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Victim Advocacy

Every crime has a victim, but not every victim has a voice within the criminal justice system. Victims often need someone to help them identify and assert their rights, navigate an unfamiliar criminal justice system process, issue a victim impact statement, provide counseling and support, or locate and obtain the services they need to help ease the impact of their victimization. Victim advocates perform a myriad of functions that may include speaking or acting on a victim’s behalf; serving as a liaison between the victim and the court system to minimize the physical, psychological, emotional, and financial effects of the crime on the victim; and working to effect social and system changes.

The following resources provide information on issues related to victim advocacy.

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 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
 
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
 
Through Our Eyes: Children, Violence, and Trauma (February 2013) OVC, 0 pages, NCJ 241394.
This video series addresses the needs of children exposed to crime, abuse, and violence; highlights major issues in child victimization; identifies promising practices for service providers and others working with young victims; and shows how trauma-informed care can help child victims recover to lead healthy, productive lives. A companion resource guide accompanies each video.
Abstract | HTML
 

OJP Publications

No More Rights Without Remedies: An Impact Evaluation of the National Crime Victim Law Institute's Victims' Rights Clinics, Final Technical Report (2012) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 125 pages, NCJ 241752.
This grant report evaluates the National Crime Victim Law Institute's (NCVLI) victims' rights clinics. The clinics were designed to increase awareness of victims' rights among criminal justice professionals and to respond to violations of rights through legal advocacy. The current report examines the clinics' impact on the expansion of rights for victims, on court officials' attitudes toward victims' rights, on the extent to which victims' rights are honored in the criminal disposition process, and on the treatment of victims' rights in the print media. It also includes a discussion of sustainability of the clinics.
Abstract | PDF
 
Effectiveness of Coordinated Outreach in Intimate Partner Violence Cases: A Randomized, Longitudinal Design (March 2011) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 142 pages, NCJ 238480.
The current study tested the prediction that early coordinated victim outreach would improve criminal justice outcomes as well as increase victim safety and empowerment among victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). In collaboration with research, criminal justice, and community-based partners, this project evaluated an innovative outreach program for racially and ethnically diverse IPV victims whose cases had come to the attention of the criminal justice system.
Abstract | PDF
 
Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force Strategy and Operations e-Guide (January 2011) BJA, Electronic Document, 0 pages, NCJ 232972.
This e-Guide supports the important work of multidisciplinary anti-human trafficking Task Forces around the country and provides direction and promising practices on anti-human trafficking Task Force creation, structure, and enhancement. This e-Guide also includes links to many tools, trainings, and resources for victim service providers, law enforcement agencies, and prosecutors.
Abstract | HTML
 
Lifecourse Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence and Help-Seeking among Filipina, Indian, and Pakistani Women: Implications for Justice System Responses (July 2010) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 123 pages, NCJ 236174.
The goal of this research project is to enhance the understanding of Asian battered women's experiences in seeking help from the criminal justice system (CJS) and other (non-CJS) programs and develop recommendations for system responses to IPV in Asian communities.
Abstract | PDF
 
Elder Abuse Emerges From the Shadows of Public Consciousness (April 2010) NIJ, Article, NIJ Journal, 4 pages, NCJ 229883.
This article reports on two studies sponsored by the National Institute of Justice that examined the prevalence of elder abuse and its detection through the forensic examination of the difference between accidental and inflicted bruising. The article concludes with descriptions of elder abuse cases in which prosecutors and victim-witness advocates have cooperated in gaining convictions of perpetrators of elder abuse.

Part Of the NIJ Journal Series Abstract | PDF | HTML
 

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Every crime has a victim, but not every victim has a voice within the criminal justice system. Victims often need someone to help them identify and assert their rights, navigate an unfamiliar criminal justice system process, issue a victim impact statement, provide counseling and support, or locate and obtain the services they need to help ease the impact of their victimization. Victim advocates perform a myriad of functions that may include speaking or acting on a victim’s behalf; serving as a liaison between the victim and the court system to minimize the physical, psychological, emotional, and financial effects of the crime on the victim; and working to effect social and system changes.

The following resources provide information on issues related to victim advocacy.


Every crime has a victim, but not every victim has a voice within the criminal justice system. Victims often need someone to help them identify and assert their rights, navigate an unfamiliar criminal justice system process, issue a victim impact statement, provide counseling and support, or locate and obtain the services they need to help ease the impact of their victimization. Victim advocates perform a myriad of functions that may include speaking or acting on a victim’s behalf; serving as a liaison between the victim and the court system to minimize the physical, psychological, emotional, and financial effects of the crime on the victim; and working to effect social and system changes.

The following resources provide information on issues related to victim advocacy.


