Victim Rights Enhancement Project Reducing Barriers and Increasing Meaningful Access for Crime Survivors

Proposal Abstract

The Victim Rights Enhancement Project: Reducing Barriers and Increasing Meaningful Access for Victim/Survivors (VREP) will create a one stop online portal for crime victims/survivors with a case in the adult or juvenile justice system. VREP will enhance the existing Case Companion site to create an online portal system that will increase access, services and response through the following products and deliverables:

Site Memberships and Contact Information online portal function will create authentication for victims/survivors to update their information and identify which criminal justice system partners have access to their information.
Victim Rights Notifications online portal function will provide victims/survivors electronic access to request their victim rights and update requested rights 24/7.
Content update including videos for multi-modal learning.
Chatbot in place to answer common questions by visitors to Case Companion’s online portal. This feature will be updated regularly to address and expand on common user questions.
Victim Impact Statement Guide provides victims/survivors with information about their right to make a victim impact statement, when statements can be made, and how victim impact statements are used and shared, along with a guide to creating their own statement.
Trial Date Notifications online portal function to automatically notify participating victims/survivors of trial dates, including text notification functionality.
Critical Stage Hearings Notifications online portal function to automatically notify participating victims/survivors of critical stage hearings, including text notification functionality.
Written guide for statewide partners, shared with all 36 counties in Oregon. The guide will share information on successful strategies and recommendations and include technical specifications for other jurisdictions to be able to implement Case Companion throughout Oregon.

The initial service area is Multnomah County, Oregon. All functions will be created to be independent of any jurisdiction and compatible with multiple data sources and service customers, supporting replication throughout the State of Oregon and beyond. The project benefits crime victims/ survivors. It also benefits system partners by creating a streamlined process to ensure victim rights are upheld throughout the lifetime of a criminal case.