The OVC Training and Technical Assistance Center Helping Victims of Mass Violence and Terrorism: Planning, Response, Recovery, and Resources Toolkit web training series continues with an indepth look at establishing a Hospitality Center.
A Hospitality Center, also known as a safe haven, provides a secure environment where victims and survivors can find supportive services during the trial following a mass violence incident. Learn more about—
- the steps needed to establish a Hospitality Center,
- the types of services most often needed in a Hospitality Center and how to provide those services, and
- collaboration and the relationship between the prosecutor’s office and the Hospitality Center.
Lessons learned from previous incidents consistently underscore that all response and recovery efforts are more effective when—
- organizational roles are defined prior to an incident;
- relationships are in place to create a more efficient response and faster recovery; and
- there is a planned and comprehensive communications management strategy that focuses on communication among all responders, with victims and survivors, and with the community during the response and recovery phases.
OVC developed the Helping Victims of Mass Violence & Terrorism Toolkit primarily for the professionals listed below, but any individual or organization responsible for planning and responding to incidents of mass violence and terrorism can use it.
- State Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Compensation and Assistance Administrators
- Emergency Planning Managers
- Law Enforcement Officials
- Prosecutor’s Office Staff
- Victim Service Providers
- Health Care Providers (including Mental Health)
To learn more, you can access the Mass Violence Toolkit.