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 Jun 5 2013 at 2:00PM, Robin Parker, Executive Director of the Beyond Diversity Resource Center, and Sharon Stapel, Executive Director of the New York City Anti-Violence Project, hosted a discussion on Incorporating LGBTQ Victims’ Needs into Mainstream Victim Services

On May 15 2013 at 2:00PM, John Evans, National Training Manager for Victim Services at Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Carl McDonald, National Law Enforcement Initiative Manager for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, hosted a discussion on Drunk Driving and Child Endangerment

On May 1 2013 at 2:00PM, Kim Clifton, Executive Director of HALOS (Helping And Lending Outreach Support), hosted a discussion on Replicating Victim Services Programs with Limited Funding

On Feb 28 2013 at 2:00PM, Mitru Ciarlante, Director of Child & Club Safety for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and Dr. John Rich, Professor and Chair of Health Management and Policy at the Drexel University School of Public Health, hosted a discussion on Reaching Young Men of Color Exposed to Violence

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

Every crime has a victim, but not every victim has a voice within the criminal justice system. Victims often need someone to help them identify and assert their rights, navigate an unfamiliar criminal justice system process, issue a victim impact statement, provide counseling and support, or locate and obtain the services they need to help ease the impact of their victimization. Victim advocates perform a myriad of functions that may include speaking or acting on a victim’s behalf; serving as a liaison between the victim and the court system to minimize the physical, psychological, emotional, and financial effects of the crime on the victim; and working to effect social and system changes.

The following resources provide information on issues related to victim advocacy.


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

Can I access the National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Resource Guide online?
The National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Resource Guide, as well as additional information an... 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

Every crime has a victim, but not every victim has a voice within the criminal justice system. Victims often need someone to help them identify and assert their rights, navigate an unfamiliar criminal justice system process, issue a victim impact statement, provide counseling and support, or locate and obtain the services they need to help ease the impact of their victimization. Victim advocates perform a myriad of functions that may include speaking or acting on a victim’s behalf; serving as a liaison between the victim and the court system to minimize the physical, psychological, emotional, and financial effects of the crime on the victim; and working to effect social and system changes.

The following resources provide information on issues related to victim advocacy.
No funding records found relevant to this topic.

More Funding Opportunities

Every crime has a victim, but not every victim has a voice within the criminal justice system. Victims often need someone to help them identify and assert their rights, navigate an unfamiliar criminal justice system process, issue a victim impact statement, provide counseling and support, or locate and obtain the services they need to help ease the impact of their victimization. Victim advocates perform a myriad of functions that may include speaking or acting on a victim’s behalf; serving as a liaison between the victim and the court system to minimize the physical, psychological, emotional, and financial effects of the crime on the victim; and working to effect social and system changes.

The following resources provide information on issues related to victim advocacy.


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 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
 
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
 
Through Our Eyes: Children, Violence, and Trauma (February 2013) OVC, 0 pages, NCJ 241394. This video series addresses the needs of children exposed to crime, abuse, and violence; highlights major issues in child victimization; identifies promising practices for service providers and others working with young victims; and shows how trauma-informed care can help child victims recover to lead healthy, productive lives. A companion resource guide accompanies each video.
Abstract | HTML
 

OJP Publications

No More Rights Without Remedies: An Impact Evaluation of the National Crime Victim Law Institute's Victims' Rights Clinics, Final Technical Report (2012) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 125 pages, NCJ 241752. This grant report evaluates the National Crime Victim Law Institute's (NCVLI) victims' rights clinics. The clinics were designed to increase awareness of victims' rights among criminal justice professionals and to respond to violations of rights through legal advocacy. The current report examines the clinics' impact on the expansion of rights for victims, on court officials' attitudes toward victims' rights, on the extent to which victims' rights are honored in the criminal disposition process, and on the treatment of victims' rights in the print media. It also includes a discussion of sustainability of the clinics.
Abstract | PDF
 
Effectiveness of Coordinated Outreach in Intimate Partner Violence Cases: A Randomized, Longitudinal Design (March 2011) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 142 pages, NCJ 238480. The current study tested the prediction that early coordinated victim outreach would improve criminal justice outcomes as well as increase victim safety and empowerment among victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). In collaboration with research, criminal justice, and community-based partners, this project evaluated an innovative outreach program for racially and ethnically diverse IPV victims whose cases had come to the attention of the criminal justice system.
Abstract | PDF
 
Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force Strategy and Operations e-Guide (January 2011) BJA, Electronic Document, 0 pages, NCJ 232972. This e-Guide supports the important work of multidisciplinary anti-human trafficking Task Forces around the country and provides direction and promising practices on anti-human trafficking Task Force creation, structure, and enhancement. This e-Guide also includes links to many tools, trainings, and resources for victim service providers, law enforcement agencies, and prosecutors.
Abstract | HTML
 
Lifecourse Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence and Help-Seeking among Filipina, Indian, and Pakistani Women: Implications for Justice System Responses (July 2010) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 123 pages, NCJ 236174. The goal of this research project is to enhance the understanding of Asian battered women's experiences in seeking help from the criminal justice system (CJS) and other (non-CJS) programs and develop recommendations for system responses to IPV in Asian communities.
Abstract | PDF
 
