Victim/Witness Programs:
Court and Criminal Justice-based
International, Australia, Canada, European Union, Finland, France, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom [England] [Ireland] [Scotland, United States, Related Documents
International
International Criminal Court - Office of Public Counsel for Victims: The Office of Public Counsel for Victims (OPCV) provides support and assistance to the legal representatives of victims and to victims participating in the proceedings as well as asking for reparations. The Statute of the ICC allows victims of the most serious international crimes to participate in criminal proceedings. It places the victims at the very centre of the proceedings.
International Crime Victim Compensation Program Directory: Compiled by the US Office for Victims of Crime, this directory is an effort to identify how Victim Compensation programs function around the world. Listed information for 19 countries or regions includes how to contact main Victim Compensation branches, what the requirements are and limits to compensation.
Australia
Commissioner for Victim Rights South Australia: A large and detailed site, supplying reference information on all aspects of victimization, support groups, victim compensation, as well as link directories leading to both national and international resources.
Enough is Enough: This is an anti-violence group which provides counselling to victims of crime, support at victim-offender conferences, court support, as well as other educational violence prevention programs.
Justice Tasmania Victim Assistance Unit: This organization provides counselling, advocacy, compensation information and is in the process of developing an offender registry database that will allows victims to access information about offenders’ location and progress in the prison system.
Ministry of Justice Western Australia - Victims of Crime: Part of the new Western Australia MoJ website, the Victims of Crime section contains a wealth of information for victims and survivors. It includes a description of Child Witness services, articles on coping with trauma, court support services, criminal injuries compensation, restraining orders, victim impact statements, mediation and the Victim Support Service. This site also has links to the rest of the Ministry of Justice's website.
New South Wales Attorney General's Victims of Crime Bureau: This site includes information on accreditation of counselors, victim rights legislation, victim impact statements, support services and compensation.
Northern Territories Department of Public Prosecutions Victim Support: Providing support, counselling, referral, advocacy and information to victims, their site provides background, program and service details, along with links to victim compensation, victim impact statements and directories of other services.
Queensland Health Victim Support Service: QHVSS provides assistance to: Direct victim(s) of the offence; The parents or guardians of a young victim, or a victim with legal incapacity; Immediate family members of a deceased victim; Other concerned persons who have been directly harmed by or witnessed an offence; Professionals and other interested persons seeking advice, information and assistance
Victim Assist Queensland: Victim Assist (referred to during the consultation period as the Victim Financial Assistance and Services Scheme or VFASS) will focus on victim recovery by paying for, or reimbursing the costs of goods and services that the victim requires to help them recover from the physical and psychological effects of the crime. Victim Assist will mark a significant change of focus from criminal compensation to financial assistance and support for victims.
Victim Support Australasia: VSA exists to advance the interests of people victimised by crime and encourage the development of support services throughout Australasia, whilst striving towards a crime free society. VSA is a national umbrella organization whose members comprise the nation's leading victim service and assistance agencies.
Victim Support Service Inc. of South Australia: An extensive site with a very complete listing of services, online articles and factsheets, links and resources of use to both victims of crime and professionals.
Victims of Crime Assistance League NSW: he Victims of Crime Assistance League Inc NSW is a generalist, broad-based victim support agency that offers practical guidance and support to victims and others harmed by violent crime, through any stage of life affected by crime and its impacts.
Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal, Victoria: Crime victim compensation information, application filing and registration.
Victims of Crime Counseling and Compensation Services: Victims of Crime Counseling & Compensation Services (VOCCS) specializes in the provision of counseling and compensation services to victims of crime in Melbourne, Victoria.
Victims of Crime Western Australia: This website is an initiative of the Victims of Crime Reference Group and the State Government. It is designed to help victims of crime, their families and others by providing answers to the most commonly asked questions and issues encountered.
Victoria Homicide Victims Support Group: VHVSG offers immediate support, assistance and advocacy to families and friends of homicide victims. They strive to help survivors with a program designed to: cope with the grief and trauma; to help seek justice for their loved ones; and to help survivors rebuild their lives.
Western Australia Attorney General's Victim Support Service: Victim Support Service offers confidential counselling and support services to victims of crime in this region. Of particular interest is their Child Witness Service, which provides free emotional support and practical preparation for children under 18 years of age who are to give evidence to a court. The children involved can be victims or witnesses to any criminal charge, in any court. This includes the Magistrates Court, Children's Court, District Court or Supreme Court.
Canada
National Resources
NATIONAL OFFICE FOR VICTIMS 1-866-525-0554
National Victim Service Directory: Hosted and maintained by Canada's Policy Centre for Victim Issues, this site allows you to search for direct service agencies in all Provinces and Territories.
National Victims of Crime Awareness Week
A National Parole Board Hearing Room: To help victims understand the National Parole Board’s conditional release process, the following information allows the various people, who may be present at a hearing, to describe their role. In addition, the information also explains the function of the different objects that may be found in the hearing room.
Correctional Services of Canada Victim Services: The CSC Victim Service office provides victims of federal offenders with information about the offender who harmed them. Their site includes detailed background, service and contact information, offers additional resources, and supplies referral links to other federal and provincial victim service organizations.
