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Victim Rights

Victim Rights and Services

Being a victim of crime and navigating the criminal justice system can be a frightening and confusing experience. But with funding authorized under the Victims of Crime Act of 1984, and through the dedicated efforts of advocates, lawmakers, victim service providers, and allied professionals there is an extensive range of services and resources available to help victims heal and obtain justice.

Notice

Numerous government agencies...

Register for a New Online Training on Human Trafficking

OVC recently announced the release of the new Understanding Human Trafficking training at the Human Trafficking Grantee Meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

OVC invites victim service providers, allied professionals, and interested members of the general public to register for this new training, a series of five interactive online modules that offer foundational learning on trauma-informed and victim-centered approaches to human trafficking.

The Understanding Human Trafficking...

Now Online: 2020 NCVRW Guide Artwork and Sample Proclamation

National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 19-25, 2020

Every April, OVC leads the nation in its observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW). This year's theme—Seek Justice | Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope—will guide communities as they promote victims' rights and services from April 19–25.

Use these 2020 NCVRW resources to help plan your events and raise awareness:

  • Theme Artwork
  • Customizable Theme Poster
  • Web Artwork
  • Sample Proclamation

Download 2020...

Funding Opportunity: OVC FY 2020 Crime Victims' Rights Legal Clinics

OVC Funding Opportunity: Apply Now

OVC is seeking applicants for the OVC FY 2020 Crime Victims' Rights Legal Clinics solicitation.

This initiative is intended to support or expand federal, state, local, and Tribal efforts to enforce crime victims' rights. Applicants may apply under the following purpose areas—

  • Purpose Area 1: victims' rights legal clinics that will provide the enforcement of crime victims' rights in the criminal justice process, and
  • Purpose...

Now Online: 2020 National Crime Victims' Rights Week Resource Guide

National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 19-25, 2020

The 2020 National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Resource Guide is now available online. This year, NCVRW will be commemorated April 19–25.

The 2020 NCVRW Resource Guide provides a wealth of materials, in both English and Spanish, to educate the public about victims' rights, protections, and services during NCVRW and throughout the year. The online guide includes—

  • guidance on developing your campaign,
  • tips and tools...

Mobile Apps for Crime Victims and Providers

The following mobile applications (apps) provide information and resources about various types of victimization.

The inclusion of a mobile app on this page does not constitute an official endorsement, guarantee, or approval by OVC.

Before downloading any app, you may be interested in reviewing information from the Safety Net Project, a project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence.

OVC-Funded Apps

CheckDEC
© National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (see reuse policy).

CheckDEC

CheckDEC...

Clarification of Allowable Costs for Victim Assistance Programs


OVC anticipates that it will upload the final VOCA formula victim assistance rule during the first week of July. It will become effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. In the interim, OVC is sending this communication to VOCA Administrators to again clarify what is allowable under the current guidelines for transitional housing and legal assistance.

Regarding legal assistance, victim assistance programs can...

Help for Victims

Find assistance if you are a victim of crime, including national helplines, help in your state, and contact information for your state’s victim compensation program.

If You're a Victim of Crime, Help is Available

October 2016

This 2.5-minute video describes the help that is available for victims of crime by recognizing the effects of crime, identifying certain victims' rights that are guaranteed in most states, and describing services available from state victim compensation and assistance programs. If you or someone you know is a victim of a crime, there are resources. Visit www.ovc.gov/help for more information.

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What is the Crime Victims Fund?

March 2016

This 2-minute video describes the Crime Victims Fund, a major funding source for victim services throughout the Nation that is made up of fines, special assessments, and forfeited bail paid by people who are convicted of federal crimes in U.S. courts around the country. The video offers information about the various grant programs funded using VOCA dollars and OVC's collaboration with state administrators of victim compensation and assistance programs.

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What is the Office for Victims of Crime?

April 2016

This 3-minute video describes OVC's mission and major responsibilities to enhance victims' rights and services for all victims across the United States.

The video also provides an overview of the Crime Victims Fund, describes how funding is distributed to the states to provide direct and accessible services, and discusses OVC's commitment to professionalization of the field through developing new programs; training and technical assistance; and disseminating information about model programs that benefit all victims of crime.

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