Crime Victim Justice Unit ensures people treated with fairness, dignity and respect
April 24, 2023
When you're the victim of a crime, your life can suddenly turn upside down. Not only are you dealing with grief and loss in the wake of a crime perpetrated against you, but it might also feel as if you suddenly must be an expert on the criminal justice system. It can be daunting and discouraging.
Our Office of Justice Programs (OJP) is here to help. The Crime Victim Justice Unit (CVJU) within OJP works to make sure each crime victim is treated with fairness, dignity and respect.
Crime Victims' Rights Week, which runs April 23-29, is the perfect time to learn more about why the voices and needs of victims are front and center in every step of the criminal justice process and how to create a world in which survivors are believed and supported.
“It's important that we not only hear the voices of survivors, but that we engage with them at every level of the criminal justice process so that they are not alone," CVJU Director Suzanne Elwell said.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Minnesota's Crime Victim Bill of Rights. In the decades since the law was signed, victim rights have grown. Victims are now notified about key case events and hearings and have more opportunities to participate and have their voices heard in the criminal justice process. Protections related to their personal information and safety have been expanded as well.
These rights give victims trust in the system and make sure they are informed of every step in the process. Victims are impacted by all types of crimes, and it is important that their concerns are taken seriously.
It is crucial we connect victims with appropriate resources and support. OJP funds victim service providers across the state so that victims do not need to go far to find the assistance they need. The Minnesota Crime Victims Reparations Program provides critical financial assistance to victims of violent crime for some of their losses. Victims can also turn to the CVJU if they feel their crime victim rights have been violated or they've been mistreated.
This year, for Crime Victims' Rights week, we are committed to engaging with survivors and amplifying their voices as we push for creating a criminal justice system that supports victims at every stage and a community that is there for victims during their recovery. Let's work together so that our state is a place where survivors are confident they'll be heard, believed and supported.
Learn more about your rights and resources on OJP's website.
