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  • Publications (75)
  • Resources (50)
  • Forum Discussions (5)
  • FAQs (14)
  • Funding (1)
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OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

Keys to Collaboration Between Hospital-based Violence Intervention and Cure Violence Programs (2018) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 16 pages, NCJ 251823.
The Healing Justice Alliance, with funding support from OVC, published this report to help guide communities that are implementing, or are interested in implementing, both hospital-based violence intervention and cure violence programs to address violence impacting young males.
Abstract | PDF
 
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
 
Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Toolkit (September 2018) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 0 pages, NCJ 252125.
This second edition of the SART Toolkit provides resources for communities wanting to develop SARTs — coordinated teams of people who serve victims of sexual assault — and for communities wanting to improve their SART responses. The toolkit reviews the basics, lays out the steps involved building a SART, outlines strategic planning for SART operations, and describes how to remain focused on serving victims of crime.
Abstract | HTML
 
Research Brief: Homicide Co-Victimization (July 2018) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 4 pages, NCJ 251953.
This fact sheet provides a comprehensive review of research and practice on homicide co-victimization. This research brief describes how the evidence base for homicide co-victimization is growing, while highlighting key areas where further research is needed.
Abstract | PDF
 
Human Trafficking: An Overview of Services and Funding for Survivors (April 2018) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 13 pages, NCJ 251838.
This paper reviews approaches and legislation to identify victims of human trafficking and provide services to support short- and long-term recovery.
Abstract | PDF
 

OJP Publications

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
 
National Best Practices for Sexual Assault Kits: A Multidisciplinary Approach (August 2017) NIJ, Electronic Document, 140 pages, NCJ 250384.
This report contains 35 recommendations that help provide a roadmap for agencies to develop or advance their policies and protocols for untested sexual assault kits. The recommendations are rooted in a victim-centric, multidisciplinary approach that encourages victim engagement and increases the potential for legal resolutions.
Abstract | PDF
 
Enhancing Police Responses to Children Exposed to Violence: A Toolkit for Law Enforcement (February 2017) OJJDP-Sponsored, Report, 68 pages, NCJ 250768.
This toolkit provides practical resources to assist law enforcement agencies in building or enhancing effective operational responses to children exposed to violence (with or without a mental health partner).
Abstract | PDF
 
Socio-Emotional Impact of Violent Crime (September 2014) BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 30 pages, NCJ 247076.
Examines victims' socio-emotional problems resulting from violent crime, including moderate to severe distress, problems with family or friend relationships, or problems at work or school. The report explores the relationship between the socio-emotional response to crime and the characteristics of the victim and the incident, such as the victim-offender relationship, injury, weapon use, and demographic characteristics. It examines the emotional and physical symptoms associated with socio-emotional problems, and the association between victim help-seeking behaviors and the experience of socio-emotional problems.

Part Of the BJS Special Reports Series Abstract | PDF | TEXT
 
Recognizing When a Child's Injury or Illness Is Caused by Abuse (July 2014) OJJDP, Portable Guide, OJJDP Portable Guides to Investigating Child Abuse, 28 pages, NCJ 243908.
This guide provides information about the many indicators of child maltreatment and abuse to help first responders and investigators differentiate between physical abuse and accidental injury.

Part Of the OJJDP Portable Guides to Investigating Child Abuse Series 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 27 2016 at 2:00PM, Krista Flannigan, J.D., Director, Institute for Crime Victim Research & Policy at Florida State University, and Karen Thomas, President of the Connections Training Group, LLC, hosted a discussion on Serving Victims of Mass Violence

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 Feb 24 2016 at 2:00PM, Dr. John Rich, MD, MPH, Professor and Chair of Health Management and Policy at the Drexel University School of Public Health, and Linnea Ashley, MPH, Training and Advocacy Manager at Youth ALIVE!, hosted a discussion on Inner City Posttraumatic Stress

On Dec 8 2014 at 2:00PM, Carole Warshaw, MD, Director, National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health, and Gabriella Grant, Director, California Center of Excellence for Trauma Informed Care, hosted a discussion on Incorporating Trauma-Informed Care Principles Into Practice

On Apr 23 2014 at 2:00PM, Dr David Corwin, President of the Academy on Violence and Abuse, Professor in Pediatrics Department at University of Utah, and Dr James Henry, Cofounder and Project Director for the Western Michigan University (WMU) Children's Trauma Assessment Center, hosted a discussion on Implications of Adverse Childhood Experiences for Practitioners


What is the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Grant Program (AEAP)?
The Office for Victims of Crime uses AEAP to help jurisdictions respond to victims’ immediate and on... Read More

How can I order the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) DVD, Cómo Recuperarse de sus Lesiones Relacionadas con el Delito, NCJ 215732?
The Cómo Recuperarse de sus Lesiones Relacionadas con el Delito DVD, NCJ 215732, can be ordered thro... Read More

