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Victim Compensation

Victims of violent crime may suffer financial stress that is as devastating as their physical injuries and emotional trauma. Crime victim compensation is a direct reimbursement to or on behalf of a crime victim for a wide variety of crime-related expenses, including medical costs, funeral and burial costs, expenses for mental health counseling, and lost wages or loss of support. Every state administers a crime victim compensation program that provides crucial financial assistance to victims of both federal and state crimes.

 

The following resources provide more information about victim compensation, including eligibility requirements, compensable costs, and the application process.


OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

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
 
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
 
National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Resource Guide 2013 (December 2012) OVC, 130 pages, NCJ 239229.
This guide is designed to help communities and victim assistance providers promote awareness of crime victim issues, the Guide includes educational content, campaign materials, artwork, and a theme DVD. New this year are three pre-produced 30-second PSAs addressing child sexual abuse, child sex trafficking, and elder financial fraud.
PDF | HTML (English) | HTML (Spanish)
 

OJP Publications

Civil Trial Cases and Verdicts in Large Counties, 2001 (April 2004) BJS, BJS Bulletins, 12 pages, NCJ 202803.
This bulletin examines general civil cases disposed of by bench or jury trial in the Nation's 75 most populous counties in 2001 and provides information on the type of case, types of plaintiffs and defendants, trial winners, amount of total damages awarded, amount of punitive damages awarded, and case processing time.

Part Of the BJS Bulletins Series Abstract | PDF | TEXT
 

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Victims of violent crime may suffer financial stress that is as devastating as their physical injuries and emotional trauma. Crime victim compensation is a direct reimbursement to or on behalf of a crime victim for a wide variety of crime-related expenses, including medical costs, funeral and burial costs, expenses for mental health counseling, and lost wages or loss of support. Every state administers a crime victim compensation program that provides crucial financial assistance to victims of both federal and state crimes.

 

The following resources provide more information about victim compensation, including eligibility requirements, compensable costs, and the application process.


Victims of violent crime may suffer financial stress that is as devastating as their physical injuries and emotional trauma. Crime victim compensation is a direct reimbursement to or on behalf of a crime victim for a wide variety of crime-related expenses, including medical costs, funeral and burial costs, expenses for mental health counseling, and lost wages or loss of support. Every state administers a crime victim compensation program that provides crucial financial assistance to victims of both federal and state crimes.

 

The following resources provide more information about victim compensation, including eligibility requirements, compensable costs, and the application process.


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 Mar 29 2011 at 3:00PM, Angela Moreland Begle, National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, Medical University of South Carolina, and Jack Fleming, National Center for Victims of Crime, and Charity Hope, VERA Institute of Justice, and Julie K Landrum, National Crime Victim Law Institute, and Jennifer Shewmake, Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center, hosted a discussion on Transforming Victim Services in the 21st Century

On Nov 14 2006 at 2:00PM, Dan Eddy, Executive Director of the National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards, hosted a discussion on Crime Victim Compensation and Best Practices

Victims of violent crime may suffer financial stress that is as devastating as their physical injuries and emotional trauma. Crime victim compensation is a direct reimbursement to or on behalf of a crime victim for a wide variety of crime-related expenses, including medical costs, funeral and burial costs, expenses for mental health counseling, and lost wages or loss of support. Every state administers a crime victim compensation program that provides crucial financial assistance to victims of both federal and state crimes.

 

The following resources provide more information about victim compensation, including eligibility requirements, compensable costs, and the application process.


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 types of assistance are available to me as a crime victim?
Assistance for victims of crime is available through financial reimbursement and victim services fro... Read More

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

Is it possible to receive a set of the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) Voices of Victims videos?
The Voices of Victims videos listed below are no longer available to order: Voices of Victims:... Read More

When will National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) be observed in 2014?
National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) will be observed April 6-12, 2014. To learn more ab... Read More

More FAQs

Victims of violent crime may suffer financial stress that is as devastating as their physical injuries and emotional trauma. Crime victim compensation is a direct reimbursement to or on behalf of a crime victim for a wide variety of crime-related expenses, including medical costs, funeral and burial costs, expenses for mental health counseling, and lost wages or loss of support. Every state administers a crime victim compensation program that provides crucial financial assistance to victims of both federal and state crimes.

 

The following resources provide more information about victim compensation, including eligibility requirements, compensable costs, and the application process.


