­prehensiveguidelinesthatestablishproceduresforthe federalcriminaljusticesystemtorespondtotheneedsof crimevictims.The1991 Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistanceimplementnewprotec­tionsoftheCrimeControlActof1990,integrating requirementsoftheCrimeVictims’BillofRights,the VictimsofChildAbuseAct,andtheVictimandWit­nessProtectionAct.

• TheAmericanProbationandParoleAssociationestab­lishesaVictimIssuesCommitteetoexaminevictims’ issuesandconcernsrelatedtocommunitycorrections.

• TheNewJerseylegislaturepassesavictims’rightscon­stitutionalamendment,whichisratifiedbyvotersin November.

• Coloradolegislatorsintroduceavictims’rightsconsti­tutionalamendmentonthefirstdayofNationalCrime Victims’RightsWeek.Thebillisunanimouslypassedby bothHousestobeplacedontheballotin1992.

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• Inan8-0decision,theU.S.SupremeCourtrulesin Simon & Schusterv.New York Crime Victims Boardthat NewYork’snotoriety-for-profit statute was overly broad and unconstitutional. Notoriety-for- profit statutes had been passed by many states by this time to prevent convicted criminals from profiting from the proceeds of depictions of their crimes in the media or publications.

• TheWashingtonSecretaryofStateimplementsthe nation’sfirstAddressConfidentialityProgram,which providesvictimsofdomesticviolence,stalking,and sexualassaultanalternative,confidentialmailingaddress andsecurestheconfidentialityoftwonormallypublic records—voterregistrationandmotorvehiclerecords.

• Bytheendof1991,sevenstateshaveincorporatedvic­tims’rightsintotheirstateconstitutions.

1992 • TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$221million.

• TheNationalCenterforVictimsofCrimereleasesRape in America: A Report to the Nation,agroundbreaking studyonforciblerape,includingdataonrapefrequency, victims’reportingratetopolice,theimpactofrapeon victims’mentalhealth,andtheeffectofmediadisclosure ofvictimidentitiesonreportingrapetolawenforce­ment.

• TheAssociationofParolingAuthoritiesInternationales­tablishesaVictimIssuesCommitteetoexaminevictims’ needs,rights,andservicesinparoleprocesses.

• CongressreauthorizestheHigherEducationBill,which includestheCampusSexualAssaultVictims’Billof Rights.

• TheBatteredWomen’sTestimonyAct,whichurges statestoacceptexperttestimonyincriminalcasesinvolv­ingbatteredwomen,ispassedbyCongressandsigned intolawbyPresidentGeorgeH.W.Bush.

• Inaunanimousdecision,theU.S.SupremeCourt,in R.A.V. v.City of St. Paul,strikesdownalocalhatecrimes ordinanceinMinnesota.Theordinancehadprohibited thedisplayofasymbolwhichonekneworhadreason

toknow“arousesanger,alarmorresentmentinothers onthebasisofrace,color,creed,religionorgender,”and wasfoundtoviolatetheFirstAmendment.

• Fivestates—Colorado,Kansas,Illinois,Missouri,and NewMexico—ratifyvictims’rightsconstitutional amendments.

• Twenty-eightstatespassanti-stalkinglaws.

• Massachusettspassesalandmarkbillcreatingastatewide computerizeddomesticviolenceregistryandrequires judgestochecktheregistrywhenhandlingsuchcases.

1993 • TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$144million.

• Wisconsinratifiesitsvictims’rightsconstitutional amendment,bringingthetotalnumberofstateswith theseamendmentsto14.

• CongresspassestheInternationalParentalKidnapping Act,whichmakesafederalfelonytheremovalofachild fromtheUnitedStatesorkeepingachildoutsideof theUnitedStateswiththeintenttoobstructthelawful exerciseofparentalrights.

• PresidentWilliamJ.Clintonsignsthe“BradyBill,” requiringawaitingperiodforthepurchaseofhandguns.

• CongresspassestheChildSexualAbuseRegistryAct, establishinganationalrepositoryforinformationabout childsexoffenders.

• TheNationalCenterforVictimsofCrimelaunchesthe National Crime Victim Helpline (formerly called IN­FOLINK), a toll-free service that provides trained victim advocacy and support for victims of all types of crime.

• Twenty-twostatespassanti-stalkingstatutes,bringing thetotalnumberofstateswithantistalkinglawsto50, plustheDistrictofColumbia.

1994 • TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$185million.

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• TheAmericanCorrectionalAssociationVictimsCom-mitteepublishesthelandmarkReport and Recommenda­tions on Victims of Juvenile Crime,whichoffersguidelines forimprovingvictims’rightsandserviceswithinthe juvenilejusticesystem.

• Sixadditionalstatespassvictims’rightsconstitutional amendments—thelargestnumbereverinasingleyear— bringingthetotalnumberofstateswithamendments to20.StateswithnewamendmentsincludeAlabama, Alaska,Idaho,Maryland,Ohio,andUtah.

• PresidentClintonsignsacomprehensivepackageof federalvictims’rightslegislationaspartoftheViolent CrimeControlandLawEnforcementAct.TheAct includes:

– The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which authorizes more than $1 billion in funding for pro­grams to combat violence against women.

– Enhanced VOCA funding provisions.

– Establishment of a National Child Sex Offender Registry.

– Enhanced sentences for drunk drivers with child passengers.

• Kentuckybecomesthefirststatetoinstituteautomated telephonenotificationtocrimevictimsoftheiroffend­er’sstatus,location,andreleasedate.

• OVCestablishestheCommunityCrisisResponse program,usingtheNOVAmodel,toimproveservices tovictimsincommunitiesthathaveexperiencedacrime resultinginmultipleviolentvictimizations.

• TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$233million.

• Legislaturesinthreestates—Indiana,Nebraska,and NorthCarolina—passvictims’rightsconstitutional amendmentsthatwillbeplacedontheballotin1996.