Courtprep.ca: An animated web site to help youth to prepare for attending court.
Directory of Diplomatic Representatives in Canada: A very useful directory containing contact information for over 150 foreign embassies in Canada, should your program need to contact a foreign government representative.
Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime: The mandate of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime relates exclusively to matters of federal responsibility and includes:
- facilitating access of victims to existing federal programs and services by providing them with information and referrals;
- addressing complaints of victims about compliance with the provisions of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act that apply to victims of offenders under federal supervision and providing an independent resource for those victims;
- enhancing awareness among criminal justice personnel and policy makers of the needs and concerns of victims and the applicable laws that benefit victims of crime, including to promote the principles set out in the Canadian Statement of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime; and
- identifying emerging issues and exploring systemic issues that impact negatively on victims of crime.
National Parole Board Information for Victims of Crime: Links on this page lead to information on writing victim statements to be made at parole hearings, as well as detailed information on corrections and conditional release of prisoners. A separate link connects to the NPB's Victim Information Hotline telephone number.
Victims Matter: The Governement of Canada's Victim information site, with information on how to contact appropriate assistance and service agencies across Canada
AlbertaAlberta Solicitor-General and Public Safety Victim Services: Information for victims on Alberta's court victim services, providing assistance for with court attendance, victim impact statements, criminal injuries compensation, and locating local and regional service centers.
British ColumbiaBritish Columbia Ministry of the Attorney General Victim Services: Extensive online directories leading to all types of crime victim services, compensation information and online claim forms, a description of the provincial "Victims of Crime" act and other pending legislation, as well as links to information useful to crime victims.
Trail Family and Individual Resource Centre Specialized Victim Services: Support for victims of spousal assault, adult sexual assault, child sexual assault\abuse, adult survivors, criminal harassment and stalking. Information and emotional support to victims, witnesses, and families during the court process and legal appointments.
ManitobaManitoba Justice Victims of Crime: Extensive links to online brochures and documents on issues of interest of crime victims in this province.
Manitoba Organization of Victim Advocates: This organization supplies education, victim support and referral, court accompaniment and much more
NewfoundlandNewfoundland Dept. of Justice Victim Services: This government web page lists the services offered by provincial victim services, as well as basic contact information for offices in various cities/areas. An FAQ on Victim Services is also available, as is a list of publications.
NunavutCommunity Justice Program, Department of Justice: The Community Justice Program has the responsibility to promote community justice, family abuse intervention and victim services development, including the promotion and establishment of programs to prevent crime within communities, through greater community participation and control.
OntarioChild Witness Centre: The Child Witness Centre works in partnership with the justice system and the community to provide support services and impartial court preparation for child witnesses under the age of 18 involved in the criminal justice system in Waterloo Region and Wellington County. Their site describes their programs, their facilities in the cities of Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo County, and provides background information on their services.
Ontario Office for Victims of Crime: The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is a permanent advisory agency for the provincial Attorney General on ways to ensure that the principles set out in the Victims’ Bill of Rights are respected. The OVC also offers advice with respect to: the development, implementation and maintenance of provincial standards for services for victims of crime; the use of the Victims' Justice Fund to provide and improve services for victims of crime; research and education on the treatment of victims of crime and ways to prevent further victimization; matters of legislation and policy on the treatment of victims of crime and on the prevention of further victimization. To obtain more information, call 416-326-1682.
Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General Victim Services: This site supplies extensive background information on crime victim as well as victim/witness support, how to apply for victim compensation, domestic violence and sexual assault programs, victim information sources and public education on victim issues.
Ontario Parole and Earned Release Board: The Ontario Parole and Earned Release Board as part of the Canadian criminal justice system has legislated authority to grant supervised conditional release to adult offenders sentenced to Ontario provincial correctional institutions. The Board, which has representatives from the community, welcomes input from all sources, including victims of crime, in making independent, fair and objective decisions. It pursues its primary goal of protecting the public by releasing only those offenders considered to be a manageable risk.
Prince Edward IslandPrince Edward Island Victim Services: This contains information useful to many different crime victims and survivors.
Prince Edward Island Government InfoPEI - Victims of Crime: Another way to access PEI's victim services, including online forms for victim impact statements and other court functions relating to victims.
QuebecCrime Victim Assistance Centres - Centres d'aide aux victimes d'actes criminels (CAVAC): A major source of information and resources for victims of crime in Quebec. The site includes a directory of crime victims service centres in this province, descriptions of victim rights, recourses and links to other sources. Regional office links include:
Capitale-Nationale and Chaudière-Appalaches CAVAC
L'Association québécoise Plaidoyer-Victimes: Quebec's victim advocacy and assistance organization.
SaskatchewanSaskatchewan Justice's Victim Services: The homepage for this provincial service, here you'll service and contact information, details of victim support and victim compensation, a directory of provincial victim service organizations and a short list of relevant links.
European Union
European Forum for Victim Services: The European Forum for Victim Services was founded in 1990 by all the national organizations in Europe working for victims of crime. The European Forum is in consultative status with the Council of Europe and the UN. The Forum exists to:
- Promote the development of effective services for victims of crime throughout Europe
- Promote fair and equal compensation for victims of crime throughout Europe, regardless of the nationality of the victim concerned
- Promote the rights of victims of crime in Europe in their involvement in the criminal justice system and with other agencies
- Exchange experience and information between member organizations to share best practices and knowledge.
