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Crime Victimization

  • Publications (311)
  • Resources (243)
  • Forum Discussions (5)
  • FAQs (62)
  • Funding (1)
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OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

Assistance For U.S. Citizen Victims of Crime Abroad (2019) OVC-Sponsored, 2 pages, NCJ 253770.
This brochure provides information on the services that the U.S. Department of State can provide to U.S. citizens who become victims of crime while abroad. The brochure was created by the U.S. Department of State with support from the Office for Victims of Crime.
Abstract | PDF
 
What We Know About Identity Theft and Fraud Victims From Research- and Practice-Based Evidence (August 2019) OVC-Sponsored, 36 pages, NCJ 253627.
This report compiles research about identity theft and fraud victimization. The report covers research on topics including the prevalence of identity theft and fraud; risk and protective factors; and prevention, intervention, and victim services.
Abstract | PDF
 
Elder Abuse Fatality Review Teams: A Replication Manual (June 2019) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 201 pages, NCJ 210901.
Elder abuse fatality review teams review deaths caused by or related to elder abuse and can improve the response of community agencies to elder abuse victims. This publication, created with funding support from OVC, provides guidance to communities interested in establishing similar teams. This document was updated in June 2019 to include information on the criteria and selection of cases for review, confidentiality practices, preventing "blame and shame," and a comparison of 27 categories of professionals serving as team members. It is available electronically from American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging (www.americanbar.org/groups/law_aging/resources/elder_abuse/elder-abuse-fatality-review-team-projects-and-resources).
Abstract | PDF | HTML
 
Advancing the Implementation of Effective, Survivor-Driven Advocacy (May 2019) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 38 pages, NCJ 253514.
This publication describes a project which seeks to 1) enhance the quality of advocacy for domestic violence survivors and their children provided by a domestic violence program, Courage Connection, 2) increase Courage Connection’s capacity to engage in ongoing evaluation of their service delivery efforts, and 3) generate research knowledge about the conditions in which effective survivor-centered advocacy services are implemented in a domestic violence program setting.
Abstract | PDF
 
Research Brief: Identity Theft and Fraud (March 2019) OVC-Sponsored, 6 pages, NCJ 252720.
This fact sheet provides a comprehensive review of research on identity theft and fraud. The research brief describes services available to victims and important areas where field needs to grow.
Abstract | PDF
 

OJP Publications

Victim Service Providers in the United States, 2017 (November 2019) BJS, NCJ 252648.
This report provides statistics from the National Census of Victim Service Providers, the first national data collection on the number and characteristics of these organizations. The report describes the types of organizations that serve victims, maps their locations, and reports on the rate of victim service providers per 100,000 U.S. residents by state. The census was conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics with support from OVC.
PDF
 
Criminal Victimization, 2018 (September 2019) BJS, Bulletin, BJS Bulletins, 37 pages, NCJ 253043.
This annual report provides official estimates of criminal victimizations reported and not reported to police from the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ National Crime Victimization Survey. It describes the characteristics of crimes, victims, and offenders.

Part Of the BJS Bulletins Series Abstract | PDF (Summary) | PDF (Full Report)
 
Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2018 (April 2019) BJS, Report, 268 pages, NCJ 252571.
This annual report presents data on school crime and safety from the perspectives of students, teachers, and principals. It contains 22 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 postsecondary campus safety and security.
Abstract | PDF
 
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
 

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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?
The United States uses two national data collection systems to track detailed information on homicid... 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 2020 Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Human Trafficking (PDF 1.6 mb)
Deadline: 02/03/2020
The program will support the following types of housing assistance for victims of all forms of human trafficking: (1) transitional housing, including funding for the operating expenses of a newly developed or existing transitional housing program; (2) short-term housing assistance, including rental or utilities payment assistance and assistance with related expenses. Projects must also include support services designed to enable victims of human trafficking and any dependents to locate and secure permanent housing and find employment. OVC will conduct a pre-application webinar on Thursday, December 19, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. e.t. Register at www.ovc.gov/grants/webinars.html. Apply by February 3, 2020.

More Funding Opportunities


Publications

OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

Assistance For U.S. Citizen Victims of Crime Abroad (2019) OVC-Sponsored, 2 pages, NCJ 253770. This brochure provides information on the services that the U.S. Department of State can provide to U.S. citizens who become victims of crime while abroad. The brochure was created by the U.S. Department of State with support from the Office for Victims of Crime.
Abstract | PDF
 
What We Know About Identity Theft and Fraud Victims From Research- and Practice-Based Evidence (August 2019) OVC-Sponsored, 36 pages, NCJ 253627. This report compiles research about identity theft and fraud victimization. The report covers research on topics including the prevalence of identity theft and fraud; risk and protective factors; and prevention, intervention, and victim services.
Abstract | PDF
 
Elder Abuse Fatality Review Teams: A Replication Manual (June 2019) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 201 pages, NCJ 210901. Elder abuse fatality review teams review deaths caused by or related to elder abuse and can improve the response of community agencies to elder abuse victims. This publication, created with funding support from OVC, provides guidance to communities interested in establishing similar teams. This document was updated in June 2019 to include information on the criteria and selection of cases for review, confidentiality practices, preventing "blame and shame," and a comparison of 27 categories of professionals serving as team members. It is available electronically from American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging (www.americanbar.org/groups/law_aging/resources/elder_abuse/elder-abuse-fatality-review-team-projects-and-resources).
Abstract | PDF | HTML
 
