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Terrorism and Mass Violence

The threat of terrorism and mass violence against Americans has increased in recent years in the United States and abroad. Such acts leave victims with serious physical and emotional wounds and challenge government officials and communities to respond immediately with appropriate efforts. OVC develops programs and initiatives to support victims of domestic and international terrorism, as well as victims of global crimes such as international parental child abduction and tourist-targeted victimization. Through its Terrorism and International Victim Assistance Services Division, OVC offers assistance to these victims with the following programs: the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program (AEAP), International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program (ITVERP), Crime Victim Assistance Emergency Fund for Victims of Terrorism and Mass Violence (the Emergency Fund), and Victim Reunification Travel Program (VRT).

The following organizations, publications, and related resources provide additional information on the issues of terrorism and mass violence.

OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

Vision 21: Transforming Victim Services Final Report (May 2013) OVC, Report, NCJ 239957.
The Vision 21: Transforming Victim Services initiative was launched by OVC in fall 2010 to expand the vision and impact of the crime victim assistance field. This Final Report provides a set of findings and broad recommendations, informed by stakeholder forums and literature reviews, that form a framework for strategic, transformative change. The Final Report outlines ways the field can overcome the obstacles it faces and change how it meets victims' needs and addresses those who perpetrate crime.
PDF (Full Report) | PDF (Summary & Recommendations) | PDF (At a Glance Fact Sheet)
 
International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program 2010 Report to Congress (April 2013) OVC, Electronic Document, NCJ 240996.
This e-publication provides essential background information about the International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program (ITVERP)-how it came into existence, its role in assisting victims of international terrorism, and how the reimbursement process works. A companion report provides a summary of ITVERP activities during the September 2009 through August 2010 reporting period, including application processing and claims payment, public awareness activities undertaken to reach out to potential claimants, and a discussion of future program needs and improvements.
HTML
 
International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program 2011 Report to Congress (April 2013) OVC, Electronic Document, NCJ 240997.
This e-publication provides essential background information about the International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program (ITVERP)-how it came into existence, its role in assisting victims of international terrorism, and how the reimbursement process works. A companion report provides a summary of ITVERP activities during the September 2010 through August 2011 reporting period, including application processing and claims payment, public awareness activities undertaken to reach out to potential claimants, and a discussion of future program needs and improvements.
HTML
 
International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program 2009 Report to Congress (April 2013) OVC, Electronic Document, NCJ 239201.
This e-publication provides essential background information about the International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program (ITVERP)-how it came into existence, its role in assisting victims of international terrorism, and how the reimbursement process works. A companion report provides a summary of ITVERP activities during the September 2008 through August 2009 reporting period, including application processing and claims payment, public awareness activities undertaken to reach out to potential claimants, and a discussion of future program needs and improvements.
HTML
 
OVC Report to the Nation 2011, Fiscal Years 2009-2010: Rising to the Challenge-A New Era in Victim Services (March 2012) OVC, 105 pages, NCJ 238061.
This biennial report summarizes the programs, activities, and accomplishments of the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) in fiscal years 2009 and 2010, and their impact on victims, survivors, and communities. It describes the Crime Victims Fund-a significant resource for supporting services to victims; identifies enduring and emerging challenges in victim services; and discusses public awareness, education, and outreach endeavors. Each section summarizes victims' needs in that area and relates how funding from OVC makes a crucial difference in the lives of crime victims. This interactive document features four multimedia components.
Abstract | PDF (Fast Facts) | HTML
 

OJP Publications

Mental Health Response to Mass Violence and Terrorism: A Field Guide (2005) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 38 pages, NCJ 205452.
This guide is intended for service providers and professionals in the mental health field providing the basics in responding and assisting those victims and families during the aftermath of mass violence and terrorism.
Abstract | PDF
 
Mental Health Response to Mass Violence and Terrorism: A Training Manual (January 2004) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Report, 192 pages, NCJ 205451.
This training manual provides guidance for developing and implementing training that will prepare mental health and crime-victim service providers with the knowledge and skill to help victims, survivors, and the community-at-large cope with and recover from terrorist and other events that involve mass violence.
Abstract | PDF
 