Finland
Victim Support Finland: This service offers practical advice and psychological support to victims of crimes and those closest to them. This web site offers extensive service information, as well as providing contact addresses.
France
Aide aux Parents d'Enfants Victimes (Aid for Parents of Child Victims - English): APEV is an advocacy and support organization for the parents of child victims. Their services include: support and trauma assistance, court accompaniment, advocating for survivor and child rights, public education on children's and parent's rights in the court, helping to locate missing children.
Associations et services d'aide aux victimes du réseau de l'Institut National d'Aide aux Victimes et de Médiation - INAVEM (Assistance Services and Organizations for Victims through the network of the National Institute of Assistance to Victims and Mediation): Posted on France's Ministry of Justice website, this contact map can direct you to the nearest victim service office of the INAVEM. Just click on the region you're interested in to be given contact information.
Victim Assistance Paris (L'aide aux victimes, Consiel Departemental de Acces Droit de Paris): Victim services in the Paris region, including criminal injuries compensation information.
Japan
National Police Service - Police Support for Crime Victims: A detailed handbook in English on services for crime victims in Japan, on victim compensation, the court system, and support organizations.
Netherlands
Have you been the victim of violence? The Violent Offences Compensation Fund can help you: A brochure in English which provides information on criminal injury compensation in the Netherlands.
New Zealand
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Portugal
Associação Portuguesa de Apoio à Vítima (Portuguese Association for Victim Support) : The APAV supplies information, protection and support to victims of crime.
Spain
Asociacion Nacional de Victimas de Delitos Violentos - National Association of Victims of Violent Crimes: A non-profit entity, it was established with the purpose of asserting and defending the rights of victims of violent crime. The organization supplies legal advice, advocacy and emtional support and treatment.
Sweden
Swedish Crime Victim Compensation and Support Authority (Brottsoffermyndighetens Umea): The information provided on this page is in Swedish, but they do provide online information pamphlets (Adobe Acrobat files) in a variety of languages, including English.
Switzerland
Federal Office of Justice Help For Victims: This very simple page describes crime victim rights, including the right to counselling and compensation, and gives basic contact information.
United Kingdom
National Resources
Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority: This website is designed to provide information about the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme and to help potential applicants apply for compensation and complete a personal injury or fatal injury application form.
Home Office's Victims of Crime: This government agency is responsible for issues relating to procedures in the criminal courts, and for policy relating to victims of crime (including compensation for victims) and funding of the Victim Support organization. Included on this site are links leading to important documents and online pamphlets of interest to victim support workers and crime victims.
England
Court Service Website: The Court Service is an executive agency of the Lord Chancellor’s Department, providing administrative support to a number of courts and tribunals in England and Wales, including the High Court, the Crown Court and the county courts. Full descriptions of court process and services are included for those who may be attending court as victim or witness.
Crown Prosecution Service: This site contains information on and for prosecutions in the UK. Included are a wide variety of information, policy and guidelines on the application of law for offenders, victims and the general public.
Victim Support England: This site is the national organization's homepage. From here information of many kinds can be accessed, from victim compensation to support contacts, including link directories leading to contact information on the over 300 local Victim Support offices around England.
Ireland
Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime: The Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime is an independent body which operates under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Its functions are: * To assist in the development, with the Victims of Crime Office, of strategies and policies to support victims of crime with a view to improving cohesion and consistency of service and information available to victims of crime. * To provide financial assistance to voluntary bodies that support victims of crime. * To take account of the views of victims in the formulation of strategies and policies through the Victims of Crime Consultative Forum. * To develop strong links with Government Departments and agencies of the criminal justice system, in the interest of victims of crime. * To co-operate with Cosc and the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit in particular. * To promote co-operation and co-ordination between the organisations it funds and State Agencies and between the funded organisations themselves. * To encourage the provision of services for victims of crime in all areas of the country. * To keep informed of international developments in relation to victims of crime. * To work in association with the Victims of Crime Office. * To keep under review the effectiveness of the Victims Charter. * To promote awareness of the services available to victims of crime. * To carry out research to support its mission.
Victims of Crime Office: The core mandate of the Victims of Crime Office is to improve the continuity and quality of services to victims of crime, by state agencies and non-governmental organisations throughout the country. It works to support the development of competent, caring and efficient services to victims of crime.
Scotland
Victim Support Scotland: The homepage for Scotland's Victim Support services. Links from this page lead to information on the program and available services, contact information for Victim Support schemes in other countries, and the 15 page draft of the Scottish Victim Rights manifesto drawn up and presented to the Scottish Parliament.
United States Victim/Witness Services
National Resources
Citizens Against Homicide: CAH fffers advocacy for survivor rights, letter writing campaigns for legislation or for petitions, cold case information, and a variety of courtroom and trial support.
Crime Victim Compensation National Program Directory: This interactive map/directory allows you to locate state programs and information on how to file for crime victim compensation throughout the United States.
