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Crime Victimization

  • Publications (301)
  • Resources (248)
  • Forum Discussions (5)
  • FAQs (61)
  • Funding (1)
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OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

2018 National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Resource Kit (includes Theme Poster and awareness posters) (2018) OVC, PS000032KIT.
The poster kit contains the NCVRW Theme Poster and this year's awareness posters. These awareness materials are customizable and available to download. A limited number of color hardcopies can be ordered through the OVC Resource Center (www.ncjrs.gov).
HTML
 
2018 National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Theme Poster (2018) OVC, PS000032.
The poster is available for download and a customizable version is available. The poster evokes this year’s NCVRW theme—Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims—which emphasizes the importance of inclusion in victim services. A limited number of color hardcopies can be ordered through the OVC Resource Center (www.ncjrs.gov).
HTML
 
2018 Crime & Victimization in the United States Statistical Fact Sheet (2018) OVC
This fact sheet provides a snapshot of current research and victimization statistics in the United States. Use this and other fact sheets from the 2018 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Resource Guide (www.ovc.gov/ncvrw2018) to promote awareness about different types of crime, as graphics for your social media, and to inform other education efforts throughout the year.
PDF
 
2018 Crime Trends Statistical Fact Sheet (2018) OVC
This fact sheet provides a snapshot of current crime trends in the United States. Use this and other fact sheets from the 2018 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Resource Guide (www.ovc.gov/ncvrw2018) to promote awareness about different types of crime, as graphics for your social media, and to inform other education efforts throughout the year.
PDF
 
2018 Campus Victimization Statistical Fact Sheet (2018) OVC
This fact sheet provides a snapshot of current campus crime trends in the United States. Use this and other fact sheets from the 2018 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Resource Guide (www.ovc.gov/ncvrw2018) to promote awareness about different types of crime, as graphics for your social media, and to inform other education efforts throughout the year.
PDF
 

OJP Publications

National Elder Mistreatment Survey: 5 Year Follow-up of Victims and Matched Non-Victims (2018) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 13 pages, NCJ 252029.
The purpose of this project was to follow the first National Elder Mistreatment Study, which provided prevalence estimates, with a second study of a subset of the same participants. This follow-up study measures the effects of elder abuse in terms of (1) health and mental health outcomes and (2) criminal justice system participation and satisfaction, as well as additional predictors of these effects. The enduring negative health and mental health effects of elder mistreatment, including financial mistreatment, were evident from 8-year follow-up data, although these effects appear to be mitigated, in large part, by current social support. Results from this study indicate that elder financial mistreatment perpetrated by family, friends, and acquaintances is far less likely to be reported than the same behaviors perpetrated by strangers.
Abstract | PDF
 
Criminal Victimization, 2016: Revised (October 2018) BJS, Bulletin, BJS Bulletins, 30 pages, NCJ 252121.
This report presents national data on criminal victimization reported and not reported to police in 2015 and 2016, including the characteristics of crimes and victims and outcomes of victimization. The report examines violent crimes (rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault) and property crimes (household burglary, motor vehicle theft, and theft). It also includes data on domestic violence, intimate partner violence, injury to victims, and weapon use. This report provides revised official estimates, which replace previously released 2016 estimates that did not permit year-to-year-comparisons.

Part Of the BJS Bulletins Series Abstract | PDF (Summary) | PDF (Full Report)
 
Questioning Bias: Validating A Bias Crime Victim Assessment Tool In California And New Jersey, Summary Overview (July 2018) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 29 pages, NCJ 252010.
This study investigated the experiences of hate incidents, crimes and factors affecting underreporting among youth and adults in LGBT, Hispanic, Black, Muslim communities in New Jersey and Los Angeles. Based on the research findings, the Vera Institute of Justice developed an assessment tool, the Bias Crime Assessment Tool, to improve the identification of hate crime victimization, better reflect victims’ experiences, increase confidence in the reporting process, and help to record more accurate data.
Abstract | PDF
 
Indicators of School Crime and Safety, 2017 (March 2018) BJS, Report, 280 pages, NCJ 251413.
This annual report presents data on school crime and safety from the perspectives of students, teachers, and principals. It contains 23 indicators of school crime and safety, including violent deaths; nonfatal student and teacher victimization; school environment; fights, weapons, and illegal substances; fear and avoidance; discipline, safety, and security measures; and campus safety and security.
Abstract | PDF
 