How can I order the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) DVD, Victims with Disabilities: A Forensic Interview-Training Techniques for Interviewing Victims with Communication or Cognitive Disabilities Training Kit, NCJ 234678?
The Victims with Disabilities: A Forensic Interview-Training Techniques for Interviewing Victims wit... Read More

How can I order the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) DVD, First Response to Victims of Crime, NCJ 211619?
The First Response to Victims of Crime DVD, NCJ 211619, can be ordered through the Shopping Cart sec... Read More

How can I order OVC publications and products?
Many OVC publications and products are available in hardcopy and can be ordered from the National Cr... Read More

More FAQs


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

Keys to Collaboration Between Hospital-based Violence Intervention and Cure Violence Programs (2018) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 16 pages, NCJ 251823. The Healing Justice Alliance, with funding support from OVC, published this report to help guide communities that are implementing, or are interested in implementing, both hospital-based violence intervention and cure violence programs to address violence impacting young males.
Abstract | PDF
 
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
 
Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Toolkit (September 2018) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 0 pages, NCJ 252125. This second edition of the SART Toolkit provides resources for communities wanting to develop SARTs — coordinated teams of people who serve victims of sexual assault — and for communities wanting to improve their SART responses. The toolkit reviews the basics, lays out the steps involved building a SART, outlines strategic planning for SART operations, and describes how to remain focused on serving victims of crime.
Abstract | HTML
 
Research Brief: Homicide Co-Victimization (July 2018) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 4 pages, NCJ 251953. This fact sheet provides a comprehensive review of research and practice on homicide co-victimization. This research brief describes how the evidence base for homicide co-victimization is growing, while highlighting key areas where further research is needed.
Abstract | PDF
 
Human Trafficking: An Overview of Services and Funding for Survivors (April 2018) OVC-Sponsored, Grant, 13 pages, NCJ 251838. This paper reviews approaches and legislation to identify victims of human trafficking and provide services to support short- and long-term recovery.
Abstract | PDF
 

OJP Publications

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
 
National Best Practices for Sexual Assault Kits: A Multidisciplinary Approach (August 2017) NIJ, Electronic Document, 140 pages, NCJ 250384. This report contains 35 recommendations that help provide a roadmap for agencies to develop or advance their policies and protocols for untested sexual assault kits. The recommendations are rooted in a victim-centric, multidisciplinary approach that encourages victim engagement and increases the potential for legal resolutions.
Abstract | PDF
 
Enhancing Police Responses to Children Exposed to Violence: A Toolkit for Law Enforcement (February 2017) OJJDP-Sponsored, Report, 68 pages, NCJ 250768. This toolkit provides practical resources to assist law enforcement agencies in building or enhancing effective operational responses to children exposed to violence (with or without a mental health partner).
Abstract | PDF
 
Socio-Emotional Impact of Violent Crime (September 2014) BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 30 pages, NCJ 247076. Examines victims' socio-emotional problems resulting from violent crime, including moderate to severe distress, problems with family or friend relationships, or problems at work or school. The report explores the relationship between the socio-emotional response to crime and the characteristics of the victim and the incident, such as the victim-offender relationship, injury, weapon use, and demographic characteristics. It examines the emotional and physical symptoms associated with socio-emotional problems, and the association between victim help-seeking behaviors and the experience of socio-emotional problems.
Part Of the BJS Special Reports Series
Abstract | PDF | TEXT
 
Recognizing When a Child's Injury or Illness Is Caused by Abuse (July 2014) OJJDP, Portable Guide, OJJDP Portable Guides to Investigating Child Abuse, 28 pages, NCJ 243908. This guide provides information about the many indicators of child maltreatment and abuse to help first responders and investigators differentiate between physical abuse and accidental injury.
Part Of the OJJDP Portable Guides to Investigating Child Abuse Series
Abstract | PDF
 

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Related Resources

OVC Funded Resources

Center for Victim Research
The OVC-funded Center for Victim Research is a tool for victim service providers and researchers to connect and share knowledge. CVR facilitates access to victim research and data while improving the utility of research and data collection to crime victim services nationwide. CVR’s library collection offers open-access research materials, special access to research for VOCA-funded organizations, and free training.
 
ChildVictimWeb
ChildVictimWeb is a free online training resource designed for professionals from all disciplines who work with children who have experienced or witnessed serious violence. This course describes the prevalence and characteristics of different forms of victimization often experienced in childhood, their psychological, behavioral, social, and health consequences, and implications for practice. Assessment strategies, an evidence-based approach to treatment planning, trauma-informed case management skills, and information about evidence supported treatments are presented.
 
National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC): Cyberbullying
The National Crime Prevention Council, through funding from OVC, offers resources including fact sheets and four podcasts about general cyberbullying information, taking action in schools, creating community change, and how teens feel about cyberbullying.
 
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.
 

Federal Resources

Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS)
CMHS works in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in overseeing national efforts to provide emergency mental health services to survivors of Presidentially declared disasters.
 
