What is the Office for Victims of Crime?

• NCJ Number: 230190
• Date Published: March 2010
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Series: OVC Fact Sheets
• Corporate Author: Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services; OVC Resource Ctr
• Publication Series: OVC Fact Sheets
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This pamphlet describes the responsibilities and programs of the U.S. Justice Department's Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), whose mission is "to enhance the Nation's capacity to assist crime victims and provide leadership in changing attitudes, policies, and practices in ways that will provide justice and healing for all victims."

Abstract

OVC administers compensation and assistance programs that serve crime victims. It is charged by Congress with administering the Crime Victims Fund, a major source of funding for victim services throughout the Nation. Established by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) in 1984, the Fund supports thousands of programs annually that provide millions of dollars in victim compensation and assistance in every U.S. State and Territory. OVC's work also involves assisting victims in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. In addition, OVC is involved in serving the needs of victims of terrorism and mass violence at home and abroad. Congress amended VOCA to authorize OVC to set aside up to $50 million annually for an Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve fund, which has helped ensure that victims receive the services they need. In the areas of program development, education, and outreach for crime victims, OVC continuously improves the national response to crime victims by identifying emerging needs and gaps in existing services, enhancing the skills and abilities of service providers, and promoting greater public awareness of the issues victims face. OVC's training and technical assistance services ensure that every victim has access to a well-trained, knowledgeable service provider. OVC's Training and Technical Assistance Center provides training opportunities for providers and advocates of crime victim services. The OVC Resource Center produces and disseminates information resources for victim service providers and other key participants in providing services to crime victims. OVC's most popular resources are listed.