Social Support Can Diminish Negative Effects of Elder Abuse (December 2017) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 2 pages, NCJ 251468.
This article summarizes the findings of a series of studies that have identified the critical role of social support in preventing and ameliorating the adverse effects of elder abuse. These research findings may help inform how victim service providers and allied professionals respond to victims of elder abuse.
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 Sep 14 2016 at 2:00PM, Donna Barry, APN, FN-CSA, DNP, has been the Director of the University Health Center at Montclair State University, and Anthony Walker, former Chief of Police for Norfolk State University, hosted a discussion on Campus Services for Victims of Sexual Assault

On Jul 20 2016 at 2:00PM, Merry O'Brien, M.S.W., the Network for Victim Recovery of DC’s Identity Theft Assistance, and Paula Pierce, J.D., former Manager of Hotline Services for Texas Legal Services Center, hosted a discussion on Serving Victims of Financial Fraud and Fraud Prevention

On Jul 13 2016 at 2:00PM, Pamela Todd, Ph.D., CEO and founder of Ray of Hope Foster Care, Inc.,, and Diane Payne, owner of Justice for Native Children Consulting, hosted a discussion on Support and Services for Drug-Endangered Children

On Apr 7 2016 at 2:00PM, Kristian Hall, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, North Carolina National Guard, and Yvonne Viel, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Test Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, hosted a discussion on Confidentiality for Victims of Military Sexual Trauma

On Nov 17 2015 at 2:00PM, Geri Wisner, Tribal Prosecutor for the Pawnee Nation and Wyandotte Tribe of Oklahoma, and Sarah Collins, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, hosted a discussion on Improving Federal Agency Response to Sexual Violence in Indian Country


How do I report elder abuse/exploitation?
If you or someone you know is in life-threatening danger, call 911. If the danger is not immediate, ... Read More

What is the federal government doing to combat human trafficking?
Although the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has long enforced criminal laws against involuntary se... Read More

How many people are murdered in the United States each year?
Statistics on homicide can be accessed via the Homicide Trends in the United States section of the B... Read More

How many crime victims know the person who committed the crime against them?
The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) report, Criminal Victimization in the United States, Statisti... Read More

How many homicide victims were killed with a handgun?
Statistics on homicides committed with a handgun are available in the Bureau of Justice Statistics (... Read More

More FAQs


FY 2019 Guidance for Invited Applications for Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program for Crime Victim Compensation and/or Assistance (PDF 473 kb)
Deadline: Open
The Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program (AEAP) is a mechanism by which the Director of OVC may award supplemental crime victim compensation and assistance to respond to an act of domestic terrorism or mass criminal violence. The criminal act has to be of sufficient magnitude that the jurisdiction cannot provide needed services to victims of the incident with existing resources and it places an undue financial hardship on the jurisdiction’s ability to respond to victims of other crimes in a timely and comprehensive manner. This is not a competitive solicitation. Only after OVC has consulted with an eligible organization can an application be submitted.

More Funding Opportunities


Publications

OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

2018 National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Resource Kit (includes Theme Poster and awareness posters) (2018) OVC, PS000032KIT. The poster kit contains the NCVRW Theme Poster and this year's awareness posters. These awareness materials are customizable and available to download. A limited number of color hardcopies can be ordered through the OVC Resource Center (www.ncjrs.gov).
HTML
 
2018 National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Theme Poster (2018) OVC, PS000032. The poster is available for download and a customizable version is available. The poster evokes this year’s NCVRW theme—Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims—which emphasizes the importance of inclusion in victim services. A limited number of color hardcopies can be ordered through the OVC Resource Center (www.ncjrs.gov).
HTML
 
2018 Crime & Victimization in the United States Statistical Fact Sheet (2018) OVC This fact sheet provides a snapshot of current research and victimization statistics in the United States. Use this and other fact sheets from the 2018 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Resource Guide (www.ovc.gov/ncvrw2018) to promote awareness about different types of crime, as graphics for your social media, and to inform other education efforts throughout the year.
PDF
 
2018 Crime Trends Statistical Fact Sheet (2018) OVC This fact sheet provides a snapshot of current crime trends in the United States. Use this and other fact sheets from the 2018 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Resource Guide (www.ovc.gov/ncvrw2018) to promote awareness about different types of crime, as graphics for your social media, and to inform other education efforts throughout the year.
PDF
 
2018 Campus Victimization Statistical Fact Sheet (2018) OVC This fact sheet provides a snapshot of current campus crime trends in the United States. Use this and other fact sheets from the 2018 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Resource Guide (www.ovc.gov/ncvrw2018) to promote awareness about different types of crime, as graphics for your social media, and to inform other education efforts throughout the year.
PDF
 

