Washington Coalition of Crime Victim Advocates Information

The Washington Coalition of Crime Victim Advocates (WCCVA) was established in 1984. It is a private, non-profit 501c(3) organization that is governed by a fifteen-member board of directors elected by the membership. Its bylaws recognize nine geographical regions within the state, each of which is represented on the board of directors. The coalition consists of individuals, agencies, and organizations that are working together to improve services for victims of crime and to strengthen victims' rights. To further these goals, WCCVA: * Provides Training to Victim Advocates * Advocates for Public Policies that are responsive to the needs and interests of crime victims * Promotes Public Awareness of the impact of crime on victims, victims' needs and available services * Monitors Proposed Legislation that would impact crime victims * Public Policy Analysis, Education, & Advocacy among victim service providers The coalition has been instrumental in achieving the following changes in public policy on behalf of crime victims: * Improvement and expansion of the Crime Victim Compensation Program * Increased, and more stable, funding for crime victim services * Stronger statutory and constitutional rights for victims of crime * Creation of a state office of crime victims advocacy * Greater awareness on the part of citizens and public officials of crime victims’ needs and concerns