Handbook on Justice for Victims (1999) UNCCPCJ, 132 pages, NCJ 179083.
In May 1996, the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, at its fifth session, adopted a resolution to develop a manual or manuals on the use and application of the Declaration. The Handbook on Justice for Victims was developed in response to that resolution and outlines the basic steps in developing comprehensive assistance services for victims of crime.
Abstract | PDF
 

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The threat of terrorism and mass violence against Americans has increased in recent years in the United States and abroad. Such acts leave victims with serious physical and emotional wounds and challenge government officials and communities to respond immediately with appropriate efforts. OVC develops programs and initiatives to support victims of domestic and international terrorism, as well as victims of global crimes such as international parental child abduction and tourist-targeted victimization. Through its Terrorism and International Victim Assistance Services Division, OVC offers assistance to these victims with the following programs: the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program (AEAP), International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program (ITVERP), Crime Victim Assistance Emergency Fund for Victims of Terrorism and Mass Violence (the Emergency Fund), and Victim Reunification Travel Program (VRT).

The following organizations, publications, and related resources provide additional information on the issues of terrorism and mass violence.

The threat of terrorism and mass violence against Americans has increased in recent years in the United States and abroad. Such acts leave victims with serious physical and emotional wounds and challenge government officials and communities to respond immediately with appropriate efforts. OVC develops programs and initiatives to support victims of domestic and international terrorism, as well as victims of global crimes such as international parental child abduction and tourist-targeted victimization. Through its Terrorism and International Victim Assistance Services Division, OVC offers assistance to these victims with the following programs: the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program (AEAP), International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program (ITVERP), Crime Victim Assistance Emergency Fund for Victims of Terrorism and Mass Violence (the Emergency Fund), and Victim Reunification Travel Program (VRT).

The following organizations, publications, and related resources provide additional information on the issues of terrorism and mass violence.

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 May 29 2007 at 2:00PM, Stephanie Frogge, Director of Survivor Services for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, and Helga West, Cofounder and President of Witness Justice, hosted a discussion on Providing Peer Support to Disaster Survivors

On Nov 30 2005 at 2:00PM, Angela McCown, founding Victim Services Director for the Texas Department of Public Safety, hosted a discussion on Mass Violence

The threat of terrorism and mass violence against Americans has increased in recent years in the United States and abroad. Such acts leave victims with serious physical and emotional wounds and challenge government officials and communities to respond immediately with appropriate efforts. OVC develops programs and initiatives to support victims of domestic and international terrorism, as well as victims of global crimes such as international parental child abduction and tourist-targeted victimization. Through its Terrorism and International Victim Assistance Services Division, OVC offers assistance to these victims with the following programs: the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program (AEAP), International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program (ITVERP), Crime Victim Assistance Emergency Fund for Victims of Terrorism and Mass Violence (the Emergency Fund), and Victim Reunification Travel Program (VRT).

The following organizations, publications, and related resources provide additional information on the issues of terrorism and mass violence.

Can a victim apply directly to OVC for funding?
Yes. Under the International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program (ITVERP), a U.S. nationa... Read More

Does OVC provide direct services for victims of crime?
Yes. OVC provides direct services to people victimized on Tribal or federal lands, such as military ... Read More

What is the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Grant Program?
The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) administers the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Progra... Read More

I am a U.S. citizen, living in another country, and I have been a victim of terrorism. How may I obtain assistance?
Victims of international terrorism may receive reimbursement from the International Terrorism Victim... Read More

What are school-based crisis response teams?
School Crisis Response Initiative, a bulletin from the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), provides a... Read More

More FAQs

The threat of terrorism and mass violence against Americans has increased in recent years in the United States and abroad. Such acts leave victims with serious physical and emotional wounds and challenge government officials and communities to respond immediately with appropriate efforts. OVC develops programs and initiatives to support victims of domestic and international terrorism, as well as victims of global crimes such as international parental child abduction and tourist-targeted victimization. Through its Terrorism and International Victim Assistance Services Division, OVC offers assistance to these victims with the following programs: the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program (AEAP), International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program (ITVERP), Crime Victim Assistance Emergency Fund for Victims of Terrorism and Mass Violence (the Emergency Fund), and Victim Reunification Travel Program (VRT).