Criminal Crisis Response Initiative: The Criminal Crisis Response Initiative project (CCRI) is a community-based, multi-disciplinary, inter-agency, assessment and planning process. This facilitated process assists communities in the design, development and implementation of a long-range plan for the establishment of a formal collaborative of their victims service providers. the intent of this collaborative is to coordinate the delivery of resources and services to victims of an act of criminal mass victimization (CMV) such as the Oklahoma City bombing and Littleton, CO high school shootings.
Department of Defense Victim and Witness Assistance Council: An overview of the DoD's V/W programs, including policy, resources, a listing of program coordinators, an FAQ and links to national and international organizations.
FBI Office for Victim Assistance: The mission of the Office for Victim Assistance (OVA) is to ensure that victims of crimes investigated by the FBI are afforded the opportunity to receive the services and notification as required by federal law. The FBI recognizes not only the necessity of providing for the legal rights of victims but the benefits that effective and timely victim assistance brings to investigations.
International Crime Victim Compensation Program Directory: Compiled by the US Office for Victims of Crime, this directory is an effort to identify how Victim Compensation programs function in other countries. Listed information for 19 countries or regions includes how to contact main Victim Compensation branches, what the requirements are and limits to compensation.
International Criminal Court Victims and Witnesses: Information for victims whose cases are moving through the ICC. This site provides information on the funding victim counsels, and on the court process and reparations.
National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards: The NACVC promotes an exchange of information and ideas through a nationwide network of victim compensation programs. The Association advances better methods for serving crime victims through various training and technical assistance activities, helping its members establish sound administrative practices, achieve fiscal stability, and engage in effective outreach, communication and advocacy. Their site includes online publications, information on VOCA grants, an upcoming events area and links to programs across the country.
National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators: The national organization of Victim of Crime Act grant administrators.
National Center for Missing Adults: The National Center for Missing Adults (NCMA) is a nonprofit agency providing nationwide assistance to law enforcement and families of missing persons. The group provides a variety of services including advocacy, search assistance, national distribution of information related to missing persons and various programs addressing child safety such as the child ID program. It acts as a clearinghouse of information and does not provide investigative services or employ private investigators.
National Crime Victim Bar Association: The NCVBA provides technical support to attorneys representing crime victims in civil actions, refers crime victims to lawyers in their local area, and works to increase general awareness about the availability of civil remedies for victims of crime.
National Crime Victim Law Institute: The National Crime Victim Law Institute, established in 2000, is a non-profit research and educational organization at Lewis & Clark Law School, Portland, Oregon. NCVLI is the only national organization in the country working to assert victims’ rights in criminal trial courts. In addition to its teaching mission, NCVLI performs a number of critical functions. It: maintains and disseminates a resource bank of crime victim law; it assists attorneys who provide direct legal services to crime victims; it works to establish legal clinics nationwide to represent victims in court; and it files amicus briefs advocating for crime victims’ rights in the courts
National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs): The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) is the first national repository for missing persons and unidentified decedent records. Unidentified decedents are people who have died and whose bodies have not been identified. NamUs consists of two databases that anyone can search. The Justice Department hopes that law enforcement officials and the public will use the databases to share information to solve cases.
Outpost for Hope - Kids off the Grid: Outpost for Hope is defining the problem of unreported missing children and adults: the kids off the grid. We support the efforts of families in crisis, law enforcement and affiliated agencies to locate and provide recovery information that saves lives. We educate society about the misperceptions of mental illness, drug addiction, and homelessness and the ripple effects that touch each one of us. We hope to reduce the stigma about these conditions which create opportunities for people to be lost and for predators to exploit them without anyone noticing.
Parents of Murdered Children (US National): POMC provides: ongoing emotional support; support in dealing with the criminal justice system; assistance to any survivor and will, if possible, link that survivor with others in the same vicinity who have survived their loved one's murder; individual assistance, support and advocacy; training to professionals in such fields as law enforcement, mental health, social work, community services, law, criminal justice, medicine, education, religion, the media and mortuary science, who are interested in learning more about survivors of homicide victims and the aftermath of murder.
US Office for Victims of Crime Directory of Crime Victim Services: The OVC's new online Directory of Crime Victim Services at http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/findvictimservices designed to help victim service providers and individuals locate assistance quickly and easily. Find crime victim services in your state, across the country, or around the globe. Add your victim-focused program today!
Witness Justice: Witness Justice is a national nonprofit organization committed to directly serving survivors of violent crime in the U.S. Their goal is to provide trauma victims and their loved ones, provide information and support to promote healing, and to establish a sense of personal justice.
Alaska
Alaska Department of Law Victim-Witness Assistance Program: A simple site, with links leading to several brochures of interest to victims.
Alabama
Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission: Information on what victim compensation is and how to file for it.
Montgomery County District Attorney's Victim Services: This office has posted contact and victim rights information on this page. Links on site lead to information on restitution, domestic violence and other specialized functions.
United States Attorney - Middle District - Victim/Witness
United States Attorney - Northern District - Victim/Witness: Extensive information for victims on their rights, programs/services, compensation, testifying in court and other invaluable resources.
Alaska
Alaska Violent Crime Compensation Board Crime Victim Information
Arizona
Arizona Attorney General Victim Services: A summation of Arizona victim rights and service information, including many online brochures, is provided.
