Public Policy:

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COVA strives to raise the understanding of  victim issues within the consciousness of policy makers and the general public to a level where all crime victims are viewed with honor and respect and their rights are recognized as an essential element of the criminal justice process. To further these goals, COVA addresses public policy issues both inside and outside the legislative arena. COVA monitors proposed bills and advocates on issues relevant to crime victims and those who serve them on a daily basis. Legislative advocacy involves coalition-building with other victim advocacy groups; assisting members in identifying and implementing ways to educate their communities; and raising legislators’ awareness and knowledge of crime victim issues. COVA also monitors federal initiatives and issues that affect victims’ rights.

Legislative Victim's Rights Caucus

COVA is proud to announce the formation of the Colorado Crime Victims' Rights Caucus sponsored by State Representative Rhonda Fields (D) and Representative Bob Gardner (R). The Colorado Crime Victims' Rights Caucus hopes to serve as the General Assembly's subject matter experts in ensuring that the rights of crime victims are appropriately balanced in the consideration of criminal justice policy.  The meetings were attended by various legislators listed below.  Please consider thanking your legislator if they attended the meetings: If you do not see your legislator on the list of attendees please contact them and inform them about this important Caucus. Not sure how to contact your legislator? Visit votesmart.org to find your elected officials and their contact information. 

Public Policy 101:

Please check out the PowerPoint presentation that was presented at the 24th Annual COVA Conference.  It provides an excellent overview of public policy and includes resources and contact information.


2013 Legislative Wrap-Up:

The 2013 legislative session concluded on May 8th. COVA worked hard to ensure that the voices of crime victims and the people who serve them every day were present as our elected officials considered legislation. We did our best to keep our members informed about the bills we kept track of. If you are interested in knowing the outcomes, click here for our full end-of-session report.

New COVA's Public Policy Toolkit for Legislative Advocacy:

COVA's Public Policy Committee has put together a Public Policy Toolkit for Legislative Advocacy to assist in improving legislative advocacy for crime victims.  This toolkit provides a step-by-step process on how you can get involved and several options on how to do so.  It is vital that we all work together to reach out to our legislators to raise awareness on the impact that certain bills may have on crime victims.  Please check out the Public Policy Toolkit below!

Note: there is an electronic version that has embedded links that will automatically navigate you once you drill on them as well as a printable handout version which provides the long form link.

Contact COVA's Public Policy Committee: If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions please contact Sterling Harris at 303-866-8085 or sterling@coloradocrimevicitms.org