What We Do:
Since 1982, the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (COVA) has been committed to fairness and healing for crime victims, their families and communities through leadership, education, and advocacy. By operating in an inclusive and compassionate manner, COVA creates solutions and positive change.
COVA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit statewide membership organization, with over 800 members throughout Colorado. Our membership includes personnel from the criminal justice system, nonprofit organizations providing assistance to victims of crime, survivors of crime, concerned citizens, and members of allied professions (human services, education, mental health, clergy, etc.).
COVA's vision is to be recognized as a national leader in building a collaborative environment where crime victims are given the opportunity to heal and restore balance to their lives.
COVA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit statewide membership organization, with over 800 members throughout Colorado. Our membership includes personnel from the criminal justice system, nonprofit organizations providing assistance to victims of crime, survivors of crime, concerned citizens, and members of allied professions (human services, education, mental health, clergy, etc.).
COVA's vision is to be recognized as a national leader in building a collaborative environment where crime victims are given the opportunity to heal and restore balance to their lives.
COVA's Executive Director Nancy Lewis discusses COVA and Victim Services in Colorado
What COVA is involved in:
- Providing training and technical assistance on the Colorado Victims' Rights Act;
- Training to assist member agencies to provide quality services;
- Publishing standard mail and email Newsletters;
- Publishing an online statewide directory of victim service providers;
- Monitoring state & federal legislation affecting victims of crime;
- Administering a Victim Services Intern Program to enhance delivery of services to underserved/underrepresented populations in the Denver Metropolitan and Northern Front Range Areas;
- Sponsoring the Annual COVA Conference for victim service providers and other interested parties;
- Managing a Human Trafficking Program, which provides intensive case management for victims of sex and labor trafficking statewide;
- Planning, developing, and hosting a statewide Victim Assistance Academy to provide base-line training to those new to the field of victim assistance;
- Public education to foster a better understanding of victimization;
- Offering a voluntary Victim Advocate Certification Program for Colorado victim advocates;
- Administering a Crime Victim Emergency Fund;
- Developing a Crisis Response Team available to assist communities statewide;
We invite you to become an active member of COVA and help in the movement to advance victims' rights and services!
COVA's Board of Directors:
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Executive Committee:
Mark Slavsky, President Wheat Ridge Police Department Wheat Ridge, CO Angela Dunson, Immediate President Denver City Attorney's Office Denver, CO Cecil O'Farrell, Past President Community Member Boulder, CO Michael Goodbee, Co-Vice President City of Golden Municipal Court Westminster, CO Janet Drake, Secretary Colorado Attorney General's Office Denver, CO Tom Waddill, Co-Treasurer Community Member Lakewood, CO Irene Blatnick, Co-Treasurer 2nd J.D. District Attorney's Office Denver, CO Allison Boyd, Co-Public Policy 1st J.D. District Attorney's Office Golden, CO Michael Dougherty, Co-Public Policy 20th J.D. District Attorney's Office Boulder, CO |
Board Members:
Britta Davis (Northeast Regional Rep) Fort Collins Police Department Fort Collins, CO Mari Dennis (Southeast Regional Rep) Colorado Springs Police Department Colorado Springs, CO Florence Hunt 10th J.D. District Attorney's Office Pueblo, CO Jocelyn Rhymer (Central Regional Rep) Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Denver, CO Martha Robinson (Southwest Regional Rep) Cortez Police Department Cortez, CO Steve Siegel Community Member Denver, CO Maureen Testa (Central Region Rep) Broomfield Police Department Broomfield, CO Debbie Vigue Community Member Lamar, CO Marsha Willis Americas Development Group Denver, CO |