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Crime Victim Services


OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

Voice of the Victim: A Perspectives Spotlight Issue (2012) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 100 pages, NCJ 238382.
Through OVC support, this special edition of the American Probation and Parole Association's Perspectives provides a collection of informative, thought-provoking articles to support community corrections professionals in incorporating victims' rights and services into daily practice. This resource teaches readers that victims' rights to information, notification, restitution, and participation are an integral component of community corrections.
Abstract | PDF
 
Outreach to Underserved Teen Victims of Crime: Chart a Course for Expanding Victim Services to Youth (2012) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 40 pages, NCJ 238800.
The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) and the National Center for Victims of Crime (National Center), with funding from OVC, produced this guidebook and accompanying Web-based resources to provide an overview of the challenges faced in conducting outreach to underserved teen victims of crime. The materials highlight examples of the various projects and resources developed and implemented in local communities through the Underserved Teen Victims Initiative.
PDF
 
Using Federal Law To Prosecute Domestic Violence Crimes in Indian Country Guide/DVD (October 2012) OVC, OVC Videos, 40 pages, NCJ 238639.
This DVD and companion facilitator's guide provide guidance on how to successfully prosecute in federal court domestic violence offenders who commit crimes in Indian Country. The video incorporates case studies of actual prosecutions, while the guide provides an overview of relevant legal principles and key points for discussion. The materials also discuss circumstances common in tribal domestic violence prosecutions, such as offender recidivism, recanting victims, safety planning, and federal and tribal criminal justice and social service professionals working collaboratively to ensure victims' safety and community justice.
PDF (Facilitator's Guide) | HTML | Video (WMV Video Clip) | Video (QuickTime Video Clip)
Part Of the OVC Videos Series
 
Multidisciplinary Response to Crime Victims with Disabilities: State-Level Replication Guide (September 2012) OVC, Electronic Document, 0 pages, NCJ 239107.
This guide describes the Building Partnerships for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities Initiative (BPI), which uses a prosecution-based multidisciplinary team approach to address abuse committed against persons with disabilities. A community-level guide also is available.
HTML (State Replication Guide) | HTML (Replication Guide Set)
 
Multidisciplinary Response to Crime Victims with Disabilities: Community-Level Replication Guide (September 2012) OVC, Electronic Document, 0 pages, NCJ 239108.
This guide walks you through a seven-step model to improve your community's capacity to respond to crime victims with disabilities. Every step in the model is designed to change your response to crime victims with disabilities permanently. A state-level guide also is available.
HTML (Community Replication Guide) | HTML (Replication Guide Set)
 

OJP Publications

Preventing Children's Exposure to Violence: The Defending Childhood Initiative (June 2012) NIJ, Article, NIJ Journal, 4 pages, NCJ 238485.
This article describes the Department of Justice's Defending Childhood Initiative which seeks to address the problem of children's exposure to violence.

Part Of the NIJ Journal Series Abstract | PDF | HTML
 
AMBER Alert Best Practices (May 2012) OJJDP, Report, 64 pages, NCJ 232271.
This guide is a compilation of the most effective and efficient strategies, provided by AMBER Alert partners and practitioners, for recovering missing or abducted children.
Abstract | PDF
 
OJP 2012 Program Plan: Resources for the Criminal Justice and Juvenile Justice Field (April 2012) OJP, Report, NCJ 238383.
The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Program Plan is a searchable online document of funding opportunities and new initiatives. It features the latest and most complete information regarding both competitive and noncompetitive grants, training and technical assistance, research, and other resources available to the justice community, divided into nine thematically organized sections.
HTML
 
U.S. Attorney General's Defending Childhood Initiative: Formative Evaluation of the Phase I Demonstration Program (November 2011) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 16 pages, NCJ 236563.
This report describes the nature and scope of children's exposure to violence in eight demonstration sites, describing the common and unique strategies the sites chose for addressing the problem, and drawing key lessons so that other jurisdictions seeking to address children's exposure to violence in their own communities can learn from the current evaluation of the Defending Childhood Initiative.
Abstract | PDF
 
Use of Victim Service Agencies by Victims of Serious Violent Crime, 1993-2009 (August 2011) BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 16 pages, NCJ 234212.
Presents data from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) on trends in the percentage of serious violent crime victims who received help or advice from a victim service agency from 1993 to 2009.

