Victim Services FAQs

If you need to update your contact information, please email DOCVictimServices@iowa.gov.

A victim is any individual against whom a criminal offense has been committed. If the victim is deceased, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to act on their own behalf, a spouse, parent, child, or other legal representative may be recognized as the victim for purposes of notification, restitution, and other rights under Iowa law.

The Iowa Code Chapter 915 provides a number of pre and post conviction rights for victims of crime.  Basic rights summary include:

1. The right to a victim advocate.
2. The right to make a victim impact statement to the court.
3. The right to restitution and/or compensation.
4. The right to register and receive notifications.

The most effective way for a crime victim to be informed about an offender’s movement or custody status is to register with our Department.  You may also register on IowaVINE. Learn about notifications.

The Iowa DOC Victim Services Office serves as the point of contact for victims by providing post-conviction information, specialized services, and resources to victims and their families. We do not provide victim advocacy services.

It is not unusual for the Iowa DOC to move inmates from one facility to another. There are several reasons, such as: a change in inmate custody level, program needs, security, disciplinary issues or population management.

Per IDOC policies, those under our supervision or in custody should not contact individuals they have victimized. If you are being harassed, threatened, or receiving unwanted communication of any kind, please contact our office at (800) 778-1182. You might also report violations of a no contact order, harassment or threats to your local law enforcement agency.

Per Iowa Code, all incarcerated individuals have the right to an annual review by the Iowa Board of Parole, unless they are subject to a mandatory minimum sentence.  For more information about the Board of Parole, please visit their website here.