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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)
 
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
 
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.
Abstract | PDF (Facilitator's Guide) | HTML | Video (WMV Video Clip) | Video (QuickTime Video Clip)
Part Of the OVC Videos Series
 
Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance 2011 Edition (Revised May 2012) (May 2012) OVC, 66 pages, NCJ 235121.
These guidelines establish policy and provide guidance to be followed by U.S. Department of Justice personnel in their interactions with crime victims and witnesses. Effective October 1, 2011, these guidelines clarified DOJ's responsibilities to provide mandated rights and services enumerated in the Crime Victims’ Rights Act (CVRA) and the Victims' Rights and Restitution Act (VRRA) as well as other statutory requirements. Furthermore, the guidelines examine the unique requirements of vulnerable victims, including a recent update in May 2012 that addresses the scope of the federal child abuse reporting requirement under section 13031 of the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 13031.
Abstract | PDF
 
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

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
 
Victim Participation in Intimate Partner Violence Prosecution: Implications for Safety (February 2011) NIJ-Sponsored, 153 pages, NCJ 235284.
This study examined to what extent female intimate partner violence (IPV) victim participation in prosecution is associated with their future safety. In essence, are IPV victims who participate in prosecution safer than those who do not?
Abstract | PDF
 
The Greenbook Initiative Final Evaluation Report (January 2011) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 123 pages, NCJ 233290.
This final evaluation report on the implementation of the Greenbook Initiative (GI) - which consists of guidelines proposed by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges for intervening effectively in cases of domestic violence and child maltreatment - assesses the extent to which GI implementation activities facilitated cross-system and within-system change and practice in child welfare agencies, dependency courts, and domestic-violence service providers.
Abstract | PDF
 
Multiple Perspectives on Battered Mothers and their Children Fleeing to the United States for Safety: A Study of Hague Convention Cases (December 2010) NIJ-Sponsored, Journal, 405 pages, NCJ 232624.
This report focuses on the situations of women who experienced abuse in another country and came to the United States in an effort to protect themselves and their children, but who then faced civil actions in U.S. state or federal courts for child abduction under international legal agreements.
Abstract | PDF
 
Investigation and Prosecution of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Stalking (August 2010) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 246 pages, NCJ 236429.
This examination of sexual-assault, domestic-violence, and stalking cases reported to Alaska State Troopers during various time periods addressed characteristics of suspects, victims, incidents, witnesses, and legal resolution, with attention to predictors of legal resolutions, and whether rural cases were less likely to have successful legal resolutions.
Abstract | PDF
 

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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 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 Mar 6 2013 at 2:00PM, Jean Bruggeman, Human Trafficking Fellow with the Office for Victims of Crime, and Robin Hassler Thompson, consultant on issues related to human trafficking and domestic and sexual violence law and policy, hosted a discussion on Meeting Legal Needs of Adult and Minor Victims of Human Trafficking

On May 9 2012 at 2:00PM, Jamie Barnett, President of International Cruise Victims, hosted a discussion on Addressing the Needs of Victims on Cruise Ships

On Feb 15 2012 at 2:00PM, Jenifer Markowitz, Medical Advisor for AEquitas: The Prosecutor’s Resource on Violence Against Women, and Jennifer Gentile Long, Director of AEquitas: The Prosecutors' Resource on Violence Against Women, hosted a discussion on Assisting Older Victims of Intimate Partner Sexual Violence

On Oct 26 2011 at 2:00PM, Roberta Valente, J.D., Consultant, National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and James Vann, Division Counsel, Washington Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, hosted a discussion on Understanding Firearms Laws to Assist Domestic Violence 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

How much restitution is recovered?
The total amount of restitution collected is not available on the national level. For state-specific... Read More

Do all victims have the right to present an impact statement?
Victims' rights are determined by each state's bill of rights. A listing of each state's bill of rig... Read More

How many States have a bill of rights for victims?
A listing of each States' bill of rights is available on the National Center for Victims of Crime (N... Read More

As a crime victim, what rights and services are available to me?
An extensive range of services and resources is available to help crime victims obtain justice and h... Read More

More FAQs


No funding records found relevant to this topic.

More Funding Opportunities


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)
 
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
 
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.
Abstract | PDF (Facilitator's Guide) | HTML | Video (WMV Video Clip) | Video (QuickTime Video Clip)
Part Of the OVC Videos Series
 
Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance 2011 Edition (Revised May 2012) (May 2012) OVC, 66 pages, NCJ 235121. These guidelines establish policy and provide guidance to be followed by U.S. Department of Justice personnel in their interactions with crime victims and witnesses. Effective October 1, 2011, these guidelines clarified DOJ's responsibilities to provide mandated rights and services enumerated in the Crime Victims’ Rights Act (CVRA) and the Victims' Rights and Restitution Act (VRRA) as well as other statutory requirements. Furthermore, the guidelines examine the unique requirements of vulnerable victims, including a recent update in May 2012 that addresses the scope of the federal child abuse reporting requirement under section 13031 of the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 13031.
Abstract | PDF
 
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

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
 
Victim Participation in Intimate Partner Violence Prosecution: Implications for Safety (February 2011) NIJ-Sponsored, 153 pages, NCJ 235284. This study examined to what extent female intimate partner violence (IPV) victim participation in prosecution is associated with their future safety. In essence, are IPV victims who participate in prosecution safer than those who do not?
Abstract | PDF
 