Part Of the BJS Special Reports Series Abstract | PDF | TEXT
 

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Each month the Nation's experts answer your questions about best practices in victim services. Below are upcoming and most recent session discussions in this topic:

On Oct 9 2012 at 2:00PM, Linda Williams, professor of criminal justice and criminology at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and Maureen Lowell, licensed marriage and family therapist with the OVC-funded Institute for Collaborative Response for Victims of Family at San Jose Univ, hosted a discussion on Collaborative Educational Models Benefiting Victims and Providers

On Sep 26 2012 at 2:00PM, Hale Guyer, licensed private investigator and retired special investigator, and Jayne Hitchcock, President of WHOA and WHOA-KTD, hosted a discussion on Responding to Victims of Cyberbullying

On Sep 19 2012 at 2:00PM, Laura Zárate, Founding Executive Director of Arte Sana and cofounder of ALAS, and Kimber Nicoletti-Martinez, MSW, Director of Multicultural Efforts to end Sexual Assault (MESA), and Ana Isabel Vallejo, J.D./LL.M., Codirector/Attorney, VIDA Legal Assistance, Inc. and Human Trafficking Academy Project Coordinator, hosted a discussion on Responding to Latina/o Victims of Crime

On Aug 29 2012 at 2:00PM, Vivian Brown, founder and former CEO of Prototypes, and Amy Fleischauer, LMSW, Director of Victim Services at the International Institute of Buffalo, hosted a discussion on Implementing Trauma-Informed Care in Victim Services Settings

On Jun 20 2012 at 2:00PM, John Firman, Director of the Research Division of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and Raymond Rose, Chief of Police for the Village of Mundelein, Illinois, hosted a discussion on Enhancing Law Enforcement Responses to Crime Victims


What is the difference between compensation and restitution?
Restitution is court-ordered and compensation is provided by the Victim Compensation Program in each... Read More

What type of protection does the U.S. Department of Justice provide to trafficking victims?
Information for trafficking victims is available in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) brochu... Read More

How do I add my program/organization to the Online Directory of Crime Victim Services?
Please visit the Get Posted section of the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) Online Directory of Cri... Read More

What is victim assistance?
Each year, states and territories receive Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds to support community-bas... Read More

What is the Online Directory of Crime Victim Services?
The Online Directory of Crime Victim Services is a Web-enabled, online resource sponsored by the Off... Read More

More FAQs


Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program (PDF 158 kb)
Deadline: Open
See also the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program guidelines (appearing in the Federal Register, Vol. 67, No. 21, under Victims of Crime).

More Funding Opportunities


Publications

OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

Voice of the Victim: A Perspectives Spotlight Issue (2012) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 100 pages, NCJ 238382. Through OVC support, this special edition of the American Probation and Parole Association's Perspectives provides a collection of informative, thought-provoking articles to support community corrections professionals in incorporating victims' rights and services into daily practice. This resource teaches readers that victims' rights to information, notification, restitution, and participation are an integral component of community corrections.
Abstract | PDF
 
Outreach to Underserved Teen Victims of Crime: Chart a Course for Expanding Victim Services to Youth (2012) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 40 pages, NCJ 238800. The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) and the National Center for Victims of Crime (National Center), with funding from OVC, produced this guidebook and accompanying Web-based resources to provide an overview of the challenges faced in conducting outreach to underserved teen victims of crime. The materials highlight examples of the various projects and resources developed and implemented in local communities through the Underserved Teen Victims Initiative.
PDF
 
Using Federal Law To Prosecute Domestic Violence Crimes in Indian Country Guide/DVD (October 2012) OVC, OVC Videos, 40 pages, NCJ 238639. This DVD and companion facilitator's guide provide guidance on how to successfully prosecute in federal court domestic violence offenders who commit crimes in Indian Country. The video incorporates case studies of actual prosecutions, while the guide provides an overview of relevant legal principles and key points for discussion. The materials also discuss circumstances common in tribal domestic violence prosecutions, such as offender recidivism, recanting victims, safety planning, and federal and tribal criminal justice and social service professionals working collaboratively to ensure victims' safety and community justice.
PDF (Facilitator's Guide) | HTML | Video (WMV Video Clip) | Video (QuickTime Video Clip)
Part Of the OVC Videos Series
 
Multidisciplinary Response to Crime Victims with Disabilities: State-Level Replication Guide (September 2012) OVC, Electronic Document, 0 pages, NCJ 239107. This guide describes the Building Partnerships for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities Initiative (BPI), which uses a prosecution-based multidisciplinary team approach to address abuse committed against persons with disabilities. A community-level guide also is available.
HTML (State Replication Guide) | HTML (Replication Guide Set)
 