• TheNationalVictims’ConstitutionalAmendment Networkproposesthefirstdraftoflanguageforafederal victims’rightsconstitutionalamendment.

An Historical Overview

• ThefirstclassgraduatesfromtheNationalVictimAssis­tanceAcademy(NVAA)inWashington,DC.Supported byOVC,NVAAprovidesanacademicallycredited 45-hourcurriculumonvictimology,victims’rights,and othervictim-relatedtopics.

• The Anatomy of Fraud: Report of a Nationwide Surveyby RichardTitus,FredHeinzelmann,andJohnM.Boyle ispublished.Thereportisbasedonthefirstnationwide survey,conductedin1991bytheNationalInstituteof Justice,todeterminethescopeoffraudanditseffects, withfindingsthatanestimated$40billionislostto fraudeachyear.One-thirdofthepeoplesurveyedre­portedthatanattempttodefraudthemhadoccurredin thepreviousyear.

• TheU.S.DepartmentofJusticeissuestherevisedAttor­ney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance, whichincreasestheaccountabilityoffederalcriminal justiceofficials,directingthatperformanceappraisals andreportsofbesteffortsincludeinformationonguide­linescompliance.

• TheBeijingWorldConferenceonWomenissuesa landmarkcallforglobalactiontoendviolenceagainst women.

1996 • TheCrimeVictimsFundreachesanhistorichighwith

depositsover$525million.

• Federalvictims’rightsconstitutionalamendmentsare introducedinbothhousesofCongresswithbipartisan support.

• BothpresidentialcandidatesandAttorneyGeneralJanet Renoendorsetheconceptofafederalvictims’rights constitutionalamendment.

• Eightstatesratifythepassageofvictims’rightsconsti­tutionalamendments—raisingthetotalnumberofsuch stateconstitutionalamendmentsto29nationwide.

• PresidentClintonreaffirmshissupportoffederal constitutionalrightsforcrimevictimsinaRoseGarden ceremonyattendedbymembersofCongress,criminal

1995

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justiceofficials,andrepresentativesoflocal,state,and nationalvictims’rightsorganizations.

• TheCommunityNotificationAct,knownas“Megan’s Law,”amendstheChildSexualAbuseRegistrylawto providefornotifyingcommunitiesofthelocationof convictedsexoffenders.

• PresidentClintonsignstheAntiterrorismandEffective DeathPenaltyAct,providing$1milliontostrengthen antiterrorismefforts,makerestitutionmandatoryinvio­lent crime cases, and expand compensation and assistance for victims of terrorism both at home and abroad, includ­ing victims in the military.

• OVCusesitsnewauthorityundertheAntiterrorism andEffectiveDeathPenaltyActtoprovidesubstantial financialassistancetothevictimsandsurvivorsofthe bombingoftheAlfredP.MurrahFederalBuildingin OklahomaCity.

• TheMandatoryVictims’RestitutionAct,enactedas TitleIIoftheAntiterrorismandEffectiveDeathPenalty Act,allowsfederalcourtstoaward“publicharm”restitu­tiondirectlytostateVOCAvictimassistanceprograms. TheActmakesrestitutioninfederalcasesmandatory,re­gardlessofthedefendant’sabilitytopay.Italsorequires federalcourtstoorderrestitutiontovictimsoffraud.

• TheVOCAdefinitionof“crimevictim”isexpandedto includevictimsoffinancialcrime,allowingthisgroupto receivecounseling,advocacy,andsupportservices.

• TheNationalDomesticViolenceHotlineisestablished byCongresstoprovidecrisisinterventioninformation andreferralstovictimsofdomesticviolenceandtheir friendsandfamily.

• TheChurchArsonPreventionActissignedinresponse toanincreasingnumberofactsofarsonagainstreligious institutionsaroundthecountry.

• TheDrug-InducedRapePreventionActisenactedto addresstheemergingissueofdrug-facilitatedrapeand sexualassault.

• TheOfficeofJuvenileJusticeandDelinquencyPreven­tion,withintheU.S.DepartmentofJustice,issuestheJu­

venile Justice Action Plan,whichincludesrecommenda­tionsforvictims’rightsandserviceswithinthejuvenile justicesystemforvictimsofjuvenileoffenders.

1997 • TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$363million.

• CongresspassestheVictims’RightsClarificationActof 1997toclarifyexistingfederallawallowingvictimsto attendatrialandtoappearas“impactwitnesses”during thesentencingphaseofbothcapitalandnoncapital cases.PresidentClintonsignstheAct,allowingthe victimsandsurvivorsofthebombingoftheAlfredP. MurrahFederalBuildinginOklahomaCitytoobserve thetrialandtoprovideinputlateratsentencing.

• Afederalvictims’rightsconstitutionalamendmentis reintroducedintheopeningdaysofthe105thCongress withstrongbipartisansupport.TheSenateandHouse JudiciaryCommitteesconducthearingsontheproposed federalvictims’rightsconstitutionalamendment.While notendorsingspecificlanguage,AttorneyGeneralJanet RenotestifiesattheSenatehearinginsupportoffederal constitutionalrightsforcrimevictims.

• TofullyrecognizethesovereigntyofIndianNations, OVCforthefirsttimeprovidesvictimassistancegrants directlytotribesinIndianCountry.

• Congressenactsafederalanti-stalkinglawaspartof theNationalDefenseAuthorizationActforFiscalYear 1997.

• DuetothelargeinfluxofVOCAfundsintheprevi­ousfiscalyear,OVChostsaseriesofregionalmeetings withstateVOCAadministratorstoencouragestatesto developmultiyearfundingstrategiestohelpstabilize localprogramfunding,expandoutreachtopreviously underservedvictims,andsupportthedevelopmentand implementationoftechnologiestoimprovevictims’ rightsandservices.

