CCE releases update to "A Victim’s Guide to the District of Columbia’s Legal System"

Today, CCE, in partnership with Volare (formerly Network for Victim Recovery of DC), released an update to our popular community guide, A Victim’s Guide to the District of Columbia’s Legal System. Originally published in 1987, this newest edition provides a roadmap to help victims understand their rights, connect with comprehensive support services, and navigate the complex web of agencies, stakeholders, and processes to pursue justice in D.C. The 2025 edition reflects recent updates to D.C. law that have been made and changes to program availability.

This collaborative resource reflects the shared commitment of community advocates, service providers, and District leaders to ensure victims of crime are treated with dignity, have access to accurate information, and can make informed decisions at every stage of the legal process. The 2025 edition of the Victim’s Guide was made possible by a grant from the D.C. Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants.

“Every person impacted by crime in the District should be able to know how our laws can support them and what rights they are guaranteed before, during, and after a case,” said Misty Thomas Zaleski, executive director of CCE. “Our Victim’s Guide is designed to simplify the legal system and support victims and their families in their efforts to stay safe, seek support, and pursue accountability.”

The updated Victim’s Guide includes explanations of key terms, describes available services and compensation options, and breaks down how the criminal, juvenile, and civil systems work in D.C. It is designed for broad accessibility and is available as a downloadable PDF.

“Victims deserve clear information and real choices as they navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives,” said Lindsey Silverberg, executive director of Volare. “By providing survivors with clear information and agency, this updated Guide empowers them in ways that are essential to reducing retraumatization.”

In 2026, CCE will launch a simplified and interactive online version of this guide. This next-phase Victim’s Guide resource will offer deeper content, mobile-first usability, and multimedia tools to make D.C.’s legal system more transparent and navigable for individuals and families impacted by crime. Please consider donating to CCE to help make that resource a reality!

CCE and Volare encourage service providers, advocates, and community organizations to reference and share this new 2025 static edition of the Victim’s Guide, and to sign up to be notified of the launch of the forthcoming interactive resources on CCE’s website.

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This Guide was produced by the Council for Court Excellence under Grant GT-UCCVG-00001, awarded by the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants, Executive Office of the Mayor, District of Columbia. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Guide are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the Executive Office of the Mayor. Additionally, no judicial member of CCE participated in the formulation or approval of this report.