The Office of the Victim Advocate, housed within the Board of Probation and Parole, was created to combine and administer the victim service components of both the Board and the Department of Corrections. The Victim Advocate is appointed by the Governor and is responsible for representing the rights and interests of crime victims.
Victims have the right to have input into the parole decision-making process.
The Victim Advocate may petition the Board to deny parole or set conditions of parole at the request of the victim. Responsibilities of the office with respect to a crime victim's interaction with the Board of Probation and Parole encompass the entire paroling process. The office is mandated to notify a crime victim of the opportunity to submit oral or written comment for Board consideration, of all parole review dates, and of the Board's decision. Steps are continually being taken to improve the ability of the Victim Advocate and staff to provide victims with a meaningful voice in the process. For complete information on the Office of the Victim Advocate, please visit the OVA web site.