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Victim and Witness Assistance

Victim and witness assistance programs ensure that victims and witnesses of crimes are treated with fairness and respect, afforded their rights, and provided with the services they need to help ease the impact of victimization. Victim and witness assistance services include, but are not limited to, crisis intervention, emergency shelter and transportation, counseling, and criminal justice advocacy. All states and most territories receive annual state victim assistance program formula grants that must be used to support local community-based organizations and public agencies that provide services directly to victims.

The following resources provide additional information about victim and witness assistance programs and services.


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)
 
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
 
Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center (January 2013) OVC, Fact Sheet, OVC Fact Sheets, FS000384.
This Fact Sheet describes the services and trainings available through the OVC Training and Technical Assistance Center (OVC TTAC) and how these resources can be accessed.
PDF
Part Of the OVC Fact Sheets Series
 
Voice of the Victim: A Perspectives Spotlight Issue (2012) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 100 pages, NCJ 238382.
Through OVC support, this special edition of the American Probation and Parole Association's Perspectives provides a collection of informative, thought-provoking articles to support community corrections professionals in incorporating victims' rights and services into daily practice. This resource teaches readers that victims' rights to information, notification, restitution, and participation are an integral component of community corrections.
Abstract | PDF
 
Outreach to Underserved Teen Victims of Crime (2012) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 40 pages, NCJ 238800.
The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) and the National Center for Victims of Crime (National Center), with funding from OVC, produced this guidebook and accompanying Web-based resources to provide an overview of the challenges faced in conducting outreach to underserved teen victims of crime. The materials highlight examples of the various projects and resources developed and implemented in local communities through the Underserved Teen Victims Initiative.
Abstract | PDF
 

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
 
OJP 2012 Program Plan: Resources for the Criminal Justice and Juvenile Justice Field (April 2012) OJP, Report, NCJ 238383.
The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Program Plan is a searchable online document of funding opportunities and new initiatives. It features the latest and most complete information regarding both competitive and noncompetitive grants, training and technical assistance, research, and other resources available to the justice community, divided into nine thematically organized sections.
HTML
 
Use of Victim Service Agencies by Victims of Serious Violent Crime, 1993-2009 (August 2011) BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 16 pages, NCJ 234212.
Presents data from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) on trends in the percentage of serious violent crime victims who received help or advice from a victim service agency from 1993 to 2009.

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

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Victim and witness assistance programs ensure that victims and witnesses of crimes are treated with fairness and respect, afforded their rights, and provided with the services they need to help ease the impact of victimization. Victim and witness assistance services include, but are not limited to, crisis intervention, emergency shelter and transportation, counseling, and criminal justice advocacy. All states and most territories receive annual state victim assistance program formula grants that must be used to support local community-based organizations and public agencies that provide services directly to victims.

The following resources provide additional information about victim and witness assistance programs and services.


Victim and witness assistance programs ensure that victims and witnesses of crimes are treated with fairness and respect, afforded their rights, and provided with the services they need to help ease the impact of victimization. Victim and witness assistance services include, but are not limited to, crisis intervention, emergency shelter and transportation, counseling, and criminal justice advocacy. All states and most territories receive annual state victim assistance program formula grants that must be used to support local community-based organizations and public agencies that provide services directly to victims.

The following resources provide additional information about victim and witness assistance programs and services.


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 Apr 19 2013 at 2:00PM, Hallie Martyniuk, author of Strengthening Military-Civilian Community Partnerships To Respond to Sexual Assault, and Major Matthew Youngblood, Victim Assistance Advisor for the U.S. Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, hosted a discussion on Responding to Sexual Assault Victims through Military/Civilian Partnerships

On Apr 10 2013 at 2:00PM, Howard Davidson, director of the American Bar Association (ABA) Center on Children and the Law, and Catherine Heath, a Child and Family Program Specialist at the Children’s Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Steven Toporoff, an attorney for the Division of Privacy and Identity Protection, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), hosted a discussion on Child Welfare Agencies Responding to Child Identity Theft

Victim and witness assistance programs ensure that victims and witnesses of crimes are treated with fairness and respect, afforded their rights, and provided with the services they need to help ease the impact of victimization. Victim and witness assistance services include, but are not limited to, crisis intervention, emergency shelter and transportation, counseling, and criminal justice advocacy. All states and most territories receive annual state victim assistance program formula grants that must be used to support local community-based organizations and public agencies that provide services directly to victims.

The following resources provide additional information about victim and witness assistance programs and services.


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

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

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

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

More FAQs

Victim and witness assistance programs ensure that victims and witnesses of crimes are treated with fairness and respect, afforded their rights, and provided with the services they need to help ease the impact of victimization. Victim and witness assistance services include, but are not limited to, crisis intervention, emergency shelter and transportation, counseling, and criminal justice advocacy. All states and most territories receive annual state victim assistance program formula grants that must be used to support local community-based organizations and public agencies that provide services directly to victims.

The following resources provide additional information about victim and witness assistance programs and services.


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.

More Funding Opportunities

Victim and witness assistance programs ensure that victims and witnesses of crimes are treated with fairness and respect, afforded their rights, and provided with the services they need to help ease the impact of victimization. Victim and witness assistance services include, but are not limited to, crisis intervention, emergency shelter and transportation, counseling, and criminal justice advocacy. All states and most territories receive annual state victim assistance program formula grants that must be used to support local community-based organizations and public agencies that provide services directly to victims.