Multidisciplinary Response to Crime Victims with Disabilities: Community-Level Replication Guide (September 2012) OVC, Electronic Document, 0 pages, NCJ 239108. This guide walks you through a seven-step model to improve your community's capacity to respond to crime victims with disabilities. Every step in the model is designed to change your response to crime victims with disabilities permanently. A state-level guide also is available.
HTML (Community Replication Guide) | HTML (Replication Guide Set)
 

OJP Publications

Preventing Children's Exposure to Violence: The Defending Childhood Initiative (June 2012) NIJ, Article, NIJ Journal, 4 pages, NCJ 238485. This article describes the Department of Justice's Defending Childhood Initiative which seeks to address the problem of children's exposure to violence.
Part Of the NIJ Journal Series
Abstract | PDF | HTML
 
AMBER Alert Best Practices (May 2012) OJJDP, Report, 64 pages, NCJ 232271. This guide is a compilation of the most effective and efficient strategies, provided by AMBER Alert partners and practitioners, for recovering missing or abducted children.
Abstract | PDF
 
OJP 2012 Program Plan: Resources for the Criminal Justice and Juvenile Justice Field (April 2012) OJP, Report, NCJ 238383. The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Program Plan is a searchable online document of funding opportunities and new initiatives. It features the latest and most complete information regarding both competitive and noncompetitive grants, training and technical assistance, research, and other resources available to the justice community, divided into nine thematically organized sections.
HTML
 
U.S. Attorney General's Defending Childhood Initiative: Formative Evaluation of the Phase I Demonstration Program (November 2011) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 16 pages, NCJ 236563. This report describes the nature and scope of children's exposure to violence in eight demonstration sites, describing the common and unique strategies the sites chose for addressing the problem, and drawing key lessons so that other jurisdictions seeking to address children's exposure to violence in their own communities can learn from the current evaluation of the Defending Childhood Initiative.
Abstract | PDF
 
Use of Victim Service Agencies by Victims of Serious Violent Crime, 1993-2009 (August 2011) BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 16 pages, NCJ 234212. Presents data from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) on trends in the percentage of serious violent crime victims who received help or advice from a victim service agency from 1993 to 2009.
Part Of the BJS Special Reports Series
Abstract | PDF | TEXT
 

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Related Resources

OVC Funded Resources

Helping And Lending Outreach Support (HALOS)
HALOS, an organization serving abused and neglected foster children, connected with award-winning filmmaker Richard Almes to produce a heart-wrenching "Birthday Salute" public service announcement. After airing this and other PSAs, HALOS has experienced a noticeable boost in donations to the program, media coverage, and community involvement.
 
Identity Theft Victim Assistance Network Project
The Maryland Crime Victims' Resource Center, Inc. (MCVRC), with funding from OVC, this project seeks to improve the response (infrastructure, training, outreach tools, and direct victim assistance services) to victims of identity theft nationwide.
 
International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program (ITVERP)
If you believe that you or someone you know has been a victim of international terrorism, help may be available. An OVC initiative, ITVERP is a program authorized by Congress to reimburse eligible direct victims of acts of international terrorism that occur outside the United States for expenses associated with that victimization.
 
National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC): Cyberbullying
The National Crime Prevention Council, through funding from OVC, offers resources including fact sheets and four podcasts about general cyberbullying information, taking action in schools, creating community change, and how teens feel about cyberbullying.
 
Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN)
RAINN operates a 24-hour telephone hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) and an Online Hotline for victims of sexual assault. The secure web-based hotline provides a safe, secure, and anonymous place for victims to get help online. RAINN also works to promote education and prevention of sexual assault, compiles and shares links to Legal Resources, including the State Mandatory Regulations regarding children and the elderly.
 

Federal Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Dating Matters™ Initiative
Choose Respect is an initiative to help adolescents form healthy relationships to prevent dating abuse before it starts. This national effort is designed to motivate adolescents to challenge harmful beliefs about dating abuse and take steps to form respectful relationships.
 
Department of Defense (DOD): Victim and Witness Assistance Council (VWAC)
The Council's Web site offers information and links to assist victims, and witnesses to crimes on military installations. Resources include contact information for victim and witness assistance coordinators for the Coast Guard, Department of the Air Force, Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, Marine Corps, Office of the Secretary of Defense. Each branch of services has: 1) An interdisciplinary Victim and Witness Assistance Council; 2)a Family Advocacy Program designed to prevent and treat child and spouse abuse; and 3) a central repository for tracking notice of the status of offenders confined in military correctional facilities. In addition, local councils have been established at each major military installation to ensure that an interdisciplinary approach is followed by victim and witness service providers.
 
