OVA Investigative Authority
- Receive, review, and investigate complaints from crime victims regarding their rights and services.
- Advocate for a crime victim in court if their rights have been violated
- Evaluate procedures and services for crime victims
- Recommend changes in state policies
Right to access information: The Victim Advocate can access, inspect, and copy any records needed to carry out their job. All state, local, and private agencies must cooperate with OVA investigations.
Right to keep information confidential:
- The victim advocate can communicate privately with any victim or person who has received or should have received services from the state. These conversations are confidential and can’t be shared.
- The name, address, and other personal details about someone who files a complaint with the OVA are also confidential. Any information or records the OVA collects during an investigation can’t be released under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or in any other manner.
- Any information related to ongoing police investigations or prosecutions can’t be shared. OVA may share this information only if they decide that disclosure is appropriate.
State Employee Protection: State and local agencies are not allowed to fire, discriminate, or retaliate against any employee who in good faith makes a complaint with the OVA or cooperates with OVA in an investigation.
