Frequently Asked Questions

Some victims of crime file a civil suit against their offender or a third party to try to recover financial losses resulting from a crime. This is different from a criminal case that the state prosecutes to determine guilt.

In addition, if your case goes to criminal trial and the defendant is found guilty, you may want to make an inquiry with your attorney about requesting restitution during sentencing.

If you are the victim of a crime and are interested in receiving a referral for a civil attorney, you may request assistance through the National Crime Victim Bar Association by completing an online questionnaire.

Visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children website for data on nonfamily abductions.

Visit our U.S Citizens Victimized Abroad page to learn about programs that provide funding and assistance to victims in the aftermath of a terrorism event outside the United States.

The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) specifically requires compensation to crime victims and survivors of criminal violence for certain expenses resulting from physical injury from a compensable crime as defined by the state.

VOCA places priority on violent crime, but it does not prohibit coverage of nonviolent crimes. States may choose to broaden the range of compensable crimes to include those involving threats of injury or economic crime where victims are traumatized but not physically injured. Please keep in mind that eligibility requirements, in the end, are left up to the state.

Please contact your State Victim Compensation Program to learn about eligibility requirements. 

If you are a teen in an abusive relationship or are concerned about someone's safety, please contact the Loveisrespect.org Helpline at 866-331-9474 or 866-787-3224 (TTY) by phone, by texting "LOVEIS" to 866-331-9474, or via live chat.

Visit the Loveisrespect.org website for more information.

If at any time you witness or believe a child is in immediate danger, we strongly urge you to call your local police department’s emergency number (911).

Each state also designates specific agencies to receive and investigate reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. Typically, this responsibility is carried out by Child Protective Services. For information or assistance with reporting, please contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline:

• Toll Free: 800-4-A-CHILD (800-422-4453)
• Text START to 800-4-A-CHILD (800-422-4453)
• Online chat: childhelphotline.org

You may also contact your local Child Protective Services agency.

Contact an OVC TTAC Technical Assistance Coordinator at 866-682-8822 (TTY: 866-682-8880) or [email protected] to check on the status of your training or technical assistance request.

Each year, states and territories receive Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds to support community-based organizations that serve crime victims. Grants are made to domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, child abuse programs, and victim service units in law enforcement agencies, prosecutors' offices, hospitals, and social service agencies. States and territories are required to give priority to programs serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Additional funds must be set aside for underserved victims, such as survivors of homicide victims and victims of drunk drivers.

For additional information, please contact your State Victim Assistance Program.

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC) is not accepting applications for the Consultant Network at this time. Please contact the OVC TTAC Consultant Management Team at 866-682-8822 or [email protected] if you have further questions.

According to the Victim Compensation Program Guidelines, at a minimum, the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) requires states to award compensation for medical expenses, mental health counseling, lost wages, and funeral expenses when they are attributable to a compensable crime.

For more information regarding expenses covered in your state, please contact your State Victim Compensation Program.