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA works in conjunction with different agencies to provide emergency and disaster relief. FEMA's web site offers disaster news and emergency management information.
 
StopBullying.gov
This Web site, managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides information about how to prevent and address bullying in schools.
 
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ): Victim Notification System (VNS)
VNS is a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Attorneys' offices, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Launched in 2001 as a pilot program with funding support from OVC, it became fully operational in 2002 under the development and oversight of the Executive Office for United States Attorneys. This free, computer-based system provides important information to victims of federal crimes. In many cases crime victims will receive letters generated through VNS containing information about the events pertaining to the criminal case and/or any defendants in the case.
 

Non-Governmental Resources

Anti-Phishing Working Group
APWG is focused on eliminating the fraud and identity theft that result from phishing, pharming and email spoofing of all types.
 
Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Training and Technical Assistance Program
The ICAC Training and Technical Assistance Program provides training and technical assistance to state and local agencies in support of their ICAC initiatives.
 
National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (DEC)
This organization's mission is to break the cycle of abuse and neglect by empowering practitioners who work to transform the lives of children and families living in drug environments. The Alliance provides training and technical assistance to state DEC alliances and all those in the community who assist and care for drug endangered children.
 
National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC)
NCVC offers advocacy, victim services, referrals, training, and a virtual library. NCVC programs include a legislative database of state and federal victims’ rights statutes and information on the Victims’ Bill of Rights. NCVC also tracks the following legislative issues relating to crime victims: clemency, community notification, constitutional amendments, dating violence, elder fraud, identity theft, interstate compact on parole and probation, parole, payment of forensic exams, notoriety for profit "son of sam" laws, spousal rape, stalking, victims’ bills of rights, and violence against women.
 
National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL)
NCALL's mission is to eliminate abuse in later life by challenging beliefs, policies, practices and systems that allow abuse to occur and continue and to improve safety, services and support to victims through advocacy and education.
 

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Web Forum Discussions

Each month the Nation's experts answer your questions about best practices in victim services. Below are upcoming and most recent session discussions in this topic:

On Oct 9 2012 at 2:00PM, Linda Williams, professor of criminal justice and criminology at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and Maureen Lowell, licensed marriage and family therapist with the OVC-funded Institute for Collaborative Response for Victims of Family at San Jose Univ, hosted a discussion on Collaborative Educational Models Benefiting Victims and Providers

On Sep 26 2012 at 2:00PM, Hale Guyer, licensed private investigator and retired special investigator, and Jayne Hitchcock, President of WHOA and WHOA-KTD, hosted a discussion on Responding to Victims of Cyberbullying

On Sep 19 2012 at 2:00PM, Laura Zárate, Founding Executive Director of Arte Sana and cofounder of ALAS, and Kimber Nicoletti-Martinez, MSW, Director of Multicultural Efforts to end Sexual Assault (MESA), and Ana Isabel Vallejo, J.D./LL.M., Codirector/Attorney, VIDA Legal Assistance, Inc. and Human Trafficking Academy Project Coordinator, hosted a discussion on Responding to Latina/o Victims of Crime

On Aug 29 2012 at 2:00PM, Vivian Brown, founder and former CEO of Prototypes, and Amy Fleischauer, LMSW, Director of Victim Services at the International Institute of Buffalo, hosted a discussion on Implementing Trauma-Informed Care in Victim Services Settings

On Jun 20 2012 at 2:00PM, John Firman, Director of the Research Division of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and Raymond Rose, Chief of Police for the Village of Mundelein, Illinois, hosted a discussion on Enhancing Law Enforcement Responses to Crime Victims


FAQs

What is the difference between compensation and restitution?
Restitution is court-ordered and compensation is provided by the Victim Compensation Program in each... Read More

What type of protection does the U.S. Department of Justice provide to trafficking victims?
Information for trafficking victims is available in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) brochu... Read More

How do I add my program/organization to the Online Directory of Crime Victim Services?
Please visit the Get Posted section of the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) Online Directory of Cri... Read More

What is victim assistance?
Each year, states and territories receive Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds to support community-bas... Read More

What is the Online Directory of Crime Victim Services?
The Online Directory of Crime Victim Services is a Web-enabled, online resource sponsored by the Off... Read More

Back to Top

Funding

Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program (PDF 158 kb)
Deadline: Open
See also the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program guidelines (appearing in the Federal Register, Vol. 67, No. 21, under Victims of Crime).

Back to Top


EventsDirectoryE-Mail UpdatesRSS
 
National Calendar of Crime Victim Assistance-Related Events
Upcoming Event(s)

Online Directory of Crime Victims Services.