The Greenbook Initiative Final Evaluation Report (January 2011) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 123 pages, NCJ 233290. This final evaluation report on the implementation of the Greenbook Initiative (GI) - which consists of guidelines proposed by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges for intervening effectively in cases of domestic violence and child maltreatment - assesses the extent to which GI implementation activities facilitated cross-system and within-system change and practice in child welfare agencies, dependency courts, and domestic-violence service providers.
Abstract | PDF
 
Multiple Perspectives on Battered Mothers and their Children Fleeing to the United States for Safety: A Study of Hague Convention Cases (December 2010) NIJ-Sponsored, Journal, 405 pages, NCJ 232624. This report focuses on the situations of women who experienced abuse in another country and came to the United States in an effort to protect themselves and their children, but who then faced civil actions in U.S. state or federal courts for child abduction under international legal agreements.
Abstract | PDF
 
Investigation and Prosecution of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Stalking (August 2010) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 246 pages, NCJ 236429. This examination of sexual-assault, domestic-violence, and stalking cases reported to Alaska State Troopers during various time periods addressed characteristics of suspects, victims, incidents, witnesses, and legal resolution, with attention to predictors of legal resolutions, and whether rural cases were less likely to have successful legal resolutions.
Abstract | PDF
 

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Related Resources

OVC Funded Resources

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.
 
National Alliance of Victims' Rights Attorneys (NAVRA)
A project of the National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI) and partially funded through a grant from OVC, NAVRA is a membership alliance of attorneys and advocates committed to the protection, enforcement, and advancement of crime victims' rights nationwide.
 
National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI): Safeguarding Child-Victims' Rights Initiative
With funding from OVC, this NCVLI Program works to ensure that the rights of child-victims through education & training, litigation, and public policy.
 
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

Child Welfare Information Gateway: State Statutes Search
Child Welfare Information Gateway provides a searchable database of State Statutes on issues related to child abuse and neglect, child welfare, and adoption.
 
Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA): Office of the Victims' Rights Ombudsman
A crime victim may file a complaint against any employee of the U.S. Department of Justice who violates or fails to provide the rights established under the Crime Victims' Rights Act of 2004, 18 U.S.C. Section 3771. The Department of Justice has established the Office of the Victims' Rights Ombudsman to receive and investigate complaints filed by crime victims against its employees, and has implemented Procedures To Promote Compliance With Crime Victims' Rights Obligations, 28 C.F.R. Section 45.10.
 
Legal Services Corporation
LSC is a private, non-profit corporation established by Congress in 1974. LSC makes grants to independent local programs across the country to provide civil legal services to Americans without considerable financial means. The TVPA granted the LSC the responsibility to extend program services to those eligible for T and U Visas.
 
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.
 
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ): Antitrust Division
The mission of the Antitrust Division is to promote economic competition through enforcing and providing guidance on antitrust laws and principles.
 

Non-Governmental Resources

American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC)
APSAC's mission is to ensure that everyone affected by child maltreatment receives the best possible professional response. Its Web site offers related publications and information on legislation and professional education.
 
Criminal Justice Legal Foundation
The Criminal Justice Legal Foundation was established in 1982 as a nonprofit, public interest law organization dedicated to restoring a balance between the rights of crime victims and the criminally accused.
 
International Criminal Court
ICC, governed by the Rome Statute, is the first permanent, treaty based, international criminal court established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.
 
United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM)
UNIFEM is dedicated to advancing women’s rights and achieving gender equality.
 
VictimLaw
The National Center for Victims of Crime, with funds from OVC, developed and launched VictimLaw, a unique and groundbreaking resource, offering user-friendly access to more than 15,000 victims' rights statutes (state and federal), tribal laws, constitutional amendments, court rules, and administrative code provisions.
 

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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 Mar 6 2013 at 2:00PM, Jean Bruggeman, Human Trafficking Fellow with the Office for Victims of Crime, and Robin Hassler Thompson, consultant on issues related to human trafficking and domestic and sexual violence law and policy, hosted a discussion on Meeting Legal Needs of Adult and Minor Victims of Human Trafficking

On May 9 2012 at 2:00PM, Jamie Barnett, President of International Cruise Victims, hosted a discussion on Addressing the Needs of Victims on Cruise Ships

On Feb 15 2012 at 2:00PM, Jenifer Markowitz, Medical Advisor for AEquitas: The Prosecutor’s Resource on Violence Against Women, and Jennifer Gentile Long, Director of AEquitas: The Prosecutors' Resource on Violence Against Women, hosted a discussion on Assisting Older Victims of Intimate Partner Sexual Violence

On Oct 26 2011 at 2:00PM, Roberta Valente, J.D., Consultant, National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and James Vann, Division Counsel, Washington Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, hosted a discussion on Understanding Firearms Laws to Assist Domestic Violence 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

How much restitution is recovered?
The total amount of restitution collected is not available on the national level. For state-specific... Read More

Do all victims have the right to present an impact statement?
Victims' rights are determined by each state's bill of rights. A listing of each state's bill of rig... Read More

How many States have a bill of rights for victims?
A listing of each States' bill of rights is available on the National Center for Victims of Crime (N... Read More

As a crime victim, what rights and services are available to me?
An extensive range of services and resources is available to help crime victims obtain justice and h... Read More

Back to Top

Funding

No funding records found relevant to this topic.

Back to Top


EventsDirectoryE-Mail UpdatesRSS
Facebook     Twitter     You Tube
 
National Calendar of Crime Victim Assistance-Related Events
Upcoming Event(s)
2013 National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) Annual Conference and Exhibition
Charlotte, NC
06/20/2013-06/26/2013

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.