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Crime Victimization

  • Publications (303)
  • Resources (246)
  • Forum Discussions (5)
  • FAQs (61)
  • Funding (2)
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OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

Tools for Changing the Narrative About Male Survivors of Violence (2018) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 52 pages, NCJ 252061.
This communications toolkit can help organizations to identify and achieve their communications goals in changing the narrative about trauma among male survivors of violence. It contains sections on general strategic communications tools and working with the news media.
Abstract | PDF
 
Human Trafficking Victims with Disabilities or Mental Illness (2018) OVC, Grant, 5 pages, NCJ 252581.
This annotated bibliography gathers research on any type of trafficking in which victims had disabilities or mental illnesses prior to trafficking.
PDF
 
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
 

OJP Publications

Victims of Identity Theft, 2016 (January 2019) BJS, Bulletin, BJS Bulletins, 28 pages, NCJ 251147.
This report presents data on the prevalence and nature of identity theft against persons age 16 or older in 2016, including how victims discovered the crime; financial losses and other consequences; reporting the incident to credit card companies, credit bureaus, and police; the level of distress experienced by victims; lifetime prevalence rates of identity theft; and preventive action taken to reduce the risk of identity theft.

Part Of the BJS Bulletins Series Abstract | PDF (Summary) | PDF (Full Report)
 
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
 
Labor Trafficking in North Carolina: A Statewide Survey Using Multistage Sampling (2018) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 24 pages, NCJ 252521.
The primary goal of this study is to produce reliable estimates of the prevalence of labor trafficking victimization among farmworkers in North Carolina. Over 400 migrant farmworkers participated in interviews. The results reveal that about one-quarter of the sample experienced some type of employment abuse; nearly 18 percent reported incidents that could rise to the level of labor trafficking, and 22 percent reported lesser forms of labor abuse and exploitation.
Abstract | PDF
 
Criminal Victimization, 2017 (December 2018) BJS, Bulletin, BJS Bulletins, 30 pages, NCJ 252472.
This report presents national data on criminal victimization reported and not reported to police in 2017 and the annual change in criminal victimization from 2016. The report examines personal crimes (rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, simple assault, and personal larceny) 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.

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
 

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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


Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Human Trafficking FY 2018 Competitive Grant Solicitation (PDF 678 kb)
Deadline: 04/04/2019
This program is designed to enhance the quality and quantity of services available to assist minor (under the age of 18) victims of human trafficking. Organizations funded under this program will provide (directly and through partnerships) a comprehensive array of services that minor victims of human trafficking often require to address their needs for safety, security, and healing. Funded applicants will be expected to serve minor victims of both labor trafficking and sex trafficking. OVC will conduct a pre-application webinar on February 20, 2019, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. e.t. Register at www.ovc.gov/grants/webinars.html. Apply by April 4, 2019.


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

Tools for Changing the Narrative About Male Survivors of Violence (2018) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 52 pages, NCJ 252061. This communications toolkit can help organizations to identify and achieve their communications goals in changing the narrative about trauma among male survivors of violence. It contains sections on general strategic communications tools and working with the news media.
Abstract | PDF
 
Human Trafficking Victims with Disabilities or Mental Illness (2018) OVC, Grant, 5 pages, NCJ 252581. This annotated bibliography gathers research on any type of trafficking in which victims had disabilities or mental illnesses prior to trafficking.
PDF
 
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
 

OJP Publications

Victims of Identity Theft, 2016 (January 2019) BJS, Bulletin, BJS Bulletins, 28 pages, NCJ 251147. This report presents data on the prevalence and nature of identity theft against persons age 16 or older in 2016, including how victims discovered the crime; financial losses and other consequences; reporting the incident to credit card companies, credit bureaus, and police; the level of distress experienced by victims; lifetime prevalence rates of identity theft; and preventive action taken to reduce the risk of identity theft.
Part Of the BJS Bulletins Series
Abstract | PDF (Summary) | PDF (Full Report)
 
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
 
Labor Trafficking in North Carolina: A Statewide Survey Using Multistage Sampling (2018) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 24 pages, NCJ 252521. The primary goal of this study is to produce reliable estimates of the prevalence of labor trafficking victimization among farmworkers in North Carolina. Over 400 migrant farmworkers participated in interviews. The results reveal that about one-quarter of the sample experienced some type of employment abuse; nearly 18 percent reported incidents that could rise to the level of labor trafficking, and 22 percent reported lesser forms of labor abuse and exploitation.
Abstract | PDF
 
Criminal Victimization, 2017 (December 2018) BJS, Bulletin, BJS Bulletins, 30 pages, NCJ 252472. This report presents national data on criminal victimization reported and not reported to police in 2017 and the annual change in criminal victimization from 2016. The report examines personal crimes (rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, simple assault, and personal larceny) 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.
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
 

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Related Resources

OVC Funded Resources

Agency's Use of Technology Best Practices & Policies Toolkit
When using technology, both victim advocates and survivors need to consider safety, privacy, and security. This resource provides guidance for programs that provide services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking on best practices to help maintain the safety and security of crime victims and their personal information. 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.
 
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.
 
Pathways to Safety International
Pathways to Safety International (formerly the Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center) provides crisis services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
 
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.
 
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.
 

Federal Resources

Elder Justice Initiative
This site serves as a resource for victims of elder abuse and financial exploitation and their families, practitioners who serve them, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, and researchers seeking to understand and address this silent epidemic plaguing our nation's elders. Victims and family members will find information about how to report and get assistance for victims of elder abuse and financial exploitation in all 50 states and the U.S. territories.
 
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Uniform Crime Reporting
The Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program was conceived in 1929 by the International Association of Chiefs of Police to meet a need for reliable, uniform crime statistics for the nation. In 1930, the FBI was tasked with collecting, publishing, and archiving those statistics. Today, several annual statistical publications, such as the comprehensive Crime in the United States, are produced from data provided by nearly 17,000 law enforcement agencies across the United States.
 
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
IC3 allows users to file complaints online. Its Web site also offers statistics, scam alerts, and fraud prevention tips. The program is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center.
 
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. Department of Defense: Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO)
SAPR is responsible for oversight of the Department of Defense's sexual assault policy.
 

Non-Governmental Resources

Aurora Center
The Aurora Center's mission is to recognize and reduce sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking on campus and to create an atmosphere where all members of the community can learn, work, and live to their full potential.
 
Identity Theft Resource Center: Organizing Your Case
This site provides information about how identity theft victims can be effectively organize their case.
 
Sexual Assault Family Violence Investigators Course (SAFVIC)
The SAFVIC Program is designed to provide law enforcement officers with the tools they need to effectively investigate and prevent sexual assault and family violence.
 
State Attorney Generals Office Contact Information
This section of the National Association of Attorneys General Web site provides contact information for the attorney general of each state/territory in the U.S.
 
Transunion: Child Identity Theft
This site provides information about how parents/guardians can check the Transunion credit file of a minor child.
 

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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

Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Human Trafficking FY 2018 Competitive Grant Solicitation (PDF 678 kb)
Deadline: 04/04/2019
This program is designed to enhance the quality and quantity of services available to assist minor (under the age of 18) victims of human trafficking. Organizations funded under this program will provide (directly and through partnerships) a comprehensive array of services that minor victims of human trafficking often require to address their needs for safety, security, and healing. Funded applicants will be expected to serve minor victims of both labor trafficking and sex trafficking. OVC will conduct a pre-application webinar on February 20, 2019, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. e.t. Register at www.ovc.gov/grants/webinars.html. Apply by April 4, 2019.


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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