Survivor Resources
Crime Victims United has directly helped hundreds of victims navigate through government bureaucracy to obtain justice. Whether you're navigating the criminal justice system, learning about your rights, or looking for support after a crime, these resources can help you take the next step.
Know Your Rights
Oregon Law Protects Victims’ Rights
Oregon law guarantees victims have rights throughout the criminal justice process. These include the right to play a meaningful role in the process, to be treated with dignity and respect, to receive fair and impartial treatment, and to receive reasonable protection from the offender.
Generally, victims have the right to be informed, protected, and meaningfully involved throughout the criminal justice process.
A partial list of rights include the right to:
Attend all open court proceedings
Have a support person present
Receive restitution to compensate for certain losses caused by the crime
Request a transcript or recording of open court proceedings (you may need to pay a fee)
Protect certain personal identifying information from going to the offender
Be present, be heard, and have your safety considered at any hearing regarding release from jail of the offender
Refuse to speak to a defense attorney or defense investigator
Have the court consider your schedule when setting dates for hearings or trial
Be consulted prior to a plea agreement for certain crimes
Know the outcome of your case
Be informed prior to the release of the offender from prison
Be present and heard at hearings after the conviction, including hearings to seal or erase (set-aside) the conviction and any parole or psychiatric security review board hearings
Resources for
Victims & Families
For information regarding additional victim rights,
Oregon DOJ Victims’ Rights Guides
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Enforcement of Crime Victims’ Rights
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While there are many resources throughout Oregon for crime victims, what is available to you may vary based on your circumstances and where you are located. A comprehensive summary of victim resources is available from the Oregon Department of Justice Crime Victim & Survivor Services Division (CVSSD).
Finding Help & Support
Navigating the Justice System
The criminal justice system can be confusing and overwhelming, especially for victims and their families. Understanding your rights, knowing what to expect, and finding the right support can make a meaningful difference.
Crime Victims United of Oregon has compiled the following resources to help victims and survivors understand their rights, navigate the justice system, and connect with organizations that provide assistance.
Please contact the individual organizations to confirm eligibility, available services, and application requirements.
Victims’ Rights and Justice System Resources
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Oregon Department of Justice — Crime Victim and Survivor Services
Information about victims’ rights, services, and resources available throughout Oregon.
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Oregon County Victim Assistance Programs
Find local victim advocates who can explain the criminal justice process, help victims understand their rights, and connect them with support.
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Oregon Crime Victims Law Center (OCVLC)
Provides free legal representation to help crime victims assert their rights in criminal proceedings.
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National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI)
Legal advocacy, education, and resources focused on protecting crime victims’ rights.
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Oregon Department of Corrections — Victim Services
Information about offender custody, release, victim notification, and additional victim resources.
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Oregon VISOR — Victim Information System
Information about offender custody status and notifications of release or transfer.
Crime Victim Compensation and Legal Assistance
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Oregon Crime Victims’ Compensation Program
Information about financial assistance that may be available to eligible victims and their families for certain crime-related expenses.
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Oregon Law Help
Legal information and resources to help people understand their rights and find legal assistance.
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Victim Rights Law Center
Legal assistance and advocacy for survivors of sexual assault.
Advocacy & Education
Every crime victim deserves to be heard, respected, and treated with dignity. Education and advocacy are essential to protecting victims’ rights and strengthening public safety across Oregon.
Crime Victims United of Oregon works to raise awareness, encourage informed public participation, and advocate for meaningful policies and legislative reforms that protect victims and ensure their voices are heard.
Victims’ Rights Advocacy and Education
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Crime Victims United of Oregon (CVU)
Learn about our mission to protect the rights and safety of crime victims and how you can support victims’ rights advocacy throughout Oregon.
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National Crime Victim Law Institute
Promotes victims’ rights through legal advocacy, education, training, and public policy.
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U.S. Department of Justice — Office for Victims of Crime
Federal information, educational materials, and resources for crime victims and victim service providers.
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National Center for Victims of Crime
National advocacy, education, and information about crime victimization and victims’ rights.
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Oregon Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Task Force
Education, training, and advocacy supporting sexual assault survivors and the professionals who serve them.
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Oregon Department of Justice — Crime Victim and Survivor Services
Information about statewide victim services, compensation, and initiatives supporting crime victims.
Get Involved
You can help strengthen victims’ rights by learning about the issues, sharing reliable information, supporting victim-focused organizations, and participating in public education and advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Oregon has victim assistance programs and community organizations that help victims understand their rights, navigate the justice system, and find support.
Start with the Oregon Department of Justice County Victim Assistance Programs to find an advocate in the county where your case is being handled.
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The Oregon Crime Victims’ Compensation Program provides information about financial assistance that may be available to eligible victims and their families for certain expenses resulting from a crime.
You can also contact the Oregon Department of Justice or a local victim advocate for help understanding the program and its application requirements.
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The following organizations provide information and assistance related to victims’ legal rights.
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Several organizations provide crisis response, emotional support, and referrals to services.
Trauma Intervention Program Northwest (TIPNW)
Specially trained volunteers provide emotional first aid and practical support following traumatic events.Family Peace Center of Washington County
Brings together partner organizations to provide coordinated support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and related trauma.211info
Connects Oregonians with community resources, including housing, food, health care, counseling, and other support.
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Crime Victims United of Oregon focuses on advocacy, education, public awareness, and promoting policies that protect crime victims. We also help visitors identify organizations that may be able to assist with individual needs.
CVU is not a substitute for a victim advocate, attorney, crisis responder, or direct service provider. Visitors seeking immediate or case-specific assistance should contact the appropriate organization listed in our resource sections.
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We welcome inquiries from victims, survivors, families, advocates, and community members who share our commitment to protecting victims’ rights and safety.
Please visit our Contact Us page to reach Crime Victims United of Oregon.
Your Voice Matters. Your Experience Can Inspire Change.
When you're ready, learn how you can help strengthen victims' rights and advocate for others across Oregon.