Victim assistance programs are government and community-based organizations that provide immediate and ongoing support to people who have experienced crime. These programs help victims navigate the criminal justice process, access emergency resources, and apply for financial compensation for losses resulting from violent crime.
There are 52 states with Victim Assistance locations across the United States. All 50 states operate victim compensation programs funded in part by the federal Crime Victims Fund, which has collected over $50 billion since the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) was passed in 1984.
Victim Assistance in the United States
Browsing by state allows you to find victim assistance offices affiliated with local prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations. Each state has its own compensation program with distinct eligibility requirements, benefit limits, and application deadlines.
Common Services
- Crisis intervention, safety planning, and emergency shelter referrals for victims of violent crime
- Victim compensation claims assistance for medical costs, lost wages, and mental health counseling
- Court accompaniment, case status notification, and victim impact statement preparation
- Referrals to legal aid, protective order assistance, and community-based support services
Visitor tip: Victim assistance services are confidential and free of charge. You do not need a referral to contact a victim assistance office, and most accept calls or walk-in visits from anyone who has been harmed by crime — regardless of whether the crime was reported to police.
For official information, visit Office for Victims of Crime — ovc.ojp.gov.
About Victim Assistance
Victim assistance programs in the United States are administered through a network of local and state agencies, funded by the U.S. Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) through grants under the Victims of Crime Act. Local programs are commonly housed within county prosecutor offices, law enforcement victim services units, family justice centers, and nonprofit advocacy organizations. Each state also administers its own victim compensation program that is separate from direct services.
Common Services
- Protective order and restraining order application assistance for domestic violence and stalking victims
- Human trafficking victim identification and specialized support services
- Child abuse and sexual assault advocacy, including forensic interview coordination
- Restorative justice programs and victim-offender mediation facilitation
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a crime and needs immediate help, contact your local victim assistance office or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Victim compensation applications typically must be filed within one to three years of the crime, depending on the state — contact your state's compensation program to confirm the deadline.
For official information, visit Office for Victims of Crime — ovc.ojp.gov.