As a victim of crime in New York State you should know:

  • You can get a free copy of the police report (New York State Executive Law §646).
  • You are protected by law from threats or intimidation from the suspect or the suspect’s family. Local police departments and district attorneys (DAs) can explain these laws to you.
  • You have a right to be involved in certain stages of the criminal justice process. Local police departments and DAs can explain your role in the criminal justice process, the important steps in the process, and how you can get information about those steps.
  • You have the right to make a statement at the time of the defendant’s sentencing, if you are the victim of a felony.

The above information can be found in the OVS brochure. To view the brochure click HERE.

Release Notifications

Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) provides same day notifications of the release of an offender from county jail, Rikers Island or state prison. To learn more click HERE.

Victim Impact Statements

Crime victims have the right to submit a written victim impact statement to the Board of Parole prior to an offenders Parole Board Interview. Depending on the crime and sentence a crime victim may also have the right to speak directly to a Parole Board Commissioner. In order to find our your right you must contact and register with the DOCCS Office of Victim Assistance (OVA). More information can be by clicking HERE. To register with the OVA online click HERE.

Crime Victim Service Organizations

Looking of an organization that provides support to crime victims? The NYS Office of Victim Services keeps a database on service providers. TO search the OVS database click HERE.

Crime Victim Compensation

You may be eligible for compensation to cover some of the costs for medical bills, counseling expenses, burial and funeral costs, and lost wages – resulting from being the victim of a crime. Your family members also may be eligible for help. To file an online application click HERE.