OJP Publications

National Elder Mistreatment Survey: 5 Year Follow-up of Victims and Matched Non-Victims (2018) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 13 pages, NCJ 252029. The purpose of this project was to follow the first National Elder Mistreatment Study, which provided prevalence estimates, with a second study of a subset of the same participants. This follow-up study measures the effects of elder abuse in terms of (1) health and mental health outcomes and (2) criminal justice system participation and satisfaction, as well as additional predictors of these effects. The enduring negative health and mental health effects of elder mistreatment, including financial mistreatment, were evident from 8-year follow-up data, although these effects appear to be mitigated, in large part, by current social support. Results from this study indicate that elder financial mistreatment perpetrated by family, friends, and acquaintances is far less likely to be reported than the same behaviors perpetrated by strangers.
Abstract | PDF
 
Criminal Victimization, 2016: Revised (October 2018) BJS, Bulletin, BJS Bulletins, 30 pages, NCJ 252121. This report presents national data on criminal victimization reported and not reported to police in 2015 and 2016, including the characteristics of crimes and victims and outcomes of victimization. The report examines violent crimes (rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault) and property crimes (household burglary, motor vehicle theft, and theft). It also includes data on domestic violence, intimate partner violence, injury to victims, and weapon use. This report provides revised official estimates, which replace previously released 2016 estimates that did not permit year-to-year-comparisons.
Part Of the BJS Bulletins Series
Abstract | PDF (Summary) | PDF (Full Report)
 
Questioning Bias: Validating A Bias Crime Victim Assessment Tool In California And New Jersey, Summary Overview (July 2018) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 29 pages, NCJ 252010. This study investigated the experiences of hate incidents, crimes and factors affecting underreporting among youth and adults in LGBT, Hispanic, Black, Muslim communities in New Jersey and Los Angeles. Based on the research findings, the Vera Institute of Justice developed an assessment tool, the Bias Crime Assessment Tool, to improve the identification of hate crime victimization, better reflect victims’ experiences, increase confidence in the reporting process, and help to record more accurate data.
Abstract | PDF
 
Indicators of School Crime and Safety, 2017 (March 2018) BJS, Report, 280 pages, NCJ 251413. This annual report presents data on school crime and safety from the perspectives of students, teachers, and principals. It contains 23 indicators of school crime and safety, including violent deaths; nonfatal student and teacher victimization; school environment; fights, weapons, and illegal substances; fear and avoidance; discipline, safety, and security measures; and campus safety and security.
Abstract | PDF
 
Social Support Can Diminish Negative Effects of Elder Abuse (December 2017) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 2 pages, NCJ 251468. This article summarizes the findings of a series of studies that have identified the critical role of social support in preventing and ameliorating the adverse effects of elder abuse. These research findings may help inform how victim service providers and allied professionals respond to victims of elder abuse.
Abstract | PDF
 

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Related Resources

OVC Funded Resources

National Mass Violence and Victimization Resource Center
This OVC-funded initiative provides evidence-based information, training, and other resources for communities so they can effectively prepare for and respond to mass violence incidents.
 
Technology Safety & Privacy: A Toolkit for Survivors
This toolkit contains safety tips, information, and privacy strategies for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking related to the use of technology. The toolkit was produced by the National Network to End Domestic Violence's Safety Net Project which develops resources and information on the use of technology for survivors and the agencies that support them.
 
VictimConnect Resource Center - Confidential referrals for crime victims
VictimConnect serves victims of any crime in the United States. Trained specialists are available to help you locate referrals for mental health counseling, financial compensation, legal services, civil justice options, support groups, crime reporting, identity theft recovery and more.
 
Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)-Funded Elder Abuse Programs
In August of 2016, a new VOCA Rule clarified and expanded states’ allowable uses of VOCA victim assistance funding. The rule clarifies and expands how states may expend the funding, and states are looking to support all victims, including victims of elder abuse. This OVC page highlights examples of VOCA–funded elder abuse programs and the VOCA offices that funded them.
 
WomensLaw.org
A project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), this Web site provides state-specific legal information and resources for survivors of domestic violence.
 

Federal Resources

Administration for Children and Families
ACF promotes the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities. Through its Children's Bureau, ACF assists states in the delivery of child welfare services. Its Web site presents related initiatives, statistics, ACF programs, funding, and information systems.
 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS)
NISVS provides data on rape, physical violence, and stalking by an intimate partner in the United States along with rates of health and mental health problems associated with victimization.
 