The following resources provide additional information about victim and witness assistance programs and services.


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)
 
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
 
Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center (January 2013) OVC, Fact Sheet, OVC Fact Sheets, FS000384. This Fact Sheet describes the services and trainings available through the OVC Training and Technical Assistance Center (OVC TTAC) and how these resources can be accessed.
PDF
Part Of the OVC Fact Sheets Series
 
Voice of the Victim: A Perspectives Spotlight Issue (2012) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 100 pages, NCJ 238382. Through OVC support, this special edition of the American Probation and Parole Association's Perspectives provides a collection of informative, thought-provoking articles to support community corrections professionals in incorporating victims' rights and services into daily practice. This resource teaches readers that victims' rights to information, notification, restitution, and participation are an integral component of community corrections.
Abstract | PDF
 
Outreach to Underserved Teen Victims of Crime (2012) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 40 pages, NCJ 238800. The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) and the National Center for Victims of Crime (National Center), with funding from OVC, produced this guidebook and accompanying Web-based resources to provide an overview of the challenges faced in conducting outreach to underserved teen victims of crime. The materials highlight examples of the various projects and resources developed and implemented in local communities through the Underserved Teen Victims Initiative.
Abstract | PDF
 

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
 
OJP 2012 Program Plan: Resources for the Criminal Justice and Juvenile Justice Field (April 2012) OJP, Report, NCJ 238383. The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Program Plan is a searchable online document of funding opportunities and new initiatives. It features the latest and most complete information regarding both competitive and noncompetitive grants, training and technical assistance, research, and other resources available to the justice community, divided into nine thematically organized sections.
HTML
 
Use of Victim Service Agencies by Victims of Serious Violent Crime, 1993-2009 (August 2011) BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 16 pages, NCJ 234212. Presents data from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) on trends in the percentage of serious violent crime victims who received help or advice from a victim service agency from 1993 to 2009.
Part Of the BJS Special Reports Series
Abstract | PDF | TEXT
 
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
 
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
 

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Related Resources

OVC Funded Resources

Enhancing Law Enforcement Response to Victims
For over a decade, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has collaborated with OVC to promote crime victim rights and facilitate law enforcement's ability to effectively address victim needs. One of the key milestones of this collaboration includes the 21st Century Strategy for Enhancing Law Enforcement Response to Victims, consisting of the Strategy, the Implementation Guide, the Resource Toolkit, and the Training Supplemental. This Web site, which captures the 21st Century Strategy and a number of other victim-related materials and publications, serves as a unique law enforcement resource center for enhanced victim response.
 
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.
 
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

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.
 
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) Safe Helpline
The Department of Defense (DoD) Safe Helpline is a confidential crisis support service for adult service members of the DoD community affected by sexual assault. Operated by the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), the helpline provides live, one-on-one expert advice and information 24/7.
 
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.
 
World Trade Center Health Program
This program monitors, screens, treats and supports responders who responded to the disaster site at the World Trade Center in New York City and who may have been affected physically or mentally by their service. The site is designed to provide information related to all aspects of the World Trade Center Health Program, to highlight new developments in the program as they occur, and to help individuals find information of particular interest for them.
 

Non-Governmental Resources

Center for Child and Family Studies
The Center for Child and Family Studies partners with public and private agencies to build, maintain, and restore families and communities.
 
Maiti Nepal
Maiti Nepal was born out of a crusade to protect Nepali girls and women from crimes like domestic violence, trafficking for flesh trade, child prostitution, child labor and various forms of exploitation and torture.
 
National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA)
NAPSA provides state Adult Protective Services program administrators and staff with a forum for sharing information, solving problems, and improving the quality of services for victims of elder and vulnerable adult abuse.
 
National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators (NAVAA)
NAVAA's mission is to advance education, research, and public service to assure accessible quality services for crime victims nationwide, to strengthen exchange of information and communication among its members and to provide its members with training and technical assistance to effectively respond to the issues and challenges of supporting those services.
 
National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV)
NNEDV works closely with domestic violence coalitions, allied organization, and individuals to understand the ongoing and emerging needs of domestic violence victims and advocacy programs.
 

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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 Apr 19 2013 at 2:00PM, Hallie Martyniuk, author of Strengthening Military-Civilian Community Partnerships To Respond to Sexual Assault, and Major Matthew Youngblood, Victim Assistance Advisor for the U.S. Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, hosted a discussion on Responding to Sexual Assault Victims through Military/Civilian Partnerships

On Apr 10 2013 at 2:00PM, Howard Davidson, director of the American Bar Association (ABA) Center on Children and the Law, and Catherine Heath, a Child and Family Program Specialist at the Children’s Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Steven Toporoff, an attorney for the Division of Privacy and Identity Protection, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), hosted a discussion on Child Welfare Agencies Responding to Child Identity Theft


FAQs

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

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

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

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

Back to Top

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.

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EventsDirectoryE-Mail UpdatesRSS
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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

25th Annual Crimes Against Children Conference
Dallas, TX
08/12/2013-08/15/2013

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

Online Directory of Crime Victims Services.