U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)

Law Enforcement

Learn about OVC efforts to support for programs which help law enforcement officers compassionately and effectively meet the needs of crime victims.

Elder Fraud & Abuse

Learn about OVC efforts to address elder fraud and abuse and discover publications, resources, and training and technical assistance to help enhance services for victims.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Message from OVC Director Jessica Hart

Today is the fifteenth anniversary of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. In the shadow of a pandemic that has disproportionately affected senior populations, we come together to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

For too long elder abuse—a term that encompasses physical abuse, financial fraud, scams and exploitation, caregiver neglect and abandonment, psychological abuse, and sexual abuse—was a hidden epidemic. But as the...

OVC Partnerships With Law Enforcement

May 2018

Law enforcement personnel are often the first contact that victims of crime have. It is therefore critical that law enforcement understand the needs of crime victims and provide a trauma-informed response.

This 6-minute video discusses OVC-sponsored programs and resources to enhance the delivery of services to victims of crime by law enforcement agencies.

 

The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit

The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit (VTT) was developed on the premise that exposure to the traumatic experiences of other people—known as vicarious trauma—is an inevitable occupational challenge for the fields of victim services, emergency medical services, fire services, law enforcement, and other allied professionals; however, organizations can mitigate the potentially negative effects of trauma exposure by becoming vicarious trauma-informed.

New Resources for Law Enforcement to Support Victims' Access to Compensation

New Resources for Law Enforcement to Support Victims' Access to Compensation

Law enforcement officers play a critical role in assisting victims of crime. In many cases, law enforcement officers are the only justice system personnel with whom victims of crime interact.

It is therefore vital that officers have tools and training so they can communicate information about victim compensation and other services to victims of...