The following organizations, publications, and related resources provide additional information on the issues of terrorism and mass violence.
FY 2013 Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program for Crime Victim Assistance (PDF 414 kb)
Deadline: Open
The Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program is a mechanism by which the OVC Director may award supplemental crime victim assistance to respond to an act of terrorism or mass criminal violence. The criminal act has to be of sufficient magnitude that it overwhelms the affected jurisdiction's or program's ability to respond to the event. There are four types of support available from OVC to respond to these acts-crisis response grants, consequence management grants, criminal justice support grants, and technical assistance and training services. Requests for more than one type of assistance may be combined into one request. The established time frames for funding are flexible and not intended to prohibit the submission of applications at a different time, if warranted. You must contact OVC before submitting an application under this program. Please contact Barbara Robertson at 202–353–3775 or barbara.robertson2@usdoj.gov for more information.


FY 2013 Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program for Crime Victim Compensation (PDF 312 kb)
Deadline: Open
Under the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program the OVC Director may award supplemental crime victim compensation grants in the aftermath of an act of terrorism or mass criminal violence that occurs within the United States. The criminal act must be of sufficient magnitude that it overwhelms the affected jurisdiction or program’s ability to respond to the event. Funding and other assistance may be provided for an extended period of time if sufficient justification is provided by the applicant. The objective of this program is to improve services and assistance by providing supplemental crime victim compensation to state agencies that administer crime victim compensation programs. You must contact OVC before submitting an application under this program. Please contact Barbara Robertson at 202–353–3775 or barbara.robertson2@usdoj.gov for more information.

More Funding Opportunities

The threat of terrorism and mass violence against Americans has increased in recent years in the United States and abroad. Such acts leave victims with serious physical and emotional wounds and challenge government officials and communities to respond immediately with appropriate efforts. OVC develops programs and initiatives to support victims of domestic and international terrorism, as well as victims of global crimes such as international parental child abduction and tourist-targeted victimization. Through its Terrorism and International Victim Assistance Services Division, OVC offers assistance to these victims with the following programs: the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program (AEAP), International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program (ITVERP), Crime Victim Assistance Emergency Fund for Victims of Terrorism and Mass Violence (the Emergency Fund), and Victim Reunification Travel Program (VRT).

The following organizations, publications, and related resources provide additional information on the issues of terrorism and mass violence.

Publications

OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

Vision 21: Transforming Victim Services Final Report (May 2013) OVC, Report, NCJ 239957. The Vision 21: Transforming Victim Services initiative was launched by OVC in fall 2010 to expand the vision and impact of the crime victim assistance field. This Final Report provides a set of findings and broad recommendations, informed by stakeholder forums and literature reviews, that form a framework for strategic, transformative change. The Final Report outlines ways the field can overcome the obstacles it faces and change how it meets victims' needs and addresses those who perpetrate crime.
PDF (Full Report) | PDF (Summary & Recommendations) | PDF (At a Glance Fact Sheet)
 
International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program 2010 Report to Congress (April 2013) OVC, Electronic Document, NCJ 240996. This e-publication provides essential background information about the International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program (ITVERP)-how it came into existence, its role in assisting victims of international terrorism, and how the reimbursement process works. A companion report provides a summary of ITVERP activities during the September 2009 through August 2010 reporting period, including application processing and claims payment, public awareness activities undertaken to reach out to potential claimants, and a discussion of future program needs and improvements.
HTML
 
International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program 2011 Report to Congress (April 2013) OVC, Electronic Document, NCJ 240997. This e-publication provides essential background information about the International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program (ITVERP)-how it came into existence, its role in assisting victims of international terrorism, and how the reimbursement process works. A companion report provides a summary of ITVERP activities during the September 2010 through August 2011 reporting period, including application processing and claims payment, public awareness activities undertaken to reach out to potential claimants, and a discussion of future program needs and improvements.
HTML
 
