Victim Advocacy and RI-VINE Liaison
Victim Advocacy and RI-VINE Liaison – RI Department of Corrections
The Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center in collaboration with the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC), through its Office of Victim Services (OVS), is committed to providing trauma-informed, victim-centered support to individuals impacted by crime. At the heart of this initiative is the Victim Advocate, who serves as the Department’s primary liaison to the Rhode Island Victim Information and Notification Everyday (RI-VINE) system and the Victim Portal. This program is designed to ensure that victims and their families have timely access to accurate information, compassionate support, and critical safety resources.
The Victim Advocate is available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., to respond to inquiries from victims, their families, victim-serving organizations, and criminal justice professionals. Acting as a vital bridge between the justice system and victims, the advocate supports individuals in navigating the RI-VINE and Victim Portal systems, helping them stay informed and engaged throughout the correctional process.
RI Victims of Crime Helpline
1-800-494-8100
The Office of Victim Services provides advocacy, outreach, safety planning, and referrals to victims impacted by offenders under RIDOC custody, as well as those under probation or parole supervision. The Victim Advocate works in close collaboration with law enforcement, pre-trial services, and corrections personnel to assess risk, identify needs, and prioritize victim safety, particularly during offender reentry into the community.
In addition, the advocate plays an educational role by providing training and technical assistance to DOC staff and professionals throughout the state on issues related to domestic violence, sexual victimization, and victim advocacy.
The victim advocate is available to:
- Develop individualized safety plans tailored to the victim’s needs and the behavior of their offender
- Provide referrals to victim service providers based on specific needs
- Offer ongoing case management and support as needed
- Educate and empower victims through the use of RI-VINE, the Victim Portal, RI Judiciary, and DOC databases
- Conduct risk assessments using safety tools and collaborate with pre-trial services to triage high-risk cases
- Respond to victim inquiries and provide accurate information during workday hours
- Coordinate and maintain the RI-VINE notification system and Victim Portal
- Lead ongoing training sessions on the RI-VINE system for DOC staff and community professionals
Crisis & Emergency Contacts
BVAC RESOURCES IN RI
RI Helpline: 1-800-494-8100
Providence, RI 02905 (401) 785-2320
NATIONAL RESOURCES
National hotline for domestic violence: 800-799-7233
National hotline for sex trafficking: 888-373-7888
National hotline for sexual assault: 1-800-656-4673
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Dial 988 for free,
24/7 emotional support.
Day One Children’s Advocacy Center
(child victims of sexual abuse) 401-421-4100