CrimeSolutions.gov
CrimeSolutions.gov is a searchable online database of evidence-based programs covering a range of justice-related topics, including victim assistance programs; corrections; courts; crime prevention; substance abuse; juveniles; law enforcement; and technology and forensics. The site is a tool to understand, access and integrate scientific evidence about programs into programmatic and policy decisions.
 
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) has been reinstated and will provide compensation for any individual (or a personal representative of a deceased individual) who suffered physical harm or was killed as a result of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes of September 11, 2001, or the debris removal efforts that took place in the immediate aftermath of those crashes. On January 2, 2011, President Obama signed into law the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-347) which expands the pool of applicants eligible for the Fund to include individuals who experienced injuries associated with the attacks or subsequent debris removal. The VCF site allows users to obtain a list of the kinds of documents and information needed in order to process claims; register for the VCF online, the first step in submitting your claim; fill out an online eligibility form to determine VCF eligibility; submit a claim online; and review Frequently Asked Questions.
 
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs: National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The Center aims to advance the clinical care and social welfare of America's veterans through research, education, and training in the science, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and stress-related disorders. This Web site is provided as an educational resource concerning PTSD and other enduring consequences of traumatic stress, for a variety of audiences.
 
World Trade Center Health Program
This program monitors, screens, treats and supports responders who responded to the disaster site at the World Trade Center in New York City and who may have been affected physically or mentally by their service. The site is designed to provide information related to all aspects of the World Trade Center Health Program, to highlight new developments in the program as they occur, and to help individuals find information of particular interest for them.
 

Non-Governmental Resources

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
AACAP offers information as a public service, distributing fact sheets for parents and caregivers and research and guidelines for psychiatric staff. The Web site offers articles for helping children cope with trauma, stress, and disasters. Information is also available in Spanish.
 
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc. (ICISF)
The mission of ICISF is to provide leadership, education, training, consultation, and support services in comprehensive crisis intervention and disaster behavioral health services to the emergency response professions, other organizations, and communities worldwide.
 
National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMPHD)
NASMHPD helps set the agenda and determine the direction of state mental health agency interests across the country, historically including state mental health planning, service delivery, and evaluation.
 
Sidran Traumatic Stress Institute, Inc.
Sidran offers information to empower survivors, educate loved ones, and support clinicians. This nonprofit institute runs many programs, including Sidran Press, the Psychtrauma Infobase, and the Tamar project for treating incarcerated women suffering from trauma and abuse.
 
Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC)
Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SPRC provides technical assistance, training, and materials to increase the knowledge and expertise of suicide prevention practitioners and other professionals serving people at risk for suicide.
 

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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 27 2016 at 2:00PM, Krista Flannigan, J.D., Director, Institute for Crime Victim Research & Policy at Florida State University, and Karen Thomas, President of the Connections Training Group, LLC, hosted a discussion on Serving Victims of Mass Violence

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 Feb 24 2016 at 2:00PM, Dr. John Rich, MD, MPH, Professor and Chair of Health Management and Policy at the Drexel University School of Public Health, and Linnea Ashley, MPH, Training and Advocacy Manager at Youth ALIVE!, hosted a discussion on Inner City Posttraumatic Stress

On Dec 8 2014 at 2:00PM, Carole Warshaw, MD, Director, National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health, and Gabriella Grant, Director, California Center of Excellence for Trauma Informed Care, hosted a discussion on Incorporating Trauma-Informed Care Principles Into Practice

On Apr 23 2014 at 2:00PM, Dr David Corwin, President of the Academy on Violence and Abuse, Professor in Pediatrics Department at University of Utah, and Dr James Henry, Cofounder and Project Director for the Western Michigan University (WMU) Children's Trauma Assessment Center, hosted a discussion on Implications of Adverse Childhood Experiences for Practitioners


FAQs

What is the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Grant Program (AEAP)?
The Office for Victims of Crime uses AEAP to help jurisdictions respond to victims’ immediate and on... Read More

How can I order the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) DVD, Cómo Recuperarse de sus Lesiones Relacionadas con el Delito, NCJ 215732?
The Cómo Recuperarse de sus Lesiones Relacionadas con el Delito DVD, NCJ 215732, can be ordered thro... Read More

How can I order the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) DVD, Victims with Disabilities: A Forensic Interview-Training Techniques for Interviewing Victims with Communication or Cognitive Disabilities Training Kit, NCJ 234678?
The Victims with Disabilities: A Forensic Interview-Training Techniques for Interviewing Victims wit... Read More

How can I order the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) DVD, First Response to Victims of Crime, NCJ 211619?
The First Response to Victims of Crime DVD, NCJ 211619, can be ordered through the Shopping Cart sec... Read More

How can I order OVC publications and products?
Many OVC publications and products are available in hardcopy and can be ordered from the National Cr... Read More

Back to Top

Funding

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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