FY 2013 Crime Victim Compensation Program Initiative Solicitation (PDF 293 kb)
Deadline: 06/03/2013
Two first-year awards totaling $350,000 will be awarded to develop promising practices, models, or programs designed to enhance the administration of crime victim compensation programs at the state level; and to increase program responsiveness, efficiency, and accessibility for all crime victims throughout the state or territory, especially underserved victims. This is a 3-year project with award amounts in the first year ranging from $25,000-$250,000. Continuation awards for 2 additional years may be made, depending on grantee performance and funding availability. Applicants are limited to states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and any other possession or territory of the U.S. that has an established, eligible crime victim compensation program and that meets the eligibility requirements specified in the Victims of Crime Act, 42 U.S.C. 10602 (b). Those applying are urged to begin well in advance of the June 3, 2013, deadline.


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

Victims of violent crime may suffer financial stress that is as devastating as their physical injuries and emotional trauma. Crime victim compensation is a direct reimbursement to or on behalf of a crime victim for a wide variety of crime-related expenses, including medical costs, funeral and burial costs, expenses for mental health counseling, and lost wages or loss of support. Every state administers a crime victim compensation program that provides crucial financial assistance to victims of both federal and state crimes.

 

The following resources provide more information about victim compensation, including eligibility requirements, compensable costs, and the application process.


Publications

OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

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
 
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
 
National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Resource Guide 2013 (December 2012) OVC, 130 pages, NCJ 239229. This guide is designed to help communities and victim assistance providers promote awareness of crime victim issues, the Guide includes educational content, campaign materials, artwork, and a theme DVD. New this year are three pre-produced 30-second PSAs addressing child sexual abuse, child sex trafficking, and elder financial fraud.
PDF | HTML (English) | HTML (Spanish)
 

OJP Publications

Civil Trial Cases and Verdicts in Large Counties, 2001 (April 2004) BJS, BJS Bulletins, 12 pages, NCJ 202803. This bulletin examines general civil cases disposed of by bench or jury trial in the Nation's 75 most populous counties in 2001 and provides information on the type of case, types of plaintiffs and defendants, trial winners, amount of total damages awarded, amount of punitive damages awarded, and case processing time.
Part Of the BJS Bulletins Series
Abstract | PDF | TEXT
 

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Related Resources

Federal Resources

Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program (AEAP)
OVC manages AEAP, which offers five funding streams to provide timely relief to communities affected by terrorism and criminal mass violence for immediate and ongoing victim assistance services in the form of grants to qualifying applicants (including state victim assistance and compensation programs); U.S. Attorneys' Offices; federal, state, and local governments; and nongovernmental victim service organizations.
 
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.
 
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) has been reinstated and will provide compensation for any individual (or a personal representative of a deceased individual) who suffered physical harm or was killed as a result of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes of September 11, 2001, or the debris removal efforts that took place in the immediate aftermath of those crashes. On January 2, 2011, President Obama signed into law the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-347) which expands the pool of applicants eligible for the Fund to include individuals who experienced injuries associated with the attacks or subsequent debris removal. The VCF site allows users to obtain a list of the kinds of documents and information needed in order to process claims; register for the VCF online, the first step in submitting your claim; fill out an online eligibility form to determine VCF eligibility; submit a claim online; and review Frequently Asked Questions.
 

Non-Governmental Resources

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.
 

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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 Mar 29 2011 at 3:00PM, Angela Moreland Begle, National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, Medical University of South Carolina, and Jack Fleming, National Center for Victims of Crime, and Charity Hope, VERA Institute of Justice, and Julie K Landrum, National Crime Victim Law Institute, and Jennifer Shewmake, Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center, hosted a discussion on Transforming Victim Services in the 21st Century

On Nov 14 2006 at 2:00PM, Dan Eddy, Executive Director of the National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards, hosted a discussion on Crime Victim Compensation and Best Practices


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 types of assistance are available to me as a crime victim?
Assistance for victims of crime is available through financial reimbursement and victim services fro... Read More

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

Is it possible to receive a set of the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) Voices of Victims videos?
The Voices of Victims videos listed below are no longer available to order: Voices of Victims:... Read More

When will National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) be observed in 2014?
National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) will be observed April 6-12, 2014. To learn more ab... Read More

Back to Top

Funding

FY 2013 Crime Victim Compensation Program Initiative Solicitation (PDF 293 kb)
Deadline: 06/03/2013
Two first-year awards totaling $350,000 will be awarded to develop promising practices, models, or programs designed to enhance the administration of crime victim compensation programs at the state level; and to increase program responsiveness, efficiency, and accessibility for all crime victims throughout the state or territory, especially underserved victims. This is a 3-year project with award amounts in the first year ranging from $25,000-$250,000. Continuation awards for 2 additional years may be made, depending on grantee performance and funding availability. Applicants are limited to states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and any other possession or territory of the U.S. that has an established, eligible crime victim compensation program and that meets the eligibility requirements specified in the Victims of Crime Act, 42 U.S.C. 10602 (b). Those applying are urged to begin well in advance of the June 3, 2013, deadline.


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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