The history of the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA), can be traced from the early 1960's. The notable figures who contributed to the emergence of the victim's movement are Ann Burges who saw the nexus between traumatic reactions and emotional aftermath after dealing with victims of sexual assault during her work as a nurse, and Caro Vittert, who assisted a victim of robbery and established the first victim assistance in the United States in 1972. Thereafter, NOVA was incepted in 1975 to offer to victim's assistance programs (Marlene, 2001). NOVA has been recognized for excellence in nearly 40 years of stewardship and service. According to Marlene, (2001), the movement began, in part, as a response to the 1973 United States Supreme Court Decision in Linda v. Richard (410 U.S. 614) which was ruled in favor of a discriminated mother of an illegitimate child. Towards the end of 1970s when there was subtle increase of random violence, NOVA was actively involved in support of traumatized victims and protested against the abuses of the criminal justice system. The efforts of NOVA were boosted further by the enactment of the Victims of crime Act 1984. The organization was instrumental in pushing for the enactment of the Victims Rights and Restitution Act 1990, which made it possible for a crime victims fund to be established to handle financial issues of victims of crime and crises. Currently the organization has widened its operations to assist victims of crime and crises from numerous perspectives to handle trauma.
What They Do To Assist the Victims.
The National Organization for Victim Assistance is an advocacy institution that helps different types of victims in the society. Its mission is to defend the dignity and have sympathy for those affected by crime and crisis. It seeks to enhance victim rights through a combination of authorized advocacy, training, education, and civic work.