• OVCcontinuesitssupportofthevictimsandsurvivors ofthebombingoftheAlfredP.MurrahFederalBuild­inginOklahomaCitybyfundingadditionaladvocates,

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crisiscounseling,andtravelexpensesforthebombing victimstoattendcourtproceedings.Whenthevenueof thetrialischangedtoDenver,Colorado,OVCprovides fundingforaspecialclosed-circuitbroadcasttovictims andsurvivorsinOklahomaCity.

• OVCreleasesNew Directions from the Field: Victims’ Rights and Services for the 21st Century,whichassesses thenation’sprogressinmeetingtherecommendations setforthintheFinal Report of the 1982 President’s Task Force on Victims of Crimeandissuesover250newrecom­mendationsfromthefieldforthenextmillennium.

1998 • TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$324million.

• SenateJointResolution44,anewbipartisanversionof afederalvictims’rightsconstitutionalamendment,is introducedintheSenatebySenatorsJonKyl(R-AZ) andDianneFeinstein(D-CA).TheSenateJudiciary CommitteesubsequentlyapprovesSJR44byan11-610 2011NCVRWResourceGuideCrimeVictims’Rights inAmericavote.NofurtheractionistakenonSJR44 duringthe105thCongress.

• Fournewstatespassstatevictims’rightsconstitutional amendments:Louisiana,Mississippi,Montana,and Tennessee.TheSupremeCourtofOregonoverturns theOregonstatevictims’rightsamendment,originally passedin1996,citingstructuraldeficiencies.

• TheHigherEducationAmendmentsof1998ispassed. PartEofthislegislation,“GrantstoCombatViolent CrimesAgainstWomenonCampus,”isauthorized throughtheyear2003andappropriatesatotalof$10 millioningrantfundingtotheViolenceAgainstWom­enGrantsOfficeforFiscalYear1999.Anotherprimary aimofthislegislationistoreducebingedrinkingand illegalalcoholconsumptiononcollegecampuses.

• CongressenactstheChildProtectionandSexualPreda­torPunishmentActof1998,providingfornumerous sentencingenhancementsandotherinitiativesaddress­ingsexcrimesagainstchildren,includingcrimesfacili­tatedbytheuseofinterstatefacilitiesandtheInternet.

• CongresspassestheCrimeVictimswithDisabilities AwarenessAct,representingthefirstefforttosystemati­callygatherinformationabouttheextentofvictimiza­tionofindividualswithdisabilities.Thislegislation directstheU.S.AttorneyGeneraltoconductastudy oncrimesagainstindividualswithdevelopmentaldis­abilities.Inaddition,theBureauofJusticeStatistics mustincludestatisticsonthenatureofcrimesagainst individualswithdevelopmentaldisabilitiesandvictim characteristicsinitsannualNationalCrimeVictimiza­tionSurveyby2000.

• TheIdentityTheftandDeterrenceActof1998issigned intolaw.Thislandmarkfederallegislationoutlawsiden­titytheftanddirectstheU.S.SentencingCommissionto considervariousfactorsindeterminingpenalties,includ­ingthenumberofvictimsandthevalueoflossestoany individualvictim.TheActfurtherauthorizestheFederal TradeCommissiontologandacknowledgereportsof identitytheft,provideinformationtovictims,andrefer complaintstoappropriateconsumerreportingandlaw enforcementagencies.

• OVCprovidesfundingtotheU.S.DepartmentofState tosupportthedevelopmentofaVictimAssistanceSpe­cialistpositiontoimprovethequalityandcoordination ofservicesprovidedtoU.S.citizenswhoarevictimized abroad.

1999 • TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$985million.

• Theproposedfederalvictims’rightsconstitutional amendment(SenateJointResolution3,identicaltoSJR 44)isintroducedinthe106thCongress.

• ThefifthNationalVictimAssistanceAcademyisheldat fiveuniversitylocationsacrosstheUnitedStates,bring­ingthetotalnumberofAcademygraduatestonearly 1,000.

• OVCissuesthefirstgrantstocreateStateVictimAs­sistanceAcademies.

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2000

• TheNationalCrimeVictimBarAssociationisformed bytheNationalCenterforVictimsofCrimetopromote civiljusticeforvictimsofcrime.

• TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$777million.

• Congresspassesanewnationaldrunkdrivinglimit of0.08bloodalcoholconcentration(BAC)withthe supportofMADD,othervictimadvocacyorganiza­tions,andleadinghighwaysafety,health,medical,law enforcement,andinsurancegroups.Thenewlaw,passed withbipartisansupport,requiresstatestopass0.08“per seintoxication”lawsorloseaportionoftheirannual federalhighway funding.

• CongressreauthorizestheViolenceAgainstWomenAct of2000,extendingVAWAthrough2005andauthoriz-ingfundingat$3.3billionoverthefive-yearperiod.In additiontoexpandingfederalstalkingstatutestoinclude stalkingontheInternet,theActauthorizes—

– $80 million a year for rape prevention and education grants.

– $875 million over five years for battered women’s shelters.

– $25 million in 2001 for transitional housing pro­grams.

– $25 million to address violence against older women and women with disabilities.

• TheInternetCrimeComplaintCenterWebsite,www. ic3.gov,iscreatedbytheU.S.DepartmentofJustice, FederalBureauofInvestigation,andtheNationalWhite CollarCrimeCentertocombatInternetfraudbygiving consumersaconvenientwaytoreportviolationsand bycentralizinginformationaboutfraudcrimesforlaw enforcement.

• AttorneyGeneralRenorevisesandreissuestheAttorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance, whichmandatesthateveryDepartmentofJustice employeewhocomesintocontactwithcrimevictims

receivesatminimumonehouroftrainingaboutvictim rightslawsandtheguidelines.

• VictimizationratesasreportedintheNationalCrime VictimizationSurveyarethelowestrecordedsincethe survey’screationin1973.

• TheTreasuryDepartmentconductstheNational SummitonIdentityTheft,whichaddressesprevention techniques,victims’experiences,andremediationinthe governmentandprivatesector.Thesummitisthefirst national-levelconferenceinvolvinglawenforcement, victims,industryrepresentatives,andnonprofitorgani­zationsinterestedintheissue.Atthesummit,Treasury SecretaryLawrenceSummersunveilsfournewinitiatives toaddressidentitytheft.