Advancing the Implementation of Effective, Survivor-Driven Advocacy (May 2019) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 38 pages, NCJ 253514. This publication describes a project which seeks to 1) enhance the quality of advocacy for domestic violence survivors and their children provided by a domestic violence program, Courage Connection, 2) increase Courage Connection’s capacity to engage in ongoing evaluation of their service delivery efforts, and 3) generate research knowledge about the conditions in which effective survivor-centered advocacy services are implemented in a domestic violence program setting.
Abstract | PDF
 
Research Brief: Identity Theft and Fraud (March 2019) OVC-Sponsored, 6 pages, NCJ 252720. This fact sheet provides a comprehensive review of research on identity theft and fraud. The research brief describes services available to victims and important areas where field needs to grow.
Abstract | PDF
 

OJP Publications

Victim Service Providers in the United States, 2017 (November 2019) BJS, NCJ 252648. This report provides statistics from the National Census of Victim Service Providers, the first national data collection on the number and characteristics of these organizations. The report describes the types of organizations that serve victims, maps their locations, and reports on the rate of victim service providers per 100,000 U.S. residents by state. The census was conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics with support from OVC.
PDF
 
Criminal Victimization, 2018 (September 2019) BJS, Bulletin, BJS Bulletins, 37 pages, NCJ 253043. This annual report provides official estimates of criminal victimizations reported and not reported to police from the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ National Crime Victimization Survey. It describes the characteristics of crimes, victims, and offenders.
Part Of the BJS Bulletins Series
Abstract | PDF (Summary) | PDF (Full Report)
 
Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2018 (April 2019) BJS, Report, 268 pages, NCJ 252571. This annual report presents data on school crime and safety from the perspectives of students, teachers, and principals. It contains 22 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 postsecondary campus safety and security.
Abstract | PDF
 
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
 

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Related Resources

OVC Funded Resources

National Identity Theft Victims Assistance Network
This OVC-funded program seeks to expand and improve the outreach and capacity of victim service programs to assist victims of identity theft and cybercrime. This national network seeks to build capacity to provide assistance to victims of these crimes and encourage the expansion of existing victim service programs and coalitions.
 
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 human 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.
 
The Use of Technology to Stalk: An Online Course
Produced by the Stalking Resource Center of the National Center for Victims of Crime with funding from OVC, this free self-paced, interactive online training will help increase the ability of criminal justice professionals and victim service providers to recognize how stalkers use technology and, ultimately, enhance their ability to work with victims of stalking. This course highlights: how stalkers use technologies to locate, harass, and surveil their victims; steps to assist in investigating stalking crimes; and how to support victims of stalking.
 
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.
 

Federal Resources

Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection: Frauds and Scams
The Bureau works to protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices and take action against companies that break the law. This resource page provides guidance to help you prevent, recognize, and report scams and fraud.
 
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.
 
Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Identity Protection
An identity thief may use your Social Security number for employment which will cause the employer to use your Social Security number to report income earned. Thieves may also file a false tax return in order claim a tax refund. This section of the IRS site provides information on the steps the agency is taking combat identity theft and protect taxpayers. If you believe you may have tax issues as a result of identity theft, contact the IRS Identity Protection Unit at 1-800-908-4490
 
NCJRS: Campus Safety Special Feature
To address the need for resources and strategies related to crime and safety at campuses of higher education, NCJRS presents this compilation of publications and related materials focusing on campus safety.
 
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ): Community Relations Service (CRS)
CRS is the "peacemaker" arm of the U.S. Department of Justice for community conflicts and tensions. It provides expert guidance and assistance to community officials and civic leaders to help resolve and prevent racial and ethnic conflict, violence, and civil disorders.
 

Non-Governmental Resources

FaithTrust Institute
The Institute provides training and consultation to religious communities on issues of sexual abuse and domestic violence.
 
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 Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
This information and research clearinghouse also offers direct victim services and training to sexual assault providers at the national, state, and community levels.
 
Not In Our Town
The Not In Our Town Campaign promotes public dialog and provides a model for community response to hate crimes and other associated problems. The campaign presents broadly accessible, positive solutions through broadcast, national networking, grassroots events, educational outreach, and online activities.
 
State Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs)
State PIRGs are locally based organizations that fight threats to public health and well-being through investigative research, grassroots organizing, advocacy, and litigation.
 

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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?
The United States uses two national data collection systems to track detailed information on homicid... 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 2020 Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Human Trafficking (PDF 1.6 mb)
Deadline: 02/03/2020
The program will support the following types of housing assistance for victims of all forms of human trafficking: (1) transitional housing, including funding for the operating expenses of a newly developed or existing transitional housing program; (2) short-term housing assistance, including rental or utilities payment assistance and assistance with related expenses. Projects must also include support services designed to enable victims of human trafficking and any dependents to locate and secure permanent housing and find employment. OVC will conduct a pre-application webinar on Thursday, December 19, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. e.t. Register at www.ovc.gov/grants/webinars.html. Apply by February 3, 2020.

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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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