National Preparedness Month
In his National Preparedness Month proclamation, the President states, “our people are resilient — when we invest in preparing them for disasters seen and unforeseen, we can meet every challenge together.”
In recognition of National Preparedness Month, OVC highlights the following resources.
Helping Victims of Mass Violence & Terrorism: Planning, Response, Recovery, and Resources
OVC’s Helping Victims of Mass Violence & Terrorism: Planning, Response, Recovery, and Resources toolkit helps communities prepare for and respond to the needs of victims of mass violence and terrorism in the most timely, effective, and compassionate manner possible.
OVC Training and Technical Assistance Center (OVC TTAC)
OVC TTAC provides training and technical assistance (TTA) related to the Helping Victims of Mass Violence & Terrorism: Planning, Response, Recovery, and Resources toolkit and your mass violence recovery plans at no cost. View previously recorded webinars and contact them at [email protected] for customized TTA.
National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center
The OVC-sponsored National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center (NMVVRC) provides communities with evidence-based information and resources to effectively prepare for and respond to mass violence incidents.
View NMVVRC’s Tip Sheets to create a victim-centered plan for responding to mass violence incidents.
NMVVRC’s Transcend mobile app offers a safe space for victims to heal. Users can access tools and activities on calming the body, managing distressing thoughts, maintaining healthy activity, coping with loss, and helping others. A “Get Help” feature offers contact information for crisis hotlines and other support services. Learn more and download the Transcend App.
Visit the NMVVRC website to learn more.
Improving Community Preparedness for Mass Violence Victims
The Improving Community Preparedness to Assist Victims of Mass Violence and Domestic Terrorism: Training and Technical Assistance (ICP TTA) project is funded by OVC. It provides training, technical assistance, and support to help communities ensure that immediate and long-term protocols and strategies to support victims are properly incorporated into emergency response plans.
Additional Resources
Discover more resources on our Terrorism & Mass Violence and Help for Victims of Terrorism and Mass Violence pages. There, you will find resources and information about hotlines, victim compensation, publications, websites, and a mobile app to help victims and their loved ones.
Honor Victims and Responders on the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance
This September 11, Americans across the country unite to remember the numerous lives lost and honor the sacrifices made by first responders during the National Day of Service and Remembrance.
OVC pays tribute to the 2,977 people who lost their lives at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We also remember the thousands who were injured in the attacks and those who have been diagnosed with a 9/11-related illness.
Visit the National Day of Service and Remembrance webpage to learn how to volunteer to participate in an event in your community.
National Campus Safety Awareness Month
National Campus Safety Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness about safety on college and university campuses across the country.
OVC lists free helplines that offer services and information to victims of crime, including those on campuses. Of particular interest to campus professionals, are the following:
VictimConnect Helpline
The VictimConnect Helpline is a place for crime victims to learn about their rights and options, confidentially and compassionately. VictimConnect is a weekday helpline that offers information, referrals, and resources toll free by phone or text to 855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846) or online chat.
Courage First Athlete Helpline
The Courage First Athlete Helpline provides support to athletes, former athletes, parents, coaches, and sports communities who wish to report concerns about emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Contact the hotline's athlete-centered counselors by phone or text to 888-279-1026 or online chat.
love is respect
Teens, young adults, and their loved ones can contact the 24/7 confidential love is respect helpline by phone to 866-331-9474, text LOVEIS to 22522, or online chat to receive support regarding dating violence and healthy relationships.
Additional Resources
For information and resources on campus safety, visit our Campus Crime section and the Campus Safety Awareness Special Feature on the Office of Justice Programs website.
National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims is September 25
In 2007, the U.S. Congress designated September 25 of each year as the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. On this day, we “honor the memories of murder victims and … recognize the impact on surviving family members.”
Last year, OVC Director Kristina Rose spoke with Roberta Roper as part of the Justice Today podcast about the murder of her beloved daughter, Stephanie, and the challenges she and her family faced while trying to navigate the justice system. Hear Roberta’s inspiring story and how the crime victims field has changed in the past four decades; and learn about the ongoing work that needs to be done to help all victims of crime find their justice.
Visit our Events Calendar to search for memorial events throughout the country. Many of these events are free and open to the public.
Access our Homicide Victims/Co-Survivors page for information about serving survivors of homicide victims and to access resources from organizations that may help provide emotional support to survivors and promote healthy grief resolution.
One such organization is the National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, which—
- offers support to grieving parents and loved ones through their toll free hotline (888-818-7662) and at in person events;
- supports local chapters that offer monthly meetings, support, advocacy, and court accompaniment; and
- provides training to professionals who give support to survivors.