In Conversation With’ NECX Founder & CEO Arastalis B. Choudhury: Why Invest in Victims’ Rights?
At just the beginning of his college journey, Arastalis B. Choudhury found himself unexpectedly on the other side of the justice system—as a victim. That life-altering experience became the catalyst for founding NECX, a tech-powered initiative reimagining how survivors access justice and support. In this conversation, Choudhury shares how a team of students transformed empathy into action and built a platform aimed at reshaping victim services worldwide. From pilot projects to global partnerships, NECX is leading a bold movement to centre victims in the conversation on public safety. Read on as we explore the story behind NECX and the unwavering mission driving its impact.
Marina Kazakova, VSE: Can you share the story behind NECX? What inspired the founding of the company, especially as a team of college students?
Arastalis B. Choudhury, NECX: The inspiration behind NECX began with a personal experience that opened my eyes to the challenges crime victims face in navigating the justice system. After moving to Virginia for college, I faced victimisation for the first time in my life, experiencing firsthand the difficulty of navigating the criminal justice system. Filing a police report, connecting with a victim advocate, and finding legal assistance were all new and overwhelming experiences, exposing a major gap in tangible solutions designed to support victims. Recognising this gap, I turned to my professors for guidance and began assembling a team of brilliant minds from diverse fields—Criminology, Psychology, Computer Science, and Data Science. Together, we conducted extensive research into victim services, the criminal justice system, police-victim interactions, and existing technologies. What we discovered was a striking lack of collaborative tools and external communication systems that could streamline support for victims and improve coordination among essential service providers.
Determined to bridge this gap, we began developing NECX—a unified digital solution designed to connect criminal justice stakeholders and provide a seamless support network for survivors. We worked closely with victim service providers, victims, and police departments, launching pilot tests to refine NECX and ensure it met real-world needs.
As a passionate team of college students, we took a risk—choosing impact over profit—to build something that could create lasting change. The best part? We’re young, driven, and relentless problem-solvers who believe in thinking big and executing even bigger. NECX’s growth is a testament to that commitment, and we remain dedicated to revolutionising victim support and public safety on a global scale.
Marina Kazakova, VSE: Your journey as a crime victim undoubtedly gives you a unique perspective. How does this influence your leadership style and approach to advocacy?
Arastalis B. Choudhury, NECX: My journey as a crime victim has profoundly shaped my leadership style, giving me both the resilience and determination to fight for what’s right. It has instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and purpose, which I carry into my role as the CEO of NECX and as a dedicated advocate for victims worldwide. Leading a small but highly effective team, I prioritise collaboration over hierarchy, ensuring that every voice is valued and every effort contributes to meaningful change. My co-founders and I are committed to transparency, accountability, and efficiency—principles that not only guide our organization internally but also define the innovative solutions we provide to survivors.
Marina Kazakova, VSE: What message would you like to convey to other victims of crime through NECX’s initiatives and sponsorships?
Arastalis B. Choudhury, NECX: Through NECX’s initiatives and sponsorships, my message to crime victims is simple yet powerful: You are not alone, and your voice matters. Having been in your shoes, I understand the fear, isolation, and uncertainty that can come with being a victim. That’s why NECX exists—to provide a safe, accessible, and empowering platform where survivors can find the support, resources, and advocacy they need to rebuild their lives.
We believe in restoring dignity, ensuring justice, and creating pathways to healing. Our initiatives are designed to break barriers, offering innovative solutions that connect victims with trusted services, legal aid, and community support. Whether through technology, partnerships, or direct assistance, NECX is committed to standing beside you, amplifying your voice, and driving systemic change to ensure no victim is ever left unheard or unprotected.
Mission and Vision
Marina Kazakova, VSE: NECX is described as more than just a platform—it’s a commitment to building safer communities. How do you see this commitment manifesting in your day-to-day operations?
Arastalis B. Choudhury, NECX: On a day-to-day level, this commitment is reflected in our approach to innovation, collaboration, and accessibility. We prioritise the continuous improvement of our technology to ensure survivors have seamless access to critical resources, from legal advocacy and crisis support to trauma-informed tools for safety and navigation. Our team actively engages with victim service providers, law enforcement, and advocacy groups to bridge gaps in support and streamline processes that empower victims. Transparency, efficiency, and survivor-centric solutions guide every decision we make. Whether it’s refining our victim service management system (VSMS), expanding our network of trusted partners, or advocating for policy changes, we are dedicated to making a measurable difference. At NECX, building safer communities isn’t just a goal—it’s a responsibility we uphold every single day.
Marina Kazakova, VSE: In what ways does NECX empower crime victims and support victim service providers? Could you share some real-world impacts?
Arastalis B. Choudhury, NECX: NECX is a pioneering digital platform that helps victims navigate the complexities of the justice system. Our free mobile app connects survivors with critical support services, anonymous trauma-informed AI assistance, and ensures users stay informed of their rights and protections wherever they go. For victim service providers, NECX delivers a comprehensive suite of digital tools, including smart case management software, automated data analytics, and seamless collaborative tools, streamlining operations and enhancing service delivery. By modernising outdated systems, NECX empowers agencies to reach more survivors, respond faster, and improve care.
