Protecting the rights and safety of crime victims.
Crime Victims United Oregon advocates for the rights of crime victims, supports survivors and families, and works toward a safer, more accountable justice system for all Oregonians.
About Crime Victims United
A Voice for Victims Since 1983
For more than four decades, Crime Victims United (CVU) has been a leading advocate for the rights of crime victims in Oregon. CVU has played a central role in establishing and strengthening comprehensive victims’ rights, including landmark constitutional amendments and legislation ensuring victims have a meaningful voice, access to justice, and protections throughout the criminal justice process.
Beyond victims’ rights, CVU has helped shape many of Oregon’s most significant criminal justice laws, including measures strengthening accountability for violent crimes and improving public safety.
CVU also works directly with victim support organizations and has helped hundreds of Oregonians navigate the criminal justice system, access resources, and seek justice.
How We Make a Difference
Protecting victims’ rights. Strengthening their voices. Advancing change.
Crime Victims United of Oregon works to protect the rights and safety of crime victims through advocacy, access to resources, and public awareness. We bring victims’ concerns to the forefront, champion meaningful change, and help Oregon communities better understand the needs of victims and survivors.
Advocacy
Turning Victims’ Voices Into Action
Championing stronger victims’ rights, advancing meaningful legislative reforms, and holding decision-makers accountable to the needs of victims and survivors.
Resources
Connecting Victims with Support
Helping victims and families find information, guidance, and resources to better understand their rights and navigate the challenges that follow crime.
Awareness
Building Understanding. Inspiring Change.
Elevating the voices and experiences of victims and survivors, educating Oregon communities, and building public awareness that drives lasting change.
Resources for Victims & Families
You Don’t Have to Navigate the Justice System Alone
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).
Oregon DOJ Victims’ Rights Guides
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Enforcement of Crime Victims’ Rights
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Our History of Advocacy
Decades of Fighting for Victims’ Rights
Oregon’s victims’ rights movement has been shaped by decades of determined advocacy by crime victims, survivors, families, and public safety advocates. The historical milestones below highlight significant achievements associated with Crime Victims United’s documented advocacy beginning in 1983.
Crime Victims United of Oregon recognizes the importance of this legacy and remains committed to advancing victims’ rights, promoting accountability, supporting meaningful criminal justice reform, and protecting public safety.
Three Milestones in Oregon’s Victims’ Rights History
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1983–1986
Establishing Victims’ Rights
Crime Victims United was founded in 1983 by members of Parents of Murdered Children. Advocates worked to ensure that victims had a meaningful voice in the criminal justice system. In 1986, Oregon voters approved Measure 10, establishing statutory rights for crime victims.
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1994–1999
Advancing Criminal Justice Reform
Crime Victims United advocated for stronger accountability and public safety measures, including Measure 11 in 1994, which established mandatory minimum sentences for specified serious crimes. Advocates also helped advance constitutional protections for crime victims through ballot measures approved by Oregon voters in 1999.
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2008
Making Victims’ Rights Enforceable
Oregon voters approved Measures 51 and 52 in 2008, amending the state constitution to provide a process for crime victims to seek appellate review when their constitutional rights have been violated. This represented a significant milestone in the effort to make victims’ rights enforceable.
Continuing the Work
The history of victims’ rights advocacy in Oregon demonstrates what determined citizens can accomplish when they stand together for justice. Crime Victims United of Oregon is committed to carrying this work forward through public education, legislative advocacy, and efforts to ensure that crime victims and their families are heard, respected, and protected.
Help Us Make Victims’ Voices Heard.
Every crime victim deserves to be heard, respected, and treated with fairness and dignity. Victims and their families deserve a meaningful voice in Oregon’s justice system, and their rights and safety must be a priority.
Crime Victims United of Oregon advocates for stronger victims’ rights, meaningful criminal justice reform, greater public awareness, and policies that promote accountability and public safety.
Victims deserve a voice, and Oregon residents can help make that happen.
Stand With Victims.
Help Make a Difference.
Get Involved.
Join our efforts to educate the public, advocate for meaningful reform, and make victims’ concerns heard by policymakers.
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Support Our Mission.
Your contributions help advance victims’ rights, strengthen public awareness, and support advocacy for safer communities throughout Oregon.
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Together, we can help build a justice system that recognizes victims’ rights, respects their dignity, and holds offenders accountable while promoting public safety.