The Office of the Victim Advocate (OVA) is an independent state agency charged with the responsibility of protecting and enforcing the rights of crime victims throughout the state of Connecticut.
Among other things, the Office of the Victim Advocate:
- Monitors services provided to crime victims by state agencies and private entities.
- Receives and investigates crime victim complaints about their treatment in the criminal justice process, including:
- Law enforcement agencies
- Victim compensation
- Court-based and non-profit advocates
- The prosecutor
- The judge
- Intervenes in court cases to advocate for a crime victim when their rights have been violated.
- Makes recommendations to the legislature, criminal justice professionals, and victim service providers for changes in state policies and laws to benefit crime victims.
- Provides public education and outreach regarding services available to victims of crime and their families.
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