• Afederalvictims’rightsconstitutionalamendmentis addressedforthefirsttimebythefullU.S.Senate.Fol­lowingtwo-and-a-halfdaysofdebate,themeasure(SJR 3)iswithdrawnforfurtherconsiderationbyitscospon­sors,SenatorsKyl(R-AZ)andFeinstein(D-CA),when itbecomesapparentthatthemeasurewillnotreceivethe two-thirdsmajorityvotenecessaryforapproval.

• CongresspassesandthePresidentsignstheTrafficking VictimsProtectionActof2000.Thisnewlawsignifi­cantlystrengthenscriminalenforcement,prosecution, andpenaltiesagainsttraffickers;providesnewprotec­tionstovictims;andenablesvictimsofsevereformsof traffickingtoseekbenefitsandservicesavailabletoother crimevictims.

2001 • TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$544million.

• TheNationalCrimeVictimizationSurveyreportsthat victimizationratescontinuetodrop,reachinganewlow of26millionvictimsfortheyear2000.

• OnSeptember11,2001,twohijackedplanescrashinto theWorldTradeCenter,anotherintothePentagon,and afourthintoafieldinSomersetCounty,Pennsylvania, killing2,974victimsandinjuringcountlessothersinthe worstterroristattacksonAmericansoil.

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• CongressrespondstotheterroristactsofSeptember 11witharaftofnewlawsprovidingfundingforvictim assistance,taxreliefforvictims,andotheraccommoda­tionsandprotectionsforvictims.AspartoftheAir TransportationSafetyandSystemStabilizationAct, anewfederalvictimcompensationprogramiscreated specificallyforthevictimsofSeptember11.Thepro­gramincludesmanytypesofdamagesnormallyavailable onlythrough civil actions, such as payment for pain and suffering, lifetime lost earnings, and loss of enjoyment of life. To receive compensation, claimants are required to waive their right to bring civil action for damages suf­fered as a result of the terrorist acts.

• CongresspassesandPresidentGeorgeW.Bushsignsthe USAPATRIOTActof2001,apackageofantiterrorism legislationthatincludeschangestotheVictimsofCrime Act(VOCA),includingincreasingthepercentageof statecompensationpaymentsreimbursablebythefed­eralgovernmentandallowingOVCtofundcompliance andevaluationprojects.

• OVCaugmentsstatevictimcompensationfundingto aidvictimsoftheSeptember11terroristattacksinNew York,Virginia,andPennsylvania;offersassistanceto victimsoftheSeptember11terroristattackonthePen­tagonthroughthePentagonFamilyAssistanceCenter; andestablishesatoll-freetelephonenumberandsecure Websiteforvictimsandtheirimmediatefamilymem­bers.

• TheChildAbusePreventionandEnforcementAct andJennifer’sLawincreasetheannualCrimeVictims Fundset-asideforchildabusevictimsfrom$10mil­liontoamaximumof$20million,andallowtheuseof Byrnegrantfundsforthepreventionofchildabuseand neglect.Jennifer’sLawauthorizes$2millionperyear throughFiscalYear2002forstatestoapplyforgrantsto covercostsassociatedwithenteringcompletefilesofun-identifiedcrimevictimsintotheFBI’sNCICdatabase.

• Newregulations,policies,andproceduresforvictims oftraffickingdramaticallychangetheresponsetothis classofcrimevictimsbyagenciesthroughoutthefederal government,includingtheU.S.DepartmentofState,the

U.S.DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices,and severalU.S.DepartmentofJusticeagencies(theFBI, theImmigrationandNaturalizationService,andU.S. Attorneys’Offices).

2002 • TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$519million.

• OVCreleasesfinalprogramguidelinesandanac­companyingapplicationkitfortheAntiterrorismand EmergencyAssistanceProgramforTerrorismandMass ViolenceCrimes,whichprovidesfundingtocompensate CrimeVictims’RightsinAmericaandassistvictimsof terrorismandmassviolencethatoccurwithinandout­sidetheUnitedStates.

• TheNationalCrimeVictimizationSurveycontinuesto showadeclineincrimevictimization.Violentcrimevic­timizationdropped10percentfromthepreviousyear, andpropertycrimedropped6percent.

• PresidentBushattendsthepresentationoftheNational CrimeVictims’RightsWeekawardsandannouncesthe Administration’ssupportfortheproposedCrimeVic­tims’RightsAmendmenttotheU.S.Constitution.

• TheNationalAssociationofVOCAAssistanceAdmin­istrators(NAVAA)isestablished.WithOVCsupport, NAVAAprovidestechnicalassistanceandtrainingto stateVOCAassistanceadministrators.

• OVCmakesavailablethefirstHelpingOutreach ProgramstoExpandgrantstograssroots,nonprofit, community-basedvictimorganizationsandcoalitions toimproveoutreachandservicestovictimsofcrime throughthesupportofprogramdevelopment,network­ing,coalitionbuilding,andservicedelivery.

• Congressappropriatesapproximately$20millionto fundservicestotraffickingvictims,includingshelter, medicalandmentalhealthcare,legalassistance,inter­pretation,andadvocacy.

• PresidentBushhoststhefirstWhiteHouseConfer­enceonMissing,Exploited,andRunawayChildren andannounceshissupportfortheHutchison-Feinstein

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NationalAMBERAlertNetworkActof2002,which wouldhelpdevelop,enhance,andcoordinateAMBER (America’sMissing:BroadcastEmergencyResponse). TheAssistantAttorneyGeneralfortheOfficeofJustice Programs is designated as the National AMBER Alert Coordinator at the Department of Justice.

• Bytheendof2002,all50states,theDistrictofColum­bia,theU.S.VirginIslands,PuertoRico,andGuamhave establishedcrimevictimcompensationprograms.