Arizona Crime Victims: Maintained by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, this site contains links to information on compensation and restitution, the criminal justice system, victim rights and a directory of victim services within this state.
Arizona Voice for Crime Victims: The mission of Arizona Voice for Crime Victims is to ensure that crime victims receive their rights to justice, due process and dignified treatment throughout the criminal justice process.
Maricopa County Attorneys Office Victim Services
State of Arizona Crime Victim Services: The mission of the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Crime Victim Services Unit is to effectively administer Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Assistance funds by ensuring appropriate and accessible services are available to crime victims, enhancing the delivery of those services through technical assistance, training opportunities, and promoting a continuum of care for every victim in every community.
Arkansas
Arkansas Crime Information Center Victim Information: ACIC is the state agency responsible for providing information technology services to law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies in Arkansas. The principal role of ACIC is the administration of a comprehensive data system that is accessible by criminal justice agencies in over 250 locations in Arkansas. This state system is interfaced with the FBI National Crime Information Center, as well as similar systems in the other 49 states. ACIC also collects and publishes statistics on crime, manages the crime victim notification system, and the state sex offender registry.
United States Attorney - Eastern District - Victim/Witness Program
California
California Attorney General Office of Crime Victim Services: Extensive resources for victims of crime in this state, including legal, advocacy, support and referral services.
Los Angeles County DA's Victim-Witness Assistance Program: A large and very complete site, it including contact information and service locations, descriptions program services, on-line pamphlets, upcoming events, and a description of victim rights in California.
Merced County District Attorney's Victim Witness Assistance: Though this page itself supplies only background and contact information, links on the DA's web site lead to resources on just about anything a victim would need to know.
Monterey County Victim-Witness Assistance Program: Just about everything a victim or witness needs in the way of background and support information for this region. The site also includes a link directory to national programs.
Santa Clara County Victim Witness Assistance
Santa Cruz County Probation Department Victim Service Department
Tulare County District Attorney Victim Witness Assistance Bureau
United States Attorney - Central District - Victim/Witness
United States Attorney - Eastern District - Victim/Witness
United States Attorney - Northern District - Victim/Witness
United States Attorney - Southern District - Victim/Witness
Ventura County District Attorney's Victim Services
Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board: The Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) pays unreimbursed expenses that result when a violent crime occurs. Victims of crime who have been injured or have been threatened with injury may be eligible for help from CalVCP. CalVCP may assist with the cost of medical and dental treatment, mental health services, funeral and burial expenses, home security, residential crime scene cleanup and emergency relocation. If a person is disabled as a result of the crime, CalVCP also assists with wage loss, dependent support loss, job retraining and home or vehicle modifications. CalVCP can help pay moving expenses – such as first and last month's rent, deposits and temporary lodging – if a victim needs to relocate for their own safety or emotional well-being.
Victims of Crime Resource Center: The Victims of Crime Resource Center has operated the State of California's toll-free 1-800-VICTIMS line since 1984. McGeorge students, under attorney supervision, provide information and referral statewide to victims, their families, victim service providers, and victim advocates.
Colorado
Boulder County District Attorney's Victim/Witness Assistance Program: Basic program and contact information is made available, along with links to crime victim compensation info.
Colorado Crime Victim Compensation Program: Information on this program and how to file for compensation.
United States Attorney - Victim/Witness: Links to extensive information of use to victims.
Voice of Victims: VoV works to prevent the re-victimization of people that are victims of violent crimes in the State of Colorado. Their mission is to provide post-sentencing support to all victims of violent crime, be a victim advocate, ensure the Colorado Victims Bill of Rights is duly administered, provide financial support where necessary, appropriate, and possible to victims
Connecticut
Connecticut Department of Corrections Victim Services
Judicial Branch Crime Victim Services: A detailed series of questions asked by many victims, and the answers they need. Included is a description of state victim rights, contact info for a variety of services, as well as information on victim compensation.
Office of the Victim Advocate: An excellent site for residents of this state, the OVA supplies state-wide victim assistance to crime victims and their families through: financial compensation for the personal injuries arising from the crime; advocacy; informational services; and referrals. Information on victim rights, compensation, related social services and links to sites of interest to victims are all provided.
United States Attorney - Victim/Witness
Delaware
Delaware Attorney General's Victim's Guide: A well-explained overview on court procedure, victim's rights and compensation. Included are "witness checklists" and similar organizational tools, as well a links to sites of interest both on the AG's web site and on the Internet.
Department of Corrections Victim Services
United States Attorney - Victim/Witness
District of Columbia
United States Attorney - Victim/Witness
Florida
Collier County Sheriff's Victim Assistance Bureau
Florida Attorney General's Crime Victim Services: Extensive information for crime victims in this state.
Florida Crime Victim Services : A department of the Office of the Attorney General, this site offers a description of services, contact information and a listing of victim's rights in Florida.
Florida Department of Corrections Victim Services: This site contains detailed background and contact information, along with a basic description of services and a FAQ file.