Elder Abuse Emerges From the Shadows of Public Consciousness (April 2010) NIJ, Article, NIJ Journal, 4 pages, NCJ 229883. This article reports on two studies sponsored by the National Institute of Justice that examined the prevalence of elder abuse and its detection through the forensic examination of the difference between accidental and inflicted bruising. The article concludes with descriptions of elder abuse cases in which prosecutors and victim-witness advocates have cooperated in gaining convictions of perpetrators of elder abuse.
Part Of the NIJ Journal Series
Abstract | PDF | HTML
 

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Related Resources

OVC Funded Resources

Break the Cycle: Hear My Voice Campaign
The Hear My Voice Campaign was created by Break the Cycle to educate and engage young people in the LGBTQ community to create healthy and safe relationships and connect dating abuse victims to help and legal services to legal services in their community.
 
Child Maltreatment Awareness Campaign
Victim/Witness Services (VWS) for Coconino County received funding from OVC to establish a Public Awareness and Outreach Campaign for Child Maltreatment Victims in Underserved Communities.
 
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.
 
Safe Horizon
Safe Horizon's mission is to provide support, prevent violence, and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families, and communities. Safe Horizon's program to assist victims and survivors of human trafficking helps deliver intensive case management, shelter, legal services, and mental health care to survivors of trafficking.
 
Victims Initiative for Counseling, Advocacy, and Restoration of the Southwest (VICARS)
VICARS provides direct legal assistance to victims of identity theft and financial fraud in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Oklahoma and helps crime victims: re-acquire their identity, restore their credit, recoup their losses, regain control over their finances. This site offers a victim's toolkit and program resources.
 

Federal Resources

Corporation for National and Community Service (CNS)
The Corporation for National and Community Service provides opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to engage in service that addresses the Nation's educational, public safety, environmental, and other human needs to achieve direct and demonstrable results and to encourage all Americans to engage in such service. In doing so, the corporation will foster civic responsibility, strengthen the ties that bind us together as a people, and provide educational opportunity for those who make a substantial commitment to service.
 
CrimeSolutions.gov
CrimeSolutions.gov is a searchable online database of evidence-based programs covering a range of justice-related topics, including victim assistance programs; corrections; courts; crime prevention; substance abuse; juveniles; law enforcement; and technology and forensics. The site is a tool to understand, access and integrate scientific evidence about programs into programmatic and policy decisions.
 
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.
 
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP)
The DEA-VWAP was implemented to ensure the rights of crime victims encountered in DEA investigations are met.
 
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.
 

Non-Governmental Resources

Child Labor Public Education Project
The Child Labor Public Education Project provides educational workshops and materials on a range of issues regarding child labor in the U.S. and other countries.
 
International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW)
IFSW is a global organisation striving for social justice, human rights and social development through social work, best practices and international cooperation between social workers and their professional organisations.
 
National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards (NACVCB)
NACVCB shares information and ideas through its network of victim compensation programs. Training and technical assistance activities and other resources focus on fiscal stability, outreach, communication, and advocacy.
 
National Latin@ Network
A project of Casa de Esperanza, the Network provides bilingual information and resources for people working within Latin communities to prevent and eliminate domestic violence. This Web site includes a resource library, public policy updates and action alerts, informative videos, training opportunities, and a blog among other culturally-specific information.
 
Safe Horizon: Tour a Domestic Violence Shelter
Hear the voices of women who have sought shelter with Safe Horizon, see pictures of the inside of a shelter, and find answers to the questions that battered women entering a shelter might ask.
 

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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 Jun 5 2013 at 2:00PM, Robin Parker, Executive Director of the Beyond Diversity Resource Center, and Sharon Stapel, Executive Director of the New York City Anti-Violence Project, hosted a discussion on Incorporating LGBTQ Victims’ Needs into Mainstream Victim Services

On May 15 2013 at 2:00PM, John Evans, National Training Manager for Victim Services at Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Carl McDonald, National Law Enforcement Initiative Manager for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, hosted a discussion on Drunk Driving and Child Endangerment

On May 1 2013 at 2:00PM, Kim Clifton, Executive Director of HALOS (Helping And Lending Outreach Support), hosted a discussion on Replicating Victim Services Programs with Limited Funding

On Feb 28 2013 at 2:00PM, Mitru Ciarlante, Director of Child & Club Safety for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and Dr. John Rich, Professor and Chair of Health Management and Policy at the Drexel University School of Public Health, hosted a discussion on Reaching Young Men of Color Exposed to Violence

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


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

Can I access the National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Resource Guide online?
The National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Resource Guide, as well as additional information an... 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

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Funding

No funding records found relevant to this topic.

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EventsDirectoryE-Mail UpdatesRSS
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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.