• Our Vulnerable Teenagers: Their Victimization, Its Conse­quences, and Directions for Prevention and Intervention is releasedbytheNationalCouncilonCrimeandDelin­quencyandtheNationalCenterforVictimsofCrime. Thislandmarkreportdocumentsthedisproportionate representationofteenagers,ages12to19,asvictimsof crime,anddiscussespromisingpreventionandinterven­tionstrategies.

2003 • TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$361million.

• TheSenateJudiciaryCommitteepassesthefederal victims’rightsconstitutionalamendmenttoensurebasic rightstovictimsnationwide.

• CongressmakestheOfficeonViolenceAgainstWomen (formerlytheViolenceAgainstWomenOfficewithin theOfficeofJusticePrograms)apermanent,indepen­dentofficewithintheU.S.DepartmentofJustice.

• CongresspassesandPresidentBushsignsthePRO­TECTActof2003—alsoknownasthe“AmberAlert” law—whichcreatesanationalAMBERnetworktofa­cilitaterapidlawenforcementandcommunityresponse tokidnappedorabductedchildren.

• TheAmericanSocietyofVictimology(ASV)isestablished atthefirstAmericanSymposiumonVictimologyheldin KansasCity,Kansas.TheASVservesasaforumforacade­miciansandpractitionersonalltopicsrelatedtovictimol­ogyinpartnershipwiththeWorldSocietyofVictimology.

• ThePrisonRapeEliminationActof2003isenacted totrackandaddresstheissueofrapeincorrectional

institutionsanddevelopnationalstandardsaimedat reducingprisonrape.

• CongressestablishesJanuaryasNationalStalkingAware­nessMonth.

• TheNationalDomesticViolenceHotline,operatedby theTexasCouncilonFamilyViolence,receivesitsone millionthcall.

• TheU.S.PostalServicereleasestheStopFamilyViolence postagestamptoraisemoneyfordomesticviolence preventionprograms.

• Congressappropriates$22millionfortheU.S.Depart­mentofDefense’sFamilyAdvocacyProgram,$900,000 ofwhichisfortheNationalDomesticViolenceHotline Awareness,Intervention,andPreventionCampaignin themilitaryservices.

• TheFairandAccurateCreditTransactionsActof2003 isenactedtoprovidenewprotectionsagainstidentity theftandhelpvictimsofidentitytheftrecovertheir financiallosses.

• CongresspassesandPresidentBushsignstheTraffick­ingVictimsProtectionReauthorizationAct.Alongwith reauthorizingprogramscreatedunderthefirstTVPA, thislegislationstrengthenspreventionefforts,supports prosecutionofoffenders,simplifiestheprocessbywhich victimsarecertifiedeligibleforbenefits,andallows benefitsandservicestobeavailableforvictims’family memberswhoarelegallyallowedtocometotheUnited States.Thelegislationalsocreatesacivilcauseofaction forvictimsofforcedlabororforcedprostitution.

2004 • TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$834million.

• TheU.S.DepartmentofDefenseTaskForceonCare forVictimsofSexualAssaultreleasesitsreportand recommendationsforpreventingsexualassaultinthe militaryandprovidingasensitiveresponsetovictims. Therecommendationsincludeestablishingasingleoffice withintheU.S.DepartmentofDefensetohandlesexual assaultmatters,launchinganinformationcampaignto

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An Historical Overview

informpersonnelaboutservicesavailabletovictims,and conveningasummittoupdatethedefinitionofsexual assaultandaddressvictimprivacyconcernswithinthe militarycontext.

• TheIdentityTheftPenaltyEnhancementActisenacted, definingaggravatedidentitytheftasstealinganother person’sidentityinconnectionwiththecommissionof otherspecifiedfelonies.Thelegislationalsoprohibitsthe courtfromorderinganoffender’ssentenceforidentity thefttorunconcurrentlywithasentenceimposedonthe same offender for any other crime.

• CongresspassesandPresidentBushsignstheJustice forAllActof2004,whichincludestheScottCamp­bell,StephanieRoper,WendyPreston,LouarnaGillis, andNilaLynnCrimeVictims’RightsAct,providing substantiverightsforcrimevictims.Thelawprovides mechanismsatthefederalleveltoenforcetherightsof crimevictims,givingvictimsandprosecutorslegalstand­ingtoassertvictims’rights,authorizingthefilingofwrits ofmandamustoassertavictim’sright,andrequiring theU.S.AttorneyGeneraltoestablishavictims’rights complianceprogramwithintheDepartmentofJustice. Thelegislationauthorizes$155millioninfundingover thenextfiveyearsforvictimassistanceprogramsat thefederalandstatelevel.Thisomnibuscrimelegisla­tionalsoprovidesfundingforDNAtesting,crimelabs, sexualassaultforensicexaminers,andprogramsforpost-convictionDNAtesting.

• PresidentBushhoststhefirstnationaltrainingcon­ferenceonhumantrafficking,whichbringstogether traffickingresponseteamsoffederal,state,andlocallaw enforcementpersonnel,prosecutors,andvictimservice providersfromatleast21citieswithaknownconcentra­tionoftraffickingvictims.Theconferenceemphasizes theimportanceofcombatingtraffickingusingavictim-centeredapproach.

• TheNationalCenterforVictimsofCrimereleases Repairing the Harm: A New Vision for Crime Victim Compensation in America, whichexaminescompensa­tiondatafromall50states,theSeptember11thVictim CompensationFund,andcompensationprogramsin

othercountries.Thereportalsorecommendsaframe­workforstrengtheningvictimcompensationinthe UnitedStates.

2005 • TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$668million.

• TheU.S.DepartmentofJusticeestablishesanonline nationalsexoffenderregistrythatprovidesreal-timeac­cesstopublicsexoffenderdatanationwidewithasingle Internetsearch.