Florida Network of Victim/Witness Services
Palm Beach County Victim Services
United States Attorney - Northern District - Victim/Witness
United States Attorney - Middle District - Victim/Witness
United States Attorney - Southern District - Victim/Witness
Georgia
Columbia County Sheriff's Victim Assistance Program: Short descriptions of program, service and contact information are provided, as are descriptions of victims rights, crime victim compensation and court process. Telephone numbers of various victim service organizations are also made available.
Coweta Judicial Circuit Victim Assistance Program: A short, nicely written page on victim rights and program services for victims living in this region.
Effingham County Victim/Witness Program
Georgia Board of Pardons and Parole Victim Services : Their site provides information on the victim's place in the pardon/parole process, tells what the rights of the victim are and how to make fullest use of them, including victim impact statements. A short link directory includes Georgia programs and links to national and international sites.
Georgia Department of Corrections Victim Services: Detailed contact and service information.
United States Attorney - Middle District - Victim/Witness
United States Attorney - Northern District - Victim/Witness
United States Attorney - Southern District - Victim/Witness
Hawaii
First Judicial Circuit Adult Client Victim Services: Information on victim rights, available assistance, victim impact statements, sentencing, restitution, and compensation. A telephone listing of regional offices is also available.
Hawaii Crime Victim Compensation Commission: The mission of the Crime Victim Compensation Commission is to provide crime victims the services due to them under Hawaii law. In doing so, the Commission seeks to treat every victim and survivor with dignity and respect, acknowledging the tremendous impact that violent crime has upon society.
Hawaii State Judiciary Adult Client Victim Services
United States Attorney - Victim/Witness
Idaho
Ada County Sheriff's Victim-Witness Unit: A basic service description, but includes an extensive telephone directory of local victim services.
Bingham County Prosecuting Attorney's Victim Services: Information on the service's programs and background, along with explanations of victims rights and crime victim compensation. Links to local and national victim services are also provided.
Idaho Council on Domestic Violence and Victim Assistance: A nicely organized general reference for victim assistance specialists and victims of crime to resources in this state.
Idaho Crime Victims Compensation Program: Complete information for filing for crime victim compensation in this state, from the Idaho Industrial Commission, which is the organization tasked with administering victim compensation.
Illinois
Attorney General's Crime Victim Services: This page deals mostly with a variety of crime victim compensation programs. Information on the state's crime victim services is available, with only basic contact information being provided.
Center for Victim and Human Rights: CVHR is a nonprofit organization which provides legal services to victims of crime (domestic or international) and human rights abuses, and conducts policy research and development with regard to victims’ rights.
Department of Corrections Victim Services: provide information, assistance and support to victims of crime whose victimizers are remanded to the custody or control of IDOC, and to employees who are victims of workplace violence. Basic contact information is provided.
Indiana
Clark County Prosecutor's Victim/Witness Service: A wealth of information for victims and witnesses on the court system in this area, with links to many sites or sources of information and support.
Indiana Attorney General Victim Assistance Division: Program and contact information for victims in this state.
United States Attorney - Northern District - Victim/Witness
Iowa
Iowa's Attorney General's Crime Victim Assistance Division: This division operates a variety of financial programs, including crime victim compensation, sexual assault examination and victim assistance program grants.
Iowa Crime Victim Assistance Division Victim Services Grant Program: The Victim Services Grant Program provides partial funding and technical assistance to community-based and statewide programs throughout Iowa. The Program funds justice systems and victim service programs. Funded victim service programs provide free and confidential services to persons who are victims of crime.
Iowa Department of Corrections Victim Services: This page explains their programs and services, including: restitution, notification and victim impact statements. Contact information is available through their navigation sidebar.
United States Attorney - Northern District - Victim-Witness
Kansas
Kansas Attorney General's Helping Victims of Crime : A set of links leading to detailed information of great use to this state's victims of crime.
Kansas Department of Corrections Victim Services
Kentucky
Kentucky's Victim AG Victim Advocacy Division: A complete list of victim advocates - circuit court, state, police and public - is available from this page, as well as an online guide to victim's information, rights and compensation.
United States Attorney - Eastern District - Victim/Witness
Louisiana
5th Judicial District Attorney's Victim Assistance Program
18th Judicial District Attorney's Victim Assistance Program
21st Judicial District Attorney's Victim Assistance Program: A basic page, giving detailed descriptions of victim services and rights. An interesting feature is the ability of the user to download a "flowchart" of the criminal justice process at the click of the mouse.
United States Attorney - Eastern District - Victim/Witness
United States Attorney - Middle District- Victim/Witness
Maine
Maine Attorney General's Crime and Victims Site: Detailed information on a variety of topics of interest to victims of specific kinds of crime, plus how to file for compensation, and links leading to support organizations.
Maine Department of Corrections Victim Services: A simple but informative site with information of interest to a variety of victims. The page also contains basic contact information.
Maryland
Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services - Criminal Injuries Compensation Board: Basic information on CIC, including downloadable forms to print out and then fax/mail in.
Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services - Office of Victim Services: This site gives assistance finding information on a parole or probation case, handles victim notification, community referrals, and serves single point of contact for victim-related issues in this state.
Maryland Attorney General's Victim's Services in the Criminal Justice Process: A short listing of victim advocacy services in this state.
