Resources for Victims, Survivors & Families

Protecting children from further harm starts with being informed and prepared. This section provides practical tools and state-level information to help victims of child sexual assault, their guardians, and families participate effectively in the parole process. Whether you need to register for hearing notifications, prepare a Victim Impact Statement, or find local support, the resources here are gathered in one place to help you make your voice heard.

How to Participate in Parole Hearings

Your input can influence parole decisions. The most effective ways to be heard are:

• Register for notifications. Get alerts about upcoming hearings through VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) or your state's victim services office. VINE is operated nationally and covers most state correctional systems — visit vinelink.com to register.
• Submit a Victim Impact Statement (VIS). Describe the ongoing harm and why continued incarceration may be necessary for safety.
• Speak at the hearing. Most state boards allow attendance in person, by video, or through a representative. Procedures vary — confirm with the board's victim services unit in advance.
• Submit a Letter of Opposition. A formal written statement urging the board not to grant release. See LO guidance →

Preparing a Victim Impact Statement

A Victim Impact Statement (VIS) allows you to explain how the crime has affected the survivor's life — emotionally, developmentally, physically, financially, and in terms of safety. Parole boards review these statements when deciding on release.

Quick Tips for Writing a Strong Statement

• Focus on the ongoing impact on the child's trust, development, school life, family relationships, and sense of safety.
• Speak from the heart using clear, respectful language directed to the parole board.
• Avoid graphic details of the offense or personal attacks — the board already has the file.
• You can submit in writing, read it aloud, or have a representative speak for you.
• Keep a copy. If a future hearing occurs, you may want to update and resubmit.

For help drafting a statement, contact your state parole board's Victim Services unit or a local victim advocate. Most states fund advocates specifically for this purpose at no cost to the victim or family.

Victim Rights & Safety Planning

You have rights under your state's Victims' Bill of Rights, which in most states includes:

• Notification of parole hearings and releases
• The right to submit a Victim Impact Statement
• The right to attend hearings and speak (in many states)
• Protection from intimidation or harassment
• Information about the offender's custody status

Safety Planning

• Create a safety plan in advance of any release date the board may set.
• Check official sex offender registries — use only verified government sites.
• Access counseling and support services through your state victim assistance program.
• If conditions of release are violated and you observe it, report to the supervising parole officer.

Immediate Help

• RAINN — National Sexual Assault Hotline. 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or rainn.org. 24/7 confidential support.
• Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline. 1-800-422-4453. 24/7, staffed by professional crisis counselors.
• NCMEC CyberTipline. 1-800-843-5678 or report.cybertip.org. For suspected online exploitation.
• Local Children's Advocacy Center. Search the National Children's Alliance directory for the CAC nearest you.

State-by-State Parole Resources

Parole processes, victim rights, and notification systems vary by state. As state-specific guides are added, they will be linked here. To request that a particular state be prioritized, use the contact form.

• Federal cases — U.S. Parole Commission Victim Witness Program
• VINE (national) — vinelink.com — registration for offender custody status notifications

Always verify deadlines and submission methods directly with your state's official parole board. Procedures change.

Other Tools on This Site

• Data & Charts — recidivism trends, NCMEC report volumes, and federal sentencing statistics.
• Upcoming Hearings — scheduled parole and pardon hearings.
• Terminology & Glossary — definitions for the abbreviations used on this site and in official documents.
• The Pardon Process — how Full and Complete Pardons work and how the public can participate.