• OVCandtheBureauofJusticeAssistanceinitiateapro­gramtoestablishteamsoflawenforcementtaskforces andvictimservicestorespondtohumantrafficking.The primarygoalsofthisprogramaretodevelopsustain­ableprogramstocombathumantraffickingthrough proactivelawenforcementandprosecutionatalllevels ofgovernment,tocoordinateU.S.Attorneys’Offices’ efforts,tocollaboratewithvictimserviceproviders,and toincreasetheidentificationandrescueoftrafficking victims.

• TheU.S.HouseofRepresentativesestablishesthefirst congressionalVictims’RightsCaucus,co-chairedby RepresentativesTedPoe(R-TX)andJimCosta(D-CA).ThemissionoftheCaucusistoelevatecrimevic­timissuesinCongressinabipartisanmanner,without infringingontherightsoftheaccused,andtoadvocate forcrimevictims’interestsbeforetheAdministration andwithinCongress.

• TheDepartmentofJusticeannouncesmorethan$84 millioninDNAgrantsnationwideaspartofPresident Bush’sAdvancingJusticeThroughDNATechnologyini­tiative.Theinitiativeisdesignedtoimprovethenation’s capacitytouseDNAevidencebyeliminatingcasework andconvictedoffenderbacklogs,fundingresearchand development,improvingcrimelabcapacity,providing trainingforallstakeholdersinthecriminaljusticesys­tem,andconductingtestingtoidentifymissingpersons.

• AttorneyGeneralAlbertoGonzalezissuesupdated Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance.Theguidelinesincorporateprovisionsfor

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crimevictims’rightsandremedies,includingthosein theJusticeforAllAct,whichhadbeenenactedsincethe publicationofthelastedition.Theguidelinesalsoad­dressvictimandwitnessassistanceinhumantrafficking andidentitytheftcases.

• TheNationalAssociationofVOCAAssistanceAdmin­istratorsreleasestheCrime Victims Fund Report,which highlightstheCrimeVictimsFund’scontributiontothe federalgovernment’seffortstoassistvictims,analyzesthe sourcesofdepositsintotheFund,examinestheissues involvedinadministeringtheFund,andexploresfuture challengestotheFund’scapacitytomeetvictims’needs.

• TheAmericanBarAssociation(ABA)releasesElder Abuse Fatality Review Teams: A Replication Manual,de­velopedbytheABACommissiononLawandAgingand fundedbyOVC,providingguidancetocommunitieson establishingelderabusefatalityreviewteamsthatreview deathscausedbyorrelatedtoelderabuse.

• TheU.S.DepartmentofJusticeissuesitsFinalRule implementingthevictims’rightscomplianceprovisions oftheCrimeVictimsRights’ActportionoftheJustice forAllAct.TheruleestablishestheofficeoftheVictims’ RightsOmbudsmanwithintheExecutiveOfficefor UnitedStatesAttorneys(EOUSA)toreceiveandinves­tigatecomplaintsrelatingtotheprovisionorviolationof therightsofcrimevictims.Theruleestablishesproce­duresforfilingcomplaints,investigatingcomplaints,and imposingdisciplinarysanctionsagainstemployeeswhen warranted.

• TheU.S.DepartmentofDefenseannouncesanewsexual assaultpolicy.Thepolicycreatesamilitary-widedefini­tionofsexualassault,setsabaselinestandardforpreven­tionandresponsetrainingforthearmedservices,and requiresallmilitaryinstallationstohaveasexualassault responsecoordinatorwithastaffofvictimadvocates.The policyalsorequirestheestablishmentofaseniorlevelof commandtohandlesexualassaultcasesandreviewany administrativedischargesofsexualassaultvictims.

2006 • TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$650million.

• CongresspassesandPresidentBushsignstheViolence AgainstWomenandDepartmentofJusticeReauthorization Actof2005.ThisextensionoftheViolenceAgainstWomen Actincludesprovisionsforearlyintervention,prevention, andhealthcare,andpromotesanationalcommitmentto keepwomenandchildrensafefromfearandabuse.

• CongresspassesandPresidentBushsignstheTrafficking VictimsProtectionReauthorizationActof2005.This lawexpandstheTraffickingVictimsProtectionActof 2000byenhancingeffortstofightdomestictrafficking inpersons.

• DuringtheNationalCrimeVictims’RightsWeek ceremony,OVCawardsthefirstRonaldWilsonReagan PublicPolicyAwardstohonoroutstandingindividu­alswhoseleadership,vision,andinnovationhaveledto significantchangesinpublicpolicyandpracticethat benefitcrimevictims.

• PresidentBushsignstheAdamWalshChildProtection andSafetyActof2006.Alongwithincreasingsupervi­sionofsexoffenders,thiswide-ranginglegislationalso extendsthefederalCrimeVictims’RightsActtofederal habeascorpusproceedingsarisingoutofstateconvic­tions,eliminatesthestatuteoflimitationsforfederal prosecutionofcertainsexualoffensesandchildabduc­tion,andextendsthecivilremedyforchildsexcrime victimstopersonsvictimizedaschildren,eveniftheir injuriesdidnotsurfaceuntilthepersonbecameanadult.

• AttorneyGeneralGonzaleslaunchesProjectSafe Childhood,aimedatendingInternet-basedchildsexual exploitation.Thisnationwideprojectcreateslocallyde­signedpartnershipsoffederal,state,local,andtriballaw enforcementagenciestogetherwithcommunityleaders todevelopacoordinatedstrategytoprevent,investigate, andprosecutesexualpredators,abusers,andpornogra­pherswhotargetchildren.AllUnitedStatesAttorneys arechargedwithtakingtheleadindesigningastrategic planfortheircommunity.

