Domestic-violence victims can use high-tech notification tools

Representatives from several area agencies learned how to use a tool for crime victims in Missouri during Tuesday's quarterly meeting of the Domestic Violence Community Response Task Force.

The Missouri Victim Automated Notification System, or MOVANS, was created as a way to notify registered users of changes to an offender's custody or court status and as a way for victims to check on the status of a protection order.

Missouri statute says victims of violent crime are entitled to information about charges and court dates, to be present at all hearings and to be notified of prisoner release, escape or death. Prosecuting attorneys' offices and law enforcement agencies are required to provide this notification, but MOVANS empowers victims with the ability to keep themselves informed, said Jenna Ridge, a trainer for the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

Ridge presented the program at Dexter Bar-B-Que in Cape Girardeau to about 17 people, including representatives from Court Appointed Special Advocates, Community Caring Council, Southeast Missouri State University, Safe House for Woman and area law enforcement agencies.

Victims may register for updates at vinelink.com, on the Vinemobile app or by phone. MOVANS receives information on county offenders from the Office of State Courts Administrator daily, and automated calls begin going out to victims at 7 a.m., Ridge said, and continue every two hours for 48 hours until receipt is acknowledged by entering a PIN.

"It's a pretty lengthy message," Ridge said. Those receiving the calls "have to listen to the end."

Those who have registered also can call anonymously 24 hours a day to receive updates, according to a video shown by Ridge. There is no limit on the number of calls, and live operators are available.

During registration, a victim can see quite a bit of information about the offender's status, such as the reporting agency and case status. One thing not automatically shown, however, is the offender's mugshot.

Ridge said it can be traumatic for a victim to be forced to see the mugshots, but they are given the option of clicking to see it.

"It can also be empowering for them to say, 'Yes, I want to see that photo,'" Ridge said.

Victims of lesser crimes, such as misdemeanors, may be updated on an offender's status, but the request must be made in writing, Ridge said.

People also may register at registervpo.com to receive information on the status of an order of protection, Ridge said. Updates on the status of an order of protection are captured and sent immediately after it is entered into the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System.

"We want them to get that information as quickly as they can so they can put their safety plan into action," Ridge said.

Victims who register are notified upon service of the order, court hearing and expiration.

The system is safe and secure, and petitioner information cannot be found on the site, Ridge said.

Becky Holloway, court advocate at Safe House for Women, said she was glad Ridge came to Cape Girardeau for the training.

"This is a tool we all use," Holloway said, calling MOVANS "the quickest way to get updates" to crime victims.

kwebster@semissourian.com

388-3646

Pertinent address:

236 S Broadview St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703