International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program 2009 Report to Congress (April 2013) OVC, Electronic Document, NCJ 239201. This e-publication provides essential background information about the International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program (ITVERP)-how it came into existence, its role in assisting victims of international terrorism, and how the reimbursement process works. A companion report provides a summary of ITVERP activities during the September 2008 through August 2009 reporting period, including application processing and claims payment, public awareness activities undertaken to reach out to potential claimants, and a discussion of future program needs and improvements.
HTML
 
OVC Report to the Nation 2011, Fiscal Years 2009-2010: Rising to the Challenge-A New Era in Victim Services (March 2012) OVC, 105 pages, NCJ 238061. This biennial report summarizes the programs, activities, and accomplishments of the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) in fiscal years 2009 and 2010, and their impact on victims, survivors, and communities. It describes the Crime Victims Fund-a significant resource for supporting services to victims; identifies enduring and emerging challenges in victim services; and discusses public awareness, education, and outreach endeavors. Each section summarizes victims' needs in that area and relates how funding from OVC makes a crucial difference in the lives of crime victims. This interactive document features four multimedia components.
Abstract | PDF (Fast Facts) | HTML
 

OJP Publications

Mental Health Response to Mass Violence and Terrorism: A Field Guide (2005) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 38 pages, NCJ 205452. This guide is intended for service providers and professionals in the mental health field providing the basics in responding and assisting those victims and families during the aftermath of mass violence and terrorism.
Abstract | PDF
 
Mental Health Response to Mass Violence and Terrorism: A Training Manual (January 2004) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Report, 192 pages, NCJ 205451. This training manual provides guidance for developing and implementing training that will prepare mental health and crime-victim service providers with the knowledge and skill to help victims, survivors, and the community-at-large cope with and recover from terrorist and other events that involve mass violence.
Abstract | PDF
 
Handbook on Justice for Victims (1999) UNCCPCJ, 132 pages, NCJ 179083. In May 1996, the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, at its fifth session, adopted a resolution to develop a manual or manuals on the use and application of the Declaration. The Handbook on Justice for Victims was developed in response to that resolution and outlines the basic steps in developing comprehensive assistance services for victims of crime.
Abstract | PDF
 

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Related Resources

OVC Funded Resources

9-11 Healing and Remembrance
The 9-11 Healing and Remembrance Program is a program of the Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC), funded by OVC. The program aims to assist and support those affected by the 9-11 terrorist attacks as they travel and participate in 10th anniversary events.
 
9/11 Remembrance: Resources Compiled by OVC
This section of the OVC site contains a list of government and nonprofit organizations, programs, publications, and events related to September 11th and victims of terrorism. Created for the observance of the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001, these resources continue to provide useful information and assistance to victim service professionals and the public.
 
Criminal Crisis Response Initiative (CCRI)
Funded by OVC, CCRI is a multidisciplinary training and technical assistance program designed to help communities meet the needs of the victims of an act of criminal mass victimization.
 
International Rescue Committee (Florida)
The IRC provides assistance to refugees, displaced persons and others fleeing persecution and violent conflict throughout the world. Often one of the first agencies on the scene of an emergency, the IRC delivers critical medical and public health services, food, and shelter. Once a crisis stabilizes, it provides education, training, economic assistance and, if necessary, resettlement assistance.
 

Federal Resources

Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS)
CMHS works in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in overseeing national efforts to provide emergency mental health services to survivors of Presidentially declared disasters.
 
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
The FBI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Justice. Its mission is to protect the United States from terrorist and foreign intelligence activities; investigate violations of federal criminal law; and provide assistance to federal, state, local, and international agencies.
 
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. 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 Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS)
NCJRS is a federally funded resource offering information on victimology and victim assistance, criminal justice, juvenile justice, information to support research, policy, and program development worldwide. NCJRS supplies the victim services field with resources, publications, and program information. The NCJRS library collection includes more than 30,000 resources relevant to the field.
 
Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center (OVCTTAC)
OVC TTAC provides comprehensive, quality technical assistance and training resources to victim service providers and allied professionals. OVC TTAC can support faith-based organizations by providing conference and workshop speakers; staff and volunteer trainings; and expert, focused assistance in needs assessments, program development, and program evaluation. Faith-based organizations have requested OVC support in serving victims of crime on such issues as grief and loss, vicarious trauma, and ministering to victims of crime.
 