By bridging the gap between victims and providers, NECX is transforming how support is accessed and delivered, ensuring no survivor is left without the help they need. During our pilot tests NECX has connected crime survivors to officers, connected survivors to resources and simplified agency workflows to increase access and responsiveness.
Innovation & Collaboration
Marina Kazakova, VSE: NECX, emphasises bridging the gap between law enforcement, victim service providers, and victims. How does your platform facilitate this collaboration?
Arastalis B. Choudhury, NECX: NECX bridges the gap between victim service providers and victims by providing a unified digital platform that enables secure, streamlined collaboration. Each stakeholder—law enforcement, prosecutors, victim advocates, and service providers—has a dedicated interface tailored to their role, ensuring controlled access to critical information while maintaining confidentiality. For victims and survivors, our free mobile application serves as a vital resource, allowing them to navigate their situation, access support, and connect directly with trusted service providers. By integrating these systems, NECX ensures faster response times, improved coordination, and a more survivor-centred approach to justice and recovery.
Marina Kazakova, VSE: What role does technology play in transforming victim support and law enforcement coordination?
Arastalis B. Choudhury, NECX: The proper use of technology can protect victims from the emerging harms of technology. The right technology, developed with care, can provide a discreet and accessible way to seek help, access resources, and communicate with trusted support services. For law enforcement and service providers, it improves case management, automated reporting, reduces delays, and facilitates real-time information sharing, ensuring faster, more coordinated responses.
By integrating technology into victim services, we can create a more connected, responsive, and survivor-centred system that prioritises safety, efficiency, and justice.
Sponsorship of Victims’ Rights Initiatives
Marina Kazakova, VSE: Why did NECX decide to sponsor the VSE Annual Conference and the Year of Victims’ Rights 2025 campaign?
Arastalis B. Choudhury, NECX: VSE, is one of the most influential organisations advocating for victims’ rights globally, and its impact has been a true inspiration to me. Under the leadership of Executive Director Levent Altan, VSE has made significant strides in strengthening victim support worldwide.
NECX’s sponsorship of the VSE Annual Conference and the Year of Victims’ Rights 2025 campaign reflects our deep commitment to revolutionising victim support in collaboration with VSE and its member organisations. As a global, adaptable solution, NECX is designed to meet the needs of any jurisdiction, reinforcing our dedication to both survivors and the heroes who support them.
Marina Kazakova, VSE: How does sponsoring these initiatives align with your company’s mission and values?
Arastalis B. Choudhury, NECX: By supporting these initiatives, we reinforce our commitment to global victim advocacy, ensuring survivors have access to the resources they need while strengthening partnerships with organisations dedicated to justice and support. This sponsorship is more than just an investment—it’s a reflection of our unwavering dedication to creating safer, more connected communities for victims worldwide.
Marina Kazakova, VSE: What outcomes do you hope to achieve through this sponsorship?
Arastalis B. Choudhury, NECX: Through this sponsorship, we aim to drive meaningful change in victim support by fostering stronger global collaboration, increasing awareness, and advancing innovative solutions for survivors. We hope to:
- Strengthen partnerships with victim service organisations, advocates, and policymakers
- Showcase NECX as a leading technology-driven solution for victim support, adaptable to various jurisdictions.
- Advocate for improved victim rights and accessibility to resources on a global scale.
- Gain valuable insights from experts and stakeholders to continuously refine and expand our impact.
Ultimately, our goal is to contribute to a future where every victim has access to the support they need, and every service provider has the tools to assist them effectively.
Community Impact & Future Vision
Marina Kazakova, VSE: Looking forward, what are your long-term goals for NECX in terms of supporting victims’ rights and community safety?
Arastalis B. Choudhury, NECX: Our long-term goal for NECX is to implement our much-needed digital ecosystem in as many communities as possible, creating a seamless and secure support network for victims. To achieve this, we aim to build strong partnerships with victim service agencies, law enforcement agencies and advocacy organisations, ensuring survivors have access to a digital safe haven. By expanding our reach and continuously enhancing our technology, we strive to make victim support more accessible, efficient, and survivor-centred, ultimately contributing to safer communities worldwide.
Marina Kazakova, VSE: What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs looking to make a social impact through technology/business?
Arastalis B. Choudhury, NECX: For entrepreneurs looking to make a social impact through technology and business, my advice is simple: build with purpose, stay resilient, and prioritise impact over profit.
- Solve a Real Problem – Identify a genuine gap in society and create a solution that addresses it effectively. Technology should serve as an enabler, not just a product.
- Collaborate & Listen – Engage with the communities you aim to help. Partner with experts, stakeholders, and those with lived experiences to ensure your solution truly meets their needs.
- Stay Mission-Driven – Challenges will come, but staying committed to your mission will keep you moving forward. Purpose-driven businesses have the power to create a lasting impact.
- Be Adaptable – Social impact requires innovation. Get a product out to market fast, be open to feedback, iterate on your solutions, and continuously refine your approach to maximise your effectiveness.
Success in social entrepreneurship isn’t just measured in revenue—it’s measured in lives changed. Build something that truly matters. We may not change the world, but we can change the world for a person at a time.
