A victim is defined as a person who has suffered physical or emotional harm, property damage, or economic loss as a result of a crime.
Within the criminal justice system, the term victim describes a person who has been subject to a crime, and is entitled to certain rights under the law. However, the word does not imply weakness, assume guilt, or assign blame.
Marsy’s Law for Ohio was passed in November of 2017 with an overwhelming 83% of voters in favor and took effect February 5, 2018. Marsy’s Law provides Ohio’s crime victims with meaningful rights in the criminal justice process and the ability to enforce these rights through counsel. For more information and to seek additional documents regarding Marsy’s Law please visit ocvjc.org, www.marsyslawforoh.com or www.supremecort.ohio.gov.
The Office of Victim Advocacy of Belmont County Prosecutor’s Office provides services and offers assistance to Victims. One of the goals is to inform victims of their rights within the criminal justice system and to assist victims while participating in the court proceedings.
If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact the Belmont County Victim Advocate, Pam Bowman at 740-699-2771 or via email at
pam.bowman@co.belmont.oh.us.