About Us :: History

History of NCVAN

The North Carolina Victim Assistance Network (NCVAN) began when A.A. "Dick" Adams and Lynne Minick united together to start a volunteer organization to give voice to victims' rights in North Carolina. A short time later in 1986, we became incorporated and hired our first employee with funding from the NC Governor's Crime Commission. The founders were individuals that had suffered great losses, but with fierce determination and passion unspeakable they became one in vision and action. Their vision: promote the rights and needs of crime victims by educating North Carolina's citizens and public policy leaders about the devastating impact that crime has on our society.

The 20-year journey of NCVAN has been met with joy, pain, success, disappointment and hope, but most importantly it has been met with change for a better tomorrow for those who have suffered and will suffer crime victimization. NCVAN contributed to change in financial compensation for victims. Not only did we advocate for change, but we were recognized as a real entity in victims' rights by having our board members appointed to the Victim Compensation Commission. The legacy continues with appointments to various other commissions, such as Sentencing and Police Advisory Commission (1990), NC State Criminal Justice Partnership Advisory Board (2001) and the Actual Innocence Commission (2001).

Through the years, NCVAN has weighed in on many important legislative issues that have influenced victims' rights. We were successful in the opposition of a moratorium, raising the number of victim/witness assistants across the state, and an expansion of coverage by the Victim Compensation Program to crime victims, including victims of DWI. Most importantly, a long, hard-fought battle was won to amend the North Carolina Constitution to include the Victims' Rights Declaration authored by then Senator Roy Cooper. NCVAN does not enjoy these successes alone, but in unity with victim advocates across the state in government, private and non-profit sectors here in North Carolina as well as with national organizations such as NOVA.

Former NCVAN president, Jane Cauthen, addressed whether the Network should have a referral system available to connect victims and resources in an NCVAN newsletter in the late 1980s. The answer was a resounding, YES! We now provide information on over 1,500 victim service and criminal justice agencies, victim assistance programs, and advocacy groups.

In 2002, NCVAN began the NC Victim Services Practitioner Certification Program which has added further credibility to the profession of Victim Practitioner.

Throughout its more than two-decade history, NCVAN has made great strides in victims' rights, but the journey is far from over. We must press on in educating North Carolina's citizens and public policy leaders. Find out how you can help here.