Creating New Pathways for Hope and Healing

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is committed to enhancing the Nation's capacity to assist crime victims and provide leadership in changing policies and practices to promote justice and healing for all victims of crime. The project funded under this program will build on the lessons learned from the FY 2016 FJC Polyvictimization Demonstration Initiative to implement the validated assessment tool; increase partnerships with traditional and non-traditional FJC services to serve identified polyvictims more holistically; expand case management services to include a thorough understanding of the specific needs of the survivors; and build capacity to leverage existing and new resources for crime victims.

The Chattanooga Family Justice Center will utilize the Polyvictimization Assessment Tool, the Hope Scale (adult and children’s version), and the Professional Quality of Life (PROQOL) measure to increase identification and referral of polyvictims. The hope theory framework will be incorporated into trauma-informed, victim-centered approaches to focus on giving and sustaining hope. The project will build on already strong partnerships with onsite agencies and provides the resources and personnel to expand existing services to provide new integrative, culturally responsive resources to clients across partner agencies. Additionally, a specialized module will be integrated into the existing FJC internship program to increase interest and commitment by interns to develop integrative practices that are responsive to victims’ needs.

CA/NCF