Legal Advocacy

A Sexual Violence Protection Order (SVPO) is designed to protect victims of sexual violence from further abuse and/or intimidation by their abuser, regardless of whether criminal charges have been filed against the perpetrator. Similar in  many ways to a Protection From Abuse Order (PFA), the key difference lies in the relationship between the victim and the  abuser.

SVPO’s offer civil protection to any victim of sexual violence who is at risk of further harm by the perpetrator. Parents/Guardians may seek SVPOs on behalf of minor children. Protections can be extended to other designated persons who  are also shown to be at risk for harm.

SVPO’s prohibit an offender from having any contact with the victim.  Protection can also be expanded to prevent  intimidation/contact from a third party on behalf of the offender or to extend protection to related parties.

The Office of Victim Advocate (OVA) is the state agency with the authority and duty to advocate for the rights and needs of crime victims. This mission is accomplished through victim services, which includes post-sentencing notifications of offender status and movements within the DOC and the parole system; restorative justice programs that promote resilience and healing; and the development of new initiatives around crime prevention.