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• TheUnitedStatesCourtofAppealsfortheNinthCir­cuitdecidesKennav.U.S. District Court for the Central District of California,inwhichthecourtconsidered whethertheCrimeVictims’RightsActportionofthe JusticeforAllActgavevictimstherighttospeakat sentencinghearings.Thecaseinvolvedafatherandson whoswindleddozensofvictims.Thedefendantspled guiltytowirefraudandmoneylaundering.Morethan 60victimssubmittedvictimimpactstatements.Atthe father’ssentencinghearing,severalvictimsspokeabout theeffectsofthecrimes,butattheson’ssentencingthe judgerefusedtoallowthevictimstospeak.Thecourt heldthatthedistrictjudgehadmadeamistake,and madethreekeypoints:(1)inpassingtheCrimeVictims’ RightsAct,itwastheintentofCongresstoallowvictims tospeakatsentencinghearings,notjusttosubmitvictim impactstatements;(2)victimshavearighttospeakeven ifthereismorethanonecriminalsentencing;and(3) theremedyforacrimevictimdeniedtherighttospeak atasentencinghearingistohavethesentencevacated andanewsentencinghearingheldinwhichthevictims areallowedtospeak.

• TheDepartmentofJusticeissuesitsfinalruleimple-mentingthenewInternationalTerrorismVictim ExpenseReimbursementProgram(ITVERP).Thisnew federallyadministeredprogramextendscrimevictim compensationtoAmericanvictimsofterrorismabroad, reimbursingthemfordirect,out-of-pocketexpenses resultingfromanactofterror.

• PresidentBushsignstheOlderAmericansActReau­thorization(OAA),whichincludesanumberofvictim-relatedprovisions.ItrequirestheAssistantSecretary onAgingattheU.S.DepartmentofHealthandHu­manServicestodesignateanindividualtodevelopa long-termplanforanationalresponsetoelderabuse, toincludeprevention,intervention,andtreatment activities.Thenewlawimprovesaccesstoprogramsand servicesunderOAAbyaddressingtheneedsofolder individualswithlimitedEnglishproficiency;promotes multidisciplinaryresponsesbystatesandIndiantribesto elderabuse,neglect,andexploitation;andpreservesthe long-termcareombudsmanprogram.

2007 • Forthefirsttimeever,theCrimeVictimsFunddeposits

surpassabilliondollars,totaling$1.02billion.

• AttorneyGeneralGonzalesandFederalTradeCommis­sionChairmanDeborahPlattMajorasreleasethePresi­dent’sIdentityTheftTaskForcestrategicplantocombat identitytheft.TaskForcerecommendationsinclude reducingtheunnecessaryuseofSocialSecuritynum­bersbyfederalagencies;establishingnationalstandards requiringprivateentitiestosafeguardthepersonaldata theycompileandtonotifyconsumersofanybreachthat posesasignificantriskofidentitytheft;implementinga consumerawarenesscampaign;andcreatingaNational IdentityTheftLawEnforcementCentertocoordinate lawenforcementeffortsandinformationtoimprovethe investigationandprosecutionofidentitythieves.

• OVCmakesthefirstpaymentsoftheITVERPprogram toU.S.victimsofinternationalactsofterrorism,includ­ingthevictimsofthe1998U.S.Embassybombings inNairobi,Kenya,andDaresSalaam,Tanzania;the October2002Bali,Indonesia,nightclubbombing;the May2003bombingofexpatriatehousinginRiyadh, SaudiArabia;andthe2003airportbombinginDavao City,Philippines.

• HouseandSenateResolutionsestablishingSeptember 25astheNationalDayofRemembranceforMurder Victimscoincidewiththefirstannualnationalevent heldonCapitolHill.

2008 • TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$896million.

• PresidentBushsignsintolawtheIdentityTheftEnhance entandRestitutionActaspartoftheFormerVicePresi­dentProtectionActof2008.Thislegislationpermits courtstoorderrestitutiontocybercrimevictimsforthe costsassociatedwithidentitytheft,includingthelossof timeandmoneyspentrestoringtheircreditrecord.

• OVCreleasestwoguidesontherightsofvictimsofper­petratorswithmentalillness,along-underservedvictim

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Crime Victims’ Rights in America

population.Responding to People Who Have Been Victim­ized by Individuals with Mental Illnessessetsoutthesteps policymakers,advocates,mentalhealthprofessionals, andotherscantaketounderstandandprotecttherights andsafetyofthesecrimevictims.AGuide to the Role of Crime Victims in Mental Health Courtsofferspractical recommendationstomentalhealthcourtpractitioners abouthowtoengagecrimevictimsincaseproceedings. BothpublicationsweredevelopedbytheCouncilof StateGovernments’JusticeCenter.

• CongresspassestheReconnectingHomelessYouthAct of2008,whichamendstheRunawayandHomeless YouthAct.Thislegislationextendsfundingforvarious programstoservehomelessyouth,includingprograms topreventthesexualabuseofyouth.Itincludesare­quirementforregularstatisticalreportsontheproblem.

• OVCreleasestheResource Guide for Serving U.S. Citi­zens Victimized Abroad,anonlineguidetohelpU.S.-basedvictimserviceprovidersdelivercomprehensive andeffectiveservicestovictimsofoverseascrime.The guidehelpsserviceprovidersaccessresourcesabroadand intheUnitedStates.

• TheGovernmentAccountabilityOffice(GAO)re­leasesareportonthefederalCrimeVictims’RightsAct (CVRA).Thereportmakesanumberofrecommenda­tionstoimproveCVRAimplementation,including makingeffortstoincreasevictims’awarenessofmecha­nismstoenforcetheirrights;restructuringthecom­plaintinvestigationprocesstopromotegreaterindepen­denceandimpartialityofinvestigators;andidentifying performancemeasuresregardingvictims’rights.

• PresidentBushsignslegislationrequiringtheDepart­mentofJusticetodevelopandimplementaNational Strategy[on]ChildExploitationPreventionand Interdiction,toimprovetheInternetCrimesAgainst ChildrenTaskForce,toincreaseresourcesforregional computerforensiclabs,andtomakeotherimprovements toincreasetheabilityoflawenforcementagenciesto investigateandprosecutechildpredators.

2009 • TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$1.75billion.

