Statutory Responsibilities

1. Review and assess the duties and practices of the State Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice regarding services and criminal justice policies pertaining to victims;
2. Encourage and facilitate the development and coordination of trauma-informed services for crime victims throughout the state;
3. Encourage and foster public and private partnerships for the purpose of: (i) assessing needs for crime victim services throughout the state; (ii) developing crime victim services and resources throughout the state; and (iii) coordinating crime victim services and resources throughout the state;
4. Generate unity for ongoing efforts to reduce and eliminate the impact of crime on victims through a comprehensive and evidence-based prevention, treatment, and justice strategy;
5. Recommend and support the creation, dissemination, and implementation of statewide policies and plans to address crimes, including domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol;
6. Collect information on statewide funding for crime victim services and prevention efforts, including the sources, disbursement, and outcomes of statewide funding for crime victim services and prevention efforts;
7. Consider recommendations from any subcommittee of the commission; and
8. Make recommendations regarding: (i) the duties and practices of the State Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice to ensure that: (A) crime victims are a vital part of the criminal justice system of the state;(B) all crime victims and witnesses are treated with dignity, respect, courtesy, and sensitivity; and (C) the rights of crime victims and witnesses are honored and protected by law in a manner no less vigorous than protections afforded to criminal defendants; and (ii) statewide funding for crime victim services and prevention efforts.