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An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

Victim Rights

Help for Victims

Find assistance if you are a victim of crime, including national helplines, help in your state, and contact information for your state’s victim compensation program.

If You're a Victim of Crime, Help is Available

October 2016
This 2.5-minute video describes the help that is available for victims of crime by recognizing the effects of crime, identifying certain victims' rights that are guaranteed in most states, and describing services available from state victim compensation and assistance programs. If you or someone you know is a victim of a crime, there are resources. Visit www.ovc.gov/help for more information.

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What is the Crime Victims Fund?

March 2016

This 2-minute video describes the Crime Victims Fund, a major funding source for victim services throughout the Nation that is made up of fines, special assessments, and forfeited bail paid by people who are convicted of federal crimes in U.S. courts around the country. The video offers information about the various grant programs funded using VOCA dollars and OVC's collaboration with state administrators of victim compensation and assistance programs.

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What is the Office for Victims of Crime?

April 2016

This 3-minute video describes OVC's mission and major responsibilities to enhance victims' rights and services for all victims across the United States.

The video also provides an overview of the Crime Victims Fund, describes how funding is distributed to the states to provide direct and accessible services, and discusses OVC's commitment to professionalization of the field through developing new programs; training and technical assistance; and disseminating information about model programs that benefit all victims of crime.

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Announcing the 2020 National Crime Victims' Rights Week Theme

OVC is pleased to announce the 2020 NCVRW theme—Seek Justice | Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope. NCVRW, which will be held April 19–25, 2020, brings communities together and educates the public about victims' rights, protections, and services.

November 2019 Featured Resources

Getting Ready for National Crime Victims' Rights Week

Every year, OVC leads the nation in the observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW).

OVC is pleased to announce the 2020 NCVRW theme: Seek Justice | Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope. NCVRW, which will be held April 19–25, 2020, brings communities together and educates the public about these rights, protections, and services...