For Release: July 18, 1998
Contact: Melissa Forsythe 502-564-2611
Elizabeth Davenport

Lexington, KY – Governor Paul Patton was joined by Vice President Al Gore in announcing creation of a new and innovative information system that will make Kentucky the first state in the nation to link all victim advocates by computer.

"With the development of this innovative system, Kentucky will again step out front in the nation in our use of technology to protect the lives of crime victims" the Governor said.

The new system, called "V-NET", will create a computer network to link every victim advocate in Kentucky, including advocates in prosecutors’ offices, rape crisis centers, spouse abuse shelters and child protection agencies. Through this network advocates will be able for the first time to directly access Kentucky’s victim notification system to locate where a dangerous offender is incarcerated or to register a victim to be notified. V-NET will also provide critically needed support to advocates by giving them immediate access to information with which they can assist victims - information like where the nearest protective shelter is located; how Kentucky law can protect a child; where a forensic rape exam can be conducted; and much more.

The V-NET System also provides for improved communications between advocates in Kentucky, allowing them to contact each other through electronic mail and a specialized chat room. Approximately 200 state-operated or state-funded agencies will be connected through V-NET. V-NET will also improve the efficiency of government and improve victim services by allowing advocates to complete grants and file them electronically.

In making the announcement regarding V-NET, Governor Patton noted that exactly one year ago today he announced the completion of Kentucky’s V.I.N.E.Ô System. That system allows victims to receive notification of an offender’s release from a jail or prison by calling a toll free telephone number and registering to be notified. The V-NET System will enhance that current system by allowing advocates to access offender records and to register victims electronically. It also allows advocates to be notified by electronic mail when offenders are released.

The announcement of the new system came after Vice President Gore announced that Kentucky will receive a new federal grant for $100,000 to further the state’s efforts to address domestic violence. Specifically, that new grant will make Kentucky a model for the nation in developing new innovations to ensure the full faith and credit of domestic violence protective orders. The new grant will allow a second important phase to Kentucky’s efforts over the last two years to ensure the enforcement of out of state protective orders.

First Lady Judi Patton commented on the announcements by the Vice President and the Governor by stating, "With these two new projects, we work to save the life of a child, to spare a woman from violence, and to give all Kentucky citizens the chance to live free from the fear of harm."

For more information on the new V-NET System or the domestic violence grant, please call Carol Jordan, Executive Director Governor’s Office of Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Services at 502-564-2611.