Orpe Human Rights Advocates' Model for crime victims  is based improving and enhancing services available to victims of crime in Maryland, and surrounding areas. The program started by first conducting comprehensive analysis in this area since April 2017. The goal was to establish a coordinated comprehensive services around the pressing needs of survivors of crimes.  The conclusion from the analysis was drawn based on the received input from many individuals and agencies serving victims of crime in Maryland. Within the scope of collecting data, we held focus groups, attended individual meetings, surveyed agencies, surveyed victims, spoke on the phone with advocates, and met with administrators. The intent of this process was to listen closely to the people who work directly with victims and survivors day in and day out, to better understand survivors needs and to answer the question -“How can ORPE Human Rights Advocates better serve victims and survivors of crimes in Maryland?” The suggested answer in regard of the above stated question has led us to formulate services based on the needs expressed by the crime survivors:

 

A) Proposed Services 

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1. Assistance with using all victims' rights that apply to victim (Victims' rights  in criminal justice system), including information on Victim Notification: VINE (Vine Fact Sheets), and DNA Notification (Form)(Spanish), and Victim Impact Statements.

2.  A court companion during a trial

3. Assistance with Financial Issues (Financial Remedies), including Restitution (Restitution Fact Sheet) and (Criminal Injuries Compensation).

4. Legal assistance for victims

5. Support services including a Peer Support Group for Families and Friends of Homicide Victims,

6. Therapeutic counseling and referrals for other related programs and services.

7. Education, resources and training related to victims’ rights laws

8. Advocacy

 

B) Areas of Specialty:

 

       1. Sexual assault

       2. Domestic violence

       3. Child abuse, neglect and sexual assault

       4. Human trafficking

       5. Stalking 

 

For each priority area, the OHRA includes data, recent and current efforts in Maryland, current issues, and recommendations based on those issues.