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Research

Research & Evaluation

Highlights of OVC support for efforts to build knowledge critical to the crime victims field during FYs 2021-2022.

Crime Victims Fund

The Crime Victims Fund supports services for victims of crime throughout the Nation. This page outlines updates related to the Fund during FYs 2021-2022.

Message From the Director

A message summarizing OVC work to uphold crime victims' rights and ensuring high-quality services are available to victims of crime during Fiscal Years 2021-2022.

2023 Report to the Nation

This report provides descriptions and vignettes of some of OVC’s key victim service programs during FYs 2021-2022—highlighting their successes, their challenges, and their efforts to help victims of crime rebuild their lives.

Understanding the Effects of the Pandemic for Domestic Violence Victims

November 2021

Hear from Federal Government representatives, researchers, and service providers about how COVID-19 has impacted the occurrence of domestic violence across the country as they cover—

  • an analysis of domestic violence calls,
  • the inequities experienced by underserved populations, and
  • the challenges service providers experienced and their innovative responses to help those in need.

OVC and the Office on Violence Against Women hosted this webinar on Friday, October 29, 2021.

Formula Grants: VOCA Compensation and Assistance

Formula Grants: VOCA Compensation and Assistance

OVC administers two Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) formula grant programs that support crime victim compensation and assistance—the foundation of support for victims throughout the Nation. These formula grants account for approximately 95 percent of the VOCA funds that OVC disburses each year.

  • The VOCA Victim Compensation Grant Program provides funding to supplement state compensation programs that reimburse victims...

Innovative Practices

Innovative Practices

According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, only 8 percent of victims of violent crimes received help from a victim service agency in 2019—a decline of 11 percent from 2018. To improve this reality, the victim services field must diversify and expand existing strategies for providing victim assistance and create vital links to other fields that come into contact with victims of crime...

Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation

Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation

Older adults are especially vulnerable to violent crime, neglect, and exploitation, including financial fraud. The effects of these crimes can be devastating, and older adults may be targeted at rates that outpace the services available to help the growing number of victims. Not surprisingly, elder abuse results in a wide range of negative health impacts, including the increased likelihood of...

Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve

Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve

Following the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, Congress amended VOCA to authorize OVC to allocate up to $50 million per year from the Crime Victims Fund to establish the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve (Reserve). The Reserve provides help primarily through funding for immediate and direct services for victims of terrorism and criminal mass violence within the United States and abroad, supplemental funding provided directly...

VOCA Compensation Highlights

VOCA Compensation Highlights

OVC’s VOCA Compensation Formula Grant Program reimburses victims for financial losses resulting from their victimization. OVC disburses these funds to supplement state programs that provide financial assistance and reimbursement to victims for crime-related expenses, including medical and dental care, counseling, funeral and burial expenses, and lost wages. Compensation programs may also reimburse victims for other types of expenses related to their victimization...

Serving Victims Everywhere

Serving Victims Everywhere

OVC believes that crime victims should have access to the evidence-based services and support they need to begin their physical, emotional, and financial recovery. However, OVC recognizes that there are serious challenges to achieving this goal. Strengthening connections across allied fields to expand the availability and quality of services that impact a victim’s healing are among these challenges.

Center for Victim Research...