National Preparedness Month
In his National Preparedness Month proclamation, President Biden states, "We support efforts to keep Americans safe, and we encourage optimism and preparation for our shared future."
In recognition of National Preparedness Month this September, 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 community mass violence recovery plans at no cost. View previously recorded webinars and contact them at [email protected] for customized TTA.
OVC TTAC also offers a webinar on Delivering Difficult News: Compassionate Trauma Notification. The webinar discusses elements of effective trauma notification and how to access a newly launched online trauma notification training developed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. View the recorded webinar on the OVC TTAC Vital Subjects page.
National Mass Violence Center
The OVC-sponsored National Mass Violence Center provides communities with evidence-based information and resources to effectively prepare for and respond to mass violence incidents.
View the Center’s Tip Sheets to help your organization create a victim-centered plan for responding to mass violence incidents.
The Center’s Transcend mobile self-help 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.
Access their Virtual Resiliency Center, which provides resources to help individuals and communities recover from incidents of mass violence. Find resources on—
- victim and social services,
- social connection and empowerment,
- health and wellness, and
- managing grief and trauma.
For many communities recently affected by mass violence, the Virtual Resiliency Center provides a dedicated page with local resources and notifications until the community can establish their own website or physical resiliency center.
Visit the National Mass Violence Center’s 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. ICP TTA 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 about hotlines, victim compensation, publications, and other resources to help your organization be prepared on our Terrorism & Mass Violence and Help for Victims of Terrorism and Mass Violence pages.
Honor Victims and Responders on the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance
On the 23rd anniversary of September 11, OVC pays tribute to the lives lost and the sacrifices made by first responders. We also remember the victims who were injured during the attacks and those who have been diagnosed with a 9/11-related illness.
During the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, Americans are invited to join and lead community service projects to honor the fallen and the heroes who defend our freedom.
Visit the National Day of Service and Remembrance webpage to learn about volunteer opportunities to build important bridges and create a lasting impact in your community.
National Campus Safety Awareness Month
National Campus Safety Awareness Month is dedicated to promoting safety on college and university campuses across the country. The Clery Center is hosting a free virtual summit on contemporary challenges and innovative solutions shaping the future of safe campus communities.
- Date: Thursday, September 12
- Time: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. eastern time
- Register
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. It is open weekdays and 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 Helpline
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 more information and resources on campus safety, visit our Campus Crime topic page and the Campus Safety Awareness Special Feature on the Office of Justice Programs website.
National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims: 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.”
During a Justice Today podcast, OVC Director Kristina Rose spoke with Roberta Roper about the murder of her beloved daughter, Stephanie, and the challenges she and her family faced while trying to navigate the justice system. Listen to Roberta’s inspiring story and learn how the crime victims field has changed in the past four decades, and the work that still 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.