About Us:

We are an Alaska based nonprofit serving those affected by violence, throughout the state.

Mission: To care for those affected by violent crime.

Vision: To give everyone affected by violent crime a voice and ability to elicit positive change.

Victims for Justice is the only organization in the state that specializes in the services below to victims of violent crime outside of domestic violence and sexual assault. All of our services are free of charge.

 

  • Grief and emotional support
  • Education of the criminal justice process
  • Emergency financial support
  • Court accompaniment
  • Assistance creating meaningful impact statements
  • Assistance creating and advertising reward funds
  • Acting as a go-between for the prosecutors and police departments as needed
  • Navigation through support services and resources in our community

History

Before the 1980’s, victims did not have formal rights within the legal system. There was the defense, representing the accused, and the prosecution, representing the state. The victim was not seen as having a role in the process. In the mid-80’s, a national movement began, with the objective of establishing constitutional victims’ rights. VFJ was part of this movement, working to secure these rights for all victims in Alaska.

Victims for Justice was founded in 1985 after the loss of Janice Lienhart and Sharon Nahorney’s parents and their aunt, brutally murdered during a home invasion. Following the murder, a hearing was held but was closed to the public, denying all rights of the family to defend their lost loved ones. Directly following the hearing, Lienhart and Nahorney aggressively fought in the victims’ rights movement in Alaska. The two wanted to create a place where victims of violent crime could get professional assistance while also coping with their grief and trauma.

Since this time, VFJ has grown to support all Alaskans affected by violent crime, no matter the city or village. We are currently involved with the Anchorage Alliance for Violence Prevention, the new Mayor’s Taskforce on Sex Trafficking, as well as working with the Department of Corrections on their overhaul by making sure victims are heard and protected.