Blunt Announces Enhanced Notification
System to Help Crime Victims
October is Designated as
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. Matt Blunt today announced the completion
of an enhanced statewide automated notification system regarding protective
orders as the state recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness
Month.
"During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I urge
all Missourians to join together in recommitting themselves to eliminating
domestic violence and reaching out to its victims, letting them know
that help is available," Blunt said. "I am pleased to announce
this enhanced system intended to provide crime victims with the information
they want to know about their attackers' custody and court status. This
system will help provide security and emotional peace of mind by allowing
victims to be notified in real time when the protection order they request
has been served."
Since 1987, October has been observed as Domestic Violence
Awareness Month. During this time, the efforts of many committed organizations
are highlighted and recognized in order to increase public awareness
of domestic violence and the needs of battered women and children.
Today's announcement is part of an ongoing effort to
enhance and expand victims' rights and services. The state currently
has a database that tracks offenders' custody and court dates and notifies
crime victims when there is a change in their offender's custody status.
The automated system known as MoVANS empowers crime victims with the
facts of their case and eliminates paperwork and guesswork to receive
pertinent information about their attacker and the resources to obtain
the information.
The notification system is now enhanced to notify victims
when their request for a protection order is served as well as other
confidential updates and information regarding their case at any time,
day or night.
Petitioners will have the option of registering for automatic
updates using a confidential PIN and their own phone number. By simply
calling the toll-free number at 1-866-566-8267, victims can get confirmation
that a protection order has been served and receive information regarding
upcoming court hearings.
During this past June, the project was tested in four
Missouri counties including St. Louis City, Boone, Buchanan and Cole.
October marks the beginning of a statewide roll out to implement the
system across the state.
Gov. Blunt signed comprehensive legislation in 2007 enhancing
laws protecting women and children who fall victim to domestic violence
and sexual assault. The legislation under Senate Bill 429 and House
Bill 583 increases sentencing terms for repeat domestic violence abusers
from 5-15 years in prison to 10-30 years, or life in prison and also
requires the state to cover the charges of forensic examinations for
victims of sexual offenses who are uninsured. Also the bill protects
communications among sexual assault survivors and advocates at rape
crisis centers.
Last week the governor announced he plans to recommend
that more than $2.3 million be available to cover medical exam costs
associated with rape or sexual assault in next year's budget. The governor
is also recommending that $1.8 million be made available in the supplemental
budget to protect victims. This funding will ensure that sexual assault
victims will not be further traumatized by being forced to pay for the
medical exams needed to collect information about their attacker's DNA
which requires specialized training. These exams can be vital in the
successful prosecution of the assailant and the health of the victim.
The Missouri Office for Victims of Crime is a program
within the Department of Public Safety created to provide a liaison
between victims, victim service providers, and the criminal justice
system.