Maryland Crime Victim Resource Center: Their mission is to insure that victims of violent crime in Maryland receive justice and that these victims are treated with dignity and compassion through comprehensive victims' rights and services. Their website includes descriptions of support services programs, including: counselling, support groups and court accompaniment, victim rights and legal issues, legislation, news and events.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Attorney General Victim Services: Information for victims, witnesses and victim assistance specialists, including contact information for victim service programs throughout this state.
Massachusetts Crime Victims and Witnesses Rights: A quick summary of crime victim rights in this state.
Massachusetts Department of Corrections Victim Service Unit: Background, service and contact information, along with simple descriptions of court process, victim rights and a links to other victim service sites.
Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance: This office offers victims of crime detailed information on victim rights, news on policy and legislation, public education on victim issues, safety plans for victims of domestic violence and links to other sites of interest.
Norfolk District Attorney's Victim/Witness Information
Suffolk County District Attorney's Victim/Witness Assistance Program
United States Attorney - Victim/Witness
Michigan
Kalamazoo Victim Witness Assistance: Here you'll find a listing of basic services, descriptions of victim rights, information on testifying, as well as info on crime victim compensation.
Michigan Department of Corrections Victim Resources: An excellent site, full of information and background materials of use to crime victims in this state.
Prosecuting Attorneys Coordinating Council Crime Victim Rights: Victim and statute information on crime victim rights and court programs in Michigan.
United States Attorney - Western District - Victim/Witness
Minnesota
Council on Crime and Justice Crime Victim Services: The Council on Crime and Justice is an independent, non-profit organization integrating research, demonstration projects and advocacy to bring just solutions to the causes and consequences of crime.
Dakota County Attorney's Victim/Witness Program: Background information on this program, along with detailed information for victims and witnesses.
Department of Corrections Victim Services
Minnesota Crime Victim Services: A section of the state Department of Public Safety, the Center is designed to serve as a state-wide advocate for crime victims. They provide advocate training, information and research resources and information on crime victim reparations.
Office of Justice Programs Help for Crime Victims: A wide variety of information for victims of crime in this state.
9th Circuit Court District Attorney's Victim Assistance
Mississippi Department of Corrections Division of Victim Services
Douglas County Victim Services
Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney's Victim Services: An extensive site which provides program and service information, how to get in touch with them, victim rights and responsibilities, court process and more.
Missouri Victim Assistance Network: MoVA is a network of individuals and organizations from across the State of Missouri who have come together to work towards creating a community responsive to crime victims. Their site contains an events bulletin-board, a listing of dozens of MoVA member organizations, criminal justice resources, victim compensation information, topical link directories and Missouri 1-800 number for crime victims and survivors.
St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Victim Services: Background and contact information, including a listing of victim's rights and an explanation of victim compensation and victim impact statements.
St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Victim Services: Background, service and contact information is provided, as well as a simple explanation of victim rights in this state and a short telephone directory of victim and domestic violence services.
United States Attorney - Eastern District - Victim/Witness
United States Attorney - Western District- Victim/Witness
Montana
Gallatin County Victim Services Center: Program and service information is presented, along with helpful telephone and link directories to local, regional and national victim support and services.
Montana Board of Pardons and Paroles Victim Information: Information on victim rights and responsibilities for those who wish to take part in parole hearings.
Montana Department of Corrections Victim Information: Basic program and contact information is provided, along with an FAQ of the most common questions.
Montana Department of Justice Victim Services: The Office of Victim Services seeks to elevate the status of victims and their rights; serves as a central reference point for victims of crime, and offers information and referrals; and provides training and information for those who work with victims, including law enforcement, victim advocates, probation and parole workers and local community organizations. Information on the state crime victim compensation program is also provided.
Montana Office of the Attorney General's Office of Victim Services: Extensive information on victim's rights, court process, crime victim reparations and much more.
Nebraska
Crime Victim Reparation Services - Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice: Background and filing information for crime victims in this state.
Department of Corrections Victim Assistance Program: This program is dedicated to providing support and information to those victimized by incarcerated or paroled offenders and to their family members. The Mission of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Victim Assistance Program is to provide advocacy and assistance to crime victims and allow an avenue for victims to participate in Departmental activities.
Kearney/Buffalo County Victim/Witness Assistance Unit
United States Attorney - Victim/Witness
Nevada
Nevada Victim of Crimes Compensation Program
United States Attorney - Victim-Witness
New Hampshire
Department of Justice Address Confidentiality Program: A program which allows victims of stalking and domestic violence to move and keep their new address confidential.
New Hampshire Department of Corrections Victim Services: Their site offers background, contact and service information, useful information for victims and a short listing of links of interest.
New Hampshire Department of Justice Victims' Assistance Commission: This state service administers the crime victim compensation program. Background information on how to file and obtain compensation is provided; a downloadable application form (in Adobe Acrobat format) is also provided.
New Hampshire State Office of Victim/Witness Assistance: This page contains useful background information for victims of crime in this state, contact information for this program and links to other services.
New Jersey
Mercer County Prosecutor's Office of Victim/Witness Advocacy: Their site provides details background information on this office, plus telephone contact numbers and a link to crime victim compensation information.
