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OVC administers two formula grant programs that support crime victim compensation and assistance, described above—the VOCA Victim Compensation Formula Grant Program and the VOCA Victim Assistance Formula Grant Program. Every year, OVC awards each eligible state and territory a VOCA victim compensation formula grant to supplement state funds that reimburse victims for out-of-pocket expenses resulting from crime, such as medical and dental...
OVC supports direct services for victims of federal crimes through the following federal agency programs:
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...
OVC programming in FYs 2019 and 2020 focused on building capacity in a number of key areas. OVC supported many programs to combat human trafficking and help survivors of this terrible crime; and to plan for, respond to, and serve victims of acts of terrorism and mass violence. OVC also strengthened its support for a wide range of law enforcement organizations and their...
In recent years, the Nation has experienced a surge in incidents of mass violence and domestic terrorism. These tragedies have affected a range of communities—from small rural areas to large urban populations—and various locations, such as schools, workplaces, nightclubs, and public settings. As the frequency of these tragedies increases, OVC recognizes the need to become better prepared and equipped with the...
With funding appropriated through the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, OVC administers the largest amount of federal funding dedicated to responding to human trafficking in the United States.
OVC funding supports the delivery of direct services such as case management, housing, legal assistance, and multidisciplinary collaboration and state-level approaches to identifying and serving victims of human trafficking. In addition...
OVC supports partnerships with law enforcement agencies at the state, tribal, and local levels to combat crime, promote safer neighborhoods, and establish collaborations between police and the communities they protect. Through discretionary grant programs, OVC grantees help agencies provide effective, trauma-informed law enforcement practices to better serve all victims. OVC also funds national-scope discretionary programs to provide comprehensive services to victims...
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...
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Adverse Childhood Experiences Study, parental substance abuse is one adverse childhood experience associated with a range of negative outcomes later in life. Children and youth who are exposed to parental substance abuse may be at greater risk for crime victimization during their lifetimes, including child abuse and neglect, human trafficking, intimate...
American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) suffer from one of the highest rates of victimization in the country. Cultural differences, remote locations, and challenging jurisdictional issues make providing victim services in tribal communities complex. In its work with tribes, OVC pays particular attention to government-to-government relationships with our tribal government grantees and to supporting tribes in providing culturally appropriate services for victims.
OVC provides discretionary grants for national-scope demonstration projects and training and technical assistance (TTA) to enhance the professional expertise of victim service providers. These grants are competitively awarded to states, local government agencies, tribal governments, educational institutions, private nonprofit organizations, and individuals. Programs identify and implement promising practices, models, and initiatives; address gaps and needs in TTA; and fund demonstration programs that...
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...
February 17, 2021
A Copy of an Email Sent by Kathrina S. Peterson, OVC Deputy Director, on February 11, 2021
Good Evening Everyone,
The purpose of this email is to provide information about compensation and crowdfunding, and also offer an opportunity to all of you to have more “regular” check-ins with your grant managers.
Crowdfunding and Compensation: Some states have requested information about crowdfunding and...
On Tuesday, October 6, 2020, Attorney General Barr announced the Office for Victims of Crime release of awards totaling more than $1.8 billion to state victim assistance and compensation programs to fund thousands of local victim assistance programs across the country and provide millions in compensation to victims of crime.
Supported by the Crime Victims Fund, this formula grant program supports a broad array of programs...
On Monday, August 31, 2020, Office for Victims of Crime Director Jessica E. Hart spoke at the 2020 Victims of Crime Act Administrators National Training Conference. This annual event hosts state Victims of Crime Act Administrators who manage formula victim compensation and assistance grant programs—the cornerstone of support for victims throughout the Nation.
Director Hart spoke about the importance of developing productive relationships with Administrators and...
Thank you, Darlene [Hutchinson]. On behalf of Director Jessica Hart and the entire Office for Victims of Crime, it’s a privilege to join you and your fellow Alabamians today.
I want to take this opportunity to give a big shout-out to Darlene for all the incredible work she has done on behalf of crime victims in Alabama over the course of her career. I know...
Thanks so much Katie. Good afternoon or morning to those of you on the west coast!
Before I get started, I want highlight the focus Katie has had on this program and working with all of you.
When I first came on-board, she stressed to me the importance of the work you all do and she made it a priority to make sure you are...
