NOVA Policy Lab
Advancing Victims' Rights and Services
NOVA’s Policy Lab is where field knowledge meets research, policy advocacy, and thought leadership to strengthen victim services nationwide.
“No survivor should be left without support because of where they live, who they are, or how much money is in a federal fund. The NOVA Policy Lab is how we turn that belief into action.”
— NOVA Policy Lab Team
Why We Engage in Policy Advocacy
Thousands of advocates, practitioners, and survivors have built a national network of services, crisis hotlines, legal advocacy, housing support, and more, that meets survivors where they are. That network depends on stable funding, strong laws, and a field equipped to make the case for both. The Policy Lab is how NOVA builds that case: gathering evidence, advancing victims’ rights at every level of government, and equipping advocates with the tools to engage.
What We Do
Research
Building the evidence base advocates need to make the case for better policy, stronger funding, and improved services.
Policy Advocacy
Working with advocates, survivors, and policymakers to protect and advance victims’ rights at the federal and state level.
Thought Leadership
Training, publications, and public engagement that keep survivor voices at the center of policy conversations.
Our Policy Goals
Center Victims and Survivors
Trauma-informed, survivor-centered policy at every level of government and practice.
Enforce Victims' Rights
Victims’ rights laws exist in every state; we work toward real enforcement and stronger protections where gaps remain.
Elevate Frontline Voices
Advocates, practitioners, and survivors know this work firsthand, we help their voices reach decision-makers.
Protect Funding
Stronger, more stable funding for victim services and compensation.
Unite the Field
We work alongside partner organizations and coalitions nationwide, because durable change requires a united field.
Featured Initiatives
Our Legacy
NOVA has helped shape the laws and systems survivors rely on today. In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice and Congressional sponsors, NOVA secured the enactment of VOCA and the creation of the Crime Victims’ Fund.
ES 
EN