ojp banner
Facebook iconTwitter iconYoutube icon
NCJ 248495 • December 2014   

About This e-Bulletin

The Crime Victims Fund (the Fund), established by the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA), is a major funding source for victim services throughout the Nation. VOCA victim assistance grants are awarded annually to local community-based organizations and public agencies that provide services directly to victims of crime. VOCA compensation grants are awarded to all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to supplement state funds for reimbursing victims of violent crimes for out-of-pocket expenses that result from the crime.

This e-bulletin comprises information collected during visits to VOCA assistance and compensation programs in 25 states. The program sites represent a diverse mix of geographic locations, sizes, population demographics, and service delivery models. Additional information was gathered from internal and external program documents.

Identifying Innovative Practices

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) improves the national response to crime and violence by enhancing the capacity of service providers and allied professionals to better meet the emerging needs of victims. OVC staff review victim service providers and programs to identify innovative models, practices, and protocols. They examine—

  • Victim demographics.
  • Victims’ rights laws.
  • Compensation program statutes, policies, and rules.
  • Victim notification.
  • State funding trends.

What Makes a Practice Innovative?

For the purpose of this e-bulletin, a practice is considered innovative if it—

  • Is based on research.
  • Incorporates technology to improve access or efficiency.
  • Uses new resources or techniques.
  • Can be replicated.
  • Increases efficiency, productivity, or quality.
  • Enhances services.
  • Reduces costs.
  • Improves consumer satisfaction.
  • Generates revenue.
  • Is borrowed from another field and adapted to meet the needs of victims.
  • Reaches a new population.




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.