National Sex Offender Public Web Site
This online, searchable database of sex offenders is the result of a cooperative effort between the state agencies hosting public sexual offender registries and the Federal Government. The Federal site centralizes the different sex offender registries built and maintained by State and territories and provides real-time access to public sex offender data nationwide with a single Internet search. This Web site allows parents and concerned citizens to search existing public state and territory sex offender registries beyond their own communities.
 
U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission: Smartcheck
This site connects investors to tools to check the registration, license, and disciplinary history of certain financial professionals. This collection of tools allows the responsible investor to confirm the credentials of investment professionals, uncover any past disciplinary history, and stay ahead of scam artists with news and alerts.
 
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Human Trafficking
ICE's Human Smuggling and Trafficking Unit works to identify criminals and organizations involved in illicit human trafficking and human smuggling activities.
 

Non-Governmental Resources

Anti-Slavery International (ASI)
ASI works to end slavery and related abuses, including trafficking in persons and forced prostitution, focusing on the rights of people who are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, notably women, children, migrant workers, and indigenous peoples.
 
Chadwick Center for Children and Families
The Chadwick Center for Children and Families promotes the health and well-being of abused and traumatized children and their families.
 
Safe Online Surfing Internet Challenge
This Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)-sponsored site offers a free Internet safety and cyber citizenship educational program designed for 3rd through 8th grades.
 
TrainingForums.org
Trainingforums.org offers courses on topics, trends and issues relevant to service providers serving domestic violence victims.
 
Tribal Protection Orders
Developed by the Tribal Law and Policy Institute, this site is designed to provide both tribal and non-tribal entities with a clearinghouse of information and resources pertaining to the issuance and enforcement of protection orders.
 

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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 Sep 14 2016 at 2:00PM, Donna Barry, APN, FN-CSA, DNP, has been the Director of the University Health Center at Montclair State University, and Anthony Walker, former Chief of Police for Norfolk State University, hosted a discussion on Campus Services for Victims of Sexual Assault

On Jul 20 2016 at 2:00PM, Merry O'Brien, M.S.W., the Network for Victim Recovery of DC’s Identity Theft Assistance, and Paula Pierce, J.D., former Manager of Hotline Services for Texas Legal Services Center, hosted a discussion on Serving Victims of Financial Fraud and Fraud Prevention

On Jul 13 2016 at 2:00PM, Pamela Todd, Ph.D., CEO and founder of Ray of Hope Foster Care, Inc.,, and Diane Payne, owner of Justice for Native Children Consulting, hosted a discussion on Support and Services for Drug-Endangered Children

On Apr 7 2016 at 2:00PM, Kristian Hall, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, North Carolina National Guard, and Yvonne Viel, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Test Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, hosted a discussion on Confidentiality for Victims of Military Sexual Trauma

On Nov 17 2015 at 2:00PM, Geri Wisner, Tribal Prosecutor for the Pawnee Nation and Wyandotte Tribe of Oklahoma, and Sarah Collins, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, hosted a discussion on Improving Federal Agency Response to Sexual Violence in Indian Country


FAQs

How do I report elder abuse/exploitation?
If you or someone you know is in life-threatening danger, call 911. If the danger is not immediate, ... Read More

What is the federal government doing to combat human trafficking?
Although the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has long enforced criminal laws against involuntary se... Read More

How many people are murdered in the United States each year?
Statistics on homicide can be accessed via the Homicide Trends in the United States section of the B... Read More

How many crime victims know the person who committed the crime against them?
The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) report, Criminal Victimization in the United States, Statisti... Read More

How many homicide victims were killed with a handgun?
Statistics on homicides committed with a handgun are available in the Bureau of Justice Statistics (... Read More

Back to Top

Funding

FY 2019 Guidance for Invited Applications for Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program for Crime Victim Compensation and/or Assistance (PDF 473 kb)
Deadline: Open
The Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program (AEAP) is a mechanism by which the Director of OVC may award supplemental crime victim compensation and assistance to respond to an act of domestic terrorism or mass criminal violence. The criminal act has to be of sufficient magnitude that the jurisdiction cannot provide needed services to victims of the incident with existing resources and it places an undue financial hardship on the jurisdiction’s ability to respond to victims of other crimes in a timely and comprehensive manner. This is not a competitive solicitation. Only after OVC has consulted with an eligible organization can an application be submitted.

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EventsDirectoryE-Mail Updates
Facebook     Twitter     You TubeEventsDirectoryE-Mail Updates
 
National Calendar of Crime Victim Assistance-Related Events
Upcoming Event(s)

Online Directory of Crime Victims Services.

About OVC.gov

Office for Victims of Crime
810 Seventh Street NW., Washington, DC 20531
The Office for Victims of Crime is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

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