The earlier a victim or survivor can learn about renewed case activity around a post-conviction claim of innocence and possible exoneration, the better they can prepare for any outcome, take steps for physical and emotional safety, and exercise their rights.
Initial notification about renewed case activity should occur early in the post-conviction review process, after which victims and survivors should determine for themselves whether and how they want to receive continuing information during the post-conviction process. No victim or survivor should learn about an impending exoneration and release at the last minute or after exoneration and release have already occurred.
While the responsibility for contacting victims and survivors and offering services in these cases often falls to prosecution agencies involved in the post-conviction proceedings, other professionals, such as law enforcement officers, judges, and advocates, also play a key role. Collaboration across all agencies is critical, and a multi-disciplinary team approach is strongly recommended.
These principles form the foundation of the other resources offered here and should guide and inform all post-conviction outreach to victims in these cases.
A step-by-step guide and checklist for your agency and team to conduct trauma-informed victim notification and provide continuing support in these cases as the post-conviction case review and potential exoneration process unfold.
A sample policy that can be adapted for your agency, covering all aspects of victim engagement in these cases – from initial notification when case review begins through the end of the review process and final outcome of the case.
A resource template that can be adapted by your agency to give to victims, including information about the case review process, what you can offer in the way of support, and where additional support can be found.
These resources are intended to be used together, with the Guiding Principles setting forth the overarching values and goals and the Guidelines for Practitioners serving as a practical checklist. The Sample Agency Policy and Sample Information Packet are specific tools that can be adapted by individual agencies for use in the field.
Victim notification, information, and support are warranted at many different points across the post-conviction case activity, as required by state law or victims’ rights, or in instances where the victim or survivor could learn about renewed case activity from an untrained third party, such as the media or a representative of the incarcerated individual.
Renewed case activity, such as conviction review.
Motions or petitions relating to new forensic testing, newly discovered evidence, or writs of
factual innocence.
Court hearings, findings, and decisions on all motions
and petitions.
Hearings and decisions by a governor’s office relating to claims of factual innocence.
Release from prison.
Search for and prosecution of the actual perpetrator.
With support from the Office for Victims of Crime, we completed a comprehensive project to strengthen and expand post-conviction victim services during conviction and sentence review,. As jurisdictions across the country revisit past convictions and sentences, victims and survivors must be remembered and provided with support. To advance this goal, we conducted information gathering at both national and local levels – and then developed specialized training, practical tools, and accessible resources to help agencies provide meaningful, trauma-informed victim services and uphold victims’ rights during post-conviction case activity.
We encourage agencies nationwide to use the resources available on this site and to partner with Healing Justice to ensure victims receive holistic, trauma-informed support during conviction and sentence review – and throughout all post-conviction case activity.
In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in the establishment of Conviction Review Units (CRUs) and Sentence Review Units (SRUs) within prosecution agencies. As more individuals are considered for conviction and sentence review, the need for strong post-conviction victim services is increasingly urgent. Healing Justice conducted a national scan of CRUs and SRUs to identify the number and location, clarify the mission and scope of units, and assess how victim advocates are engaged.
This report presents key insights and recommendations from a three-year project focused on enhancing holistic support for crime victims and survivors during post-conviction case activity, with a focus on cases involving conviction and sentence review. This report examines gaps in current support offerings and offers actionable recommendations in four critical areas: Legislation, Policies and Protocols, Resources, and System Culture. Our hope is that these recommendations will help build more comprehensive, trauma-informed, and victim-centered post-conviction victim support systems.
To learn more or request assistance, please contact Claire Exley at cexley@healingjusticeproject.org.
Healing Justice provides training and technical assistance to help agencies and professionals expand post-conviction victim services and protect victims’ rights. These programs include specialized training, the development of customized tools and resources, recommendations on individual cases, assistance with supporting crime victims and survivors, and more. Learn more on our webpage for agencies & practitioners.
Most crime victims and survivors in these cases feel alone throughout the post-conviction process. The Post-Conviction Survivor Resource Center (PCRC) is a website where victims can find critical information and get support during the post-conviction process. On the PCRC, they can access resources and information, and connect directly with a trained victim advocate for individualized support.
On the PCRC, victims can also find videos that share the individual stories of others directly impacted by these cases and seek to provide peer understanding and support. To ensure the privacy of these individuals, the videos are password-protected, and permission must be requested to view them. Please note that these videos involve deeply emotional content, including graphic descriptions of crimes.