• U.S.DepartmentofJustice’sBureauofJusticeStatistics releasesthefirstnationalstatisticsontheprevalenceof stalkinginAmerica.Stalking Victimization in the United States findsthat3.4millionpersonsidentifiedthem­selvesasvictimsoftalkingina12-monthperiod.

• PresidentBarackObamasignstheAmericanRecovery andReinvestmentActof2009,whichincludessupple­mentalfundingforcrimevictimassistanceandcompen­sation,STOPgrants,andtransitionalhousingprograms fordomesticviolencevictims.

• PresidentObamaissuesthefirstWhiteHouseProclama­tionofNationalSexualAssaultAwarenessMonth.

• PresidentObamanamesLynnRosenthaltothenewly createdpositionofWhiteHouseAdvisoronViolence AgainstWomen.

• CongresspassesandthePresidentsignstheFraud EnforcementandRecoveryActof2009(FERA), expandingfederalfraudlawstocovermortgagefraud, additionalformsofsecuritiesfraud,andcertainmoney laundering;andauthorizingadditionalfundingforin­vestigationandprosecutionofsuchfraud.Thenewlaw alsoestablishesaFinancialCrisisInquiryCommission toexaminethecausesofthecurrentfinancialandeco­nomiccrisisintheUnitedStatesandpresentitsfindings tothePresidentandCongressin2010.

• PresidentObamaandtheHouseofRepresentatives recognizethe15thanniversaryofthepassageofthe ViolenceAgainstWomenActthroughaPresidential ProclamationandHouseResolution.

• TheBureauofJusticeStatistics,U.S.DepartmentofJus­tice,releaseslandmarkreportoncrimesagainstpersons withdisabilities,basedontheNationalCrimeVictim­izationSurvey.Thereportfindsthattherateofnonfatal violentcrimeagainstpersonswithdisabilitieswas1.5 timeshigherthantherateforpersonswithoutdis­abilities.ThereportfulfilledthemandateoftheCrime VictimswithDisabilitiesAwarenessAct.

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• TheOfficeofJuvenileJusticeandDelinquencyPreven­tion,U.S.DepartmentofJustice,releasesreportona nationalsurveyonchildren’sexposuretoviolence,the mostcomprehensivesurveytodateonthisissue.The reportincludesfindingsregardingchildren’sdirectand indirectexposuretospecificcategoriesofviolence,how exposuretoviolencechangesaschildrengrowup,and theprevalenceandincidenceofmultipleandcumulative exposurestoviolence.

• PresidentObamaestablishestheFinancialFraud EnforcementTaskForce,comprisedofmorethan20 agencies,94U.S.Attorneysoffices,andstateandlocal partners,toexaminemortgagefraud,Ponzischemes,tax fraud,predatorylending,creditcardfraud,andmore. Itsgoalistoimproveeffortstoinvestigateandprosecute significantfinancialcrimes,ensurejustandeffective punishmentforthosewhoperpetratefinancialcrimes, recoverproceedsforvictims,andaddressfinancialdis­criminationinthelendingandfinancialmarkets.

• CongresspassesandthePresidentsignstheMatthew ShepardandJamesByrd,Jr.HateCrimesPrevention ActaspartoftheNationalDefenseAuthorizationAct forFiscalYear2010.TheActextendsthedefinitionof federalhatecrimestoincludecrimesbasedonsexual orientation,genderidentity,ordisability;authorizesthe AttorneyGeneraltoprovideassistancetostate,local, andtriballawenforcementagenciesininvestigatingand prosecutinghatecrimes;andamendstheHateCrimes StatisticsActtoincludecrimesmotivatedbygenderand genderidentity,aswellashatecrimescommittedbyand againstjuveniles.

• TheCrimeVictimsFunddepositstotal$2.36billion.

• TheFinancialFraudEnforcementTaskForcelaunches StopFraud.gov,whichcombinesresourcesfromfederal agenciesonwaysconsumerscanprotectthemselvesfrom fraudandreportfraudulentactivity.Italsoincludes informationaboutthetaskforceactivities.

An Historical Overview

• PresidentBarackObamasignstheCruiseVesselSecurity andSafetyActof2010,legislationthatmandatesthat cruiseshippersonnelpromptlyreportseriouscrimeon boardshipstoboththeFederalBureauofInvestigations andtheUnitedStatesCoastGuard,requiresthecruise industrytocomplywithcertainsecurityprovisions,and requiresshipstobeequippedwithavideosurveillance systemandmaintainalogbooktorecordreportingof deaths,missingindividuals,thefts,andothercrimes.

• PresidentBarackObamasignstheTribalLawandOrder Act,designedtoincreasetriballawenforcementagen­cies’powertocombatcrimeonreservationsandtoin­creasetheaccountabilityoffederalagenciesresponsible forpublicsafetyinIndianCountry.TheActrequires federalprosecutorstokeepdataoncriminalcasesinIn­dianCountrythattheydeclinetoprosecute,andtosup­portprosecutionsintribalcourtbysharingevidence.It alsoincreasesthemaximumsentencethatatribalcourt canimposefromonetothreeyearsinprison;expands trainingoftriballawenforcementofficersonhandling domesticviolenceandsexualassaultcases;callsfor standardizedprotocolsforinvestigatingandprosecuting sexualassault;andprovidestribalpolicegreateraccessto criminalhistorydatabases.

• TheDepartmentofJusticereleasesitsfirstNational StrategyforChildExploitationPreventionandInter­diction,designedtoincreasecoordinationamongthe nation’sinvestigators,bettertraininvestigatorsand prosecutors,advancelawenforcement’stechnological capabilities,andenhanceresearchtoinformdecisions ondeterrence,incarceration,andmonitoring.The strategyalsoincludesarenewedcommitmenttopublic awarenessandcommunityoutreach.Theeffortincludes relaunchingProjectSafeChildhood,whichmarshals federal,state,tribal,andlocalresourcestobetterlocate, apprehend,andprosecutethosewhoexploitchildrenvia theInternet,andtoidentifyandrescuevictims.

2010