Non-Governmental Resources

American Red Cross
In addition to domestic disaster relief, the American Red Cross offers compassionate services in five other areas: community services that help the needy; support and comfort for military members and their families; the collection, processing and distribution of lifesaving blood and blood products; educational programs that promote health and safety; and international relief and development programs.
 
HOPE Coalition
HOPE Coalition provides free and compassionate economic counseling to workers and families affected by disaster. Created after the September 11th attack on America and supported by many of America's leading financial institutions, HOPE Coalition is a national emergency management coalition that provides free economic counseling to workers and families affected by disaster.
 
International Crisis Group
The International Crisis Group provides analysis and advice to governments and intergovernmental bodies on the prevention and resolution of deadly conflict.
 
International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT)
IRCT promotes and supports the rehabilitation of torture victims and works for the prevention of torture.
 
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NOVAD)
NVOAD coordinates planning efforts by volunteer organizations responding to disaster. It provides training, leadership development, published resources, case studies, and performance critiques to participating groups.
 

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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 May 29 2007 at 2:00PM, Stephanie Frogge, Director of Survivor Services for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, and Helga West, Cofounder and President of Witness Justice, hosted a discussion on Providing Peer Support to Disaster Survivors

On Nov 30 2005 at 2:00PM, Angela McCown, founding Victim Services Director for the Texas Department of Public Safety, hosted a discussion on Mass Violence


FAQs

Can a victim apply directly to OVC for funding?
Yes. Under the International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program (ITVERP), a U.S. nationa... Read More

Does OVC provide direct services for victims of crime?
Yes. OVC provides direct services to people victimized on Tribal or federal lands, such as military ... Read More

What is the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Grant Program?
The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) administers the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Progra... Read More

I am a U.S. citizen, living in another country, and I have been a victim of terrorism. How may I obtain assistance?
Victims of international terrorism may receive reimbursement from the International Terrorism Victim... Read More

What are school-based crisis response teams?
School Crisis Response Initiative, a bulletin from the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), provides a... Read More

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Funding

FY 2013 Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program for Crime Victim Assistance (PDF 414 kb)
Deadline: Open
The Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program is a mechanism by which the OVC Director may award supplemental crime victim assistance to respond to an act of terrorism or mass criminal violence. The criminal act has to be of sufficient magnitude that it overwhelms the affected jurisdiction's or program's ability to respond to the event. There are four types of support available from OVC to respond to these acts-crisis response grants, consequence management grants, criminal justice support grants, and technical assistance and training services. Requests for more than one type of assistance may be combined into one request. The established time frames for funding are flexible and not intended to prohibit the submission of applications at a different time, if warranted. You must contact OVC before submitting an application under this program. Please contact Barbara Robertson at 202–353–3775 or barbara.robertson2@usdoj.gov for more information.


FY 2013 Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program for Crime Victim Compensation (PDF 312 kb)
Deadline: Open
Under the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program the OVC Director may award supplemental crime victim compensation grants in the aftermath of an act of terrorism or mass criminal violence that occurs within the United States. The criminal act must be of sufficient magnitude that it overwhelms the affected jurisdiction or program’s ability to respond to the event. Funding and other assistance may be provided for an extended period of time if sufficient justification is provided by the applicant. The objective of this program is to improve services and assistance by providing supplemental crime victim compensation to state agencies that administer crime victim compensation programs. You must contact OVC before submitting an application under this program. Please contact Barbara Robertson at 202–353–3775 or barbara.robertson2@usdoj.gov for more information.

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National Calendar of Crime Victim Assistance-Related Events
Upcoming Event(s)
25th Annual Crimes Against Children Conference
Dallas, TX
08/12/2013-08/15/2013

National Sexual Assault Conference
Los Angeles, CA
08/28/2013-08/30/2013

39th National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) Conference
Columbus, OH
09/15/2013-09/18/2013

Online Directory of Crime Victims Services.