NCJ Number
227219
Date Published
2008
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This fact sheet describes the various ways in which the U.S. Justice Department's Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is assisting communities affected by acts of terrorism and mass violence.
Abstract
OVC's Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program (AEAP) supports jurisdictions that have experienced incidents of terrorism and mass violence. For specific incidents of mass violence/terrorism, the OVC funds mental health counseling and other services or compensation to witnesses and victims, and other victim support services. AEAP grant opportunities cover crisis response planning and implementation; victim recovery; victim participation in the investigation or prosecution directly related to terrorism or mass violence; victim compensation; and training and technical assistance for Federal, State, and local authorities in identifying victim needs, service coordination, the development of response strategies, and related issues. A listing of services eligible for AEAP grant funding is provided. OVC also administers the International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program (ITVERP), which was authorized by Congress to reimburse eligible direct victims of acts of international terrorism that occur outside the United States. Funding covers expenses related to such victimization. Information is provided on who is eligible for reimbursement and the costs that are covered and excluded, as well as the deadline for applications. This fact sheet also describes the features of the Crime Victim Assistance Emergency Fund, which works in conjunction with ITVERP in assisting U.S. nationals and U.S. Government employees who are victims of terrorism and mass violence outside the United States who need emergency assistance. In addition, OVC supports a Victim Reunification Travel Program, which assists left-behind custodial parents in cases of international child abduction by the other parent. This program seeks the return of children who are victims of such abductions.