Monmouth County Prosecutor's Victim Witness Unit: This site includes court process information, contact and service data and local resources.
New Jersey Crime Victim/Witness Assistance: An excellent resource, with detailed information on victim rights and obligations, court process, telephone directories of services, as well as links to grant and funding information and other victim assistance organizations.
New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation Agency: Complete information on crime victim compensation for this state, including online forms and files.
United States Attorney - Victim/Witness
New Mexico
Attorney General Victim Services
New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission: Information on how to file for victim compensation, as well as for funding for crime victim assistance organizations.
New York
New York State AG's Crime Victims Page: This page contains a number of information sources, articles and links of interest to crime victims.
New York State Crime Victims' Board: This site supplies detailed information on crime victim compensation and a complete directory of telephone numbers and street addresses for New York victims services, county by county.
United States Attorney - Eastern District - Victim/Witness
United States Attorney - Southern District - Victim/Witness
United States Attorney - Western District - Victim/Witness
North Carolina
North Carolina Department of Corrections Services for Victims of Crime: A well designed and easy to navigate site, users can find just about anything they need to know on services for victims and witnesses. Included are links to local and national on-and-offline resources and a "Victim Services Web Searcher". Highly recommended.
North Carolina Division of Victim Compensation Services: Information on victims' compensation for this state.
North Carolina Victim Assistance Network: NC-VAN promotes the rights and needs of crime victims by educating North Carolina's citizens and public policy leaders about the devastating impact that crime has on our society. Serving our members as a statewide network, they provide information on over 1,500 victims service and criminal justice agencies, victim assistance programs, advocacy groups, training and certification resources and much more.
United States Attorney - Eastern District - Victim/Witness
North Dakota
United States Attorney - Victim/Witness
Ohio
Carroll County Prosecutor's Victim Assistance Program
Chillicothe Municipal Court Victim/Witness Assistance Program: Service information, along with basic crisis trauma reactions and victims' rights descriptions.
Department of Youth Services Victim Services: This programs supports victims of juvenile crime for this state. Their site provides contact and program information, as well as a basic FAQ.
Ohio Attorney General's Victim Services and Assistance: Valuable information for victims on the criminal justice system, victim compensation, victim services and assistance and much more available in this state.
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections Victim Services: Contains detailed background, program and contact information.
Summit County Prosecutor Victim Services
United States Attorney - Northern District - Victim/Witness
United States Attorney - Southern District - Victim/Witness
Oklahoma
2nd District District Attorney's Victim Services
Attorney General Victim Services Unit
Department of Corrections Victim Services: Basic contact and service information will be found here, along with a number of links of interest to victims and survivors.
United States Attorney - Eastern District - Victim/Witness
United States Attorney - Northern District - Victim/Witness
Oregon
Benton County Victim Assistance Program: A short explanation of victim rights is presented, along with links to the state crime victim compensation fund site and contact information.
Lane County Victim Services: Provided by the Lane County District Attorney's office, this page presents a simple description of their services, plus detailed contact information.
Multnomah County Community Justice Victim Services: Here you'll find background and contact information, plus detailed information on compensation, stalking laws, restitution, restraining orders in this state and much more.
Oregon Attorney-General's Crime Victim Rights: A large listing of links, resources, information and advocacy services for victims of crime in Oregon.
United States Attorney - Victim/Witness
Pennsylvania
Center for Victims of Violence Crime: An excellent site, providing information on their many service programs for victims in Allegheny County.
Department of Corrections Office of the Victim Advocate: This office seeks to ensure the victims of crime are properly served throughout and after the trial.
Philadelphia District Attorney's Victim/Witness Services: The mission of the Victim/Witness Services Unit of the District Attorney's Office is to advocate for victims and witnesses of crime and be of direct assistance to victims and witnesses from the time of arrest through the disposition of the case and after as needed. Links on their site lead to information on available programs, victim rights and responsibilities, compensation, hate crimes, elder justice and much more.
Sullivan County Victim Services
Victim Services Center of Montgomery County: The VSC provides free and confidential comprehensive support services to crime victims, and their families and significant others; prevention education/outreach programs, and training to the professionals who work with the victims of these crimes. Services are provided free of charge to all those who request assistance. Their site includes information on advocacy, counselling and support groups, outreach and training, plus special projects.
United States Attorney - Eastern District - Victim/Witness
United States Attorney - Western District - Victim/Witness
Puerto Rico
Dept of Justice Division of Victim and Witness Assistance (in Spanish): A description of services and links to information and support services.
Office of Crime Victim Compensation (in Spanish): Information on compensation services, and applications to apply for the same.
Attorney General's Victim Witness Assistance
Rhode Island Justice Commission Victims of Crime: This page includes information on VOCA grants, but it's main area of interest is a comprehensive listing of victim assistance services in this state.
South Carolina
SCVAN (South Carolina Victim Assistance Network) : A state-wide agency which advocates on behalf of victims and witnesses of crime and acts as a communication/education/research network. It also facilitates quality training, education and the coordination of policy development. Many links and resources of interest are available.
South Carolina Crime Victims' Ombudsman: The Crime Victims' Ombudsman provides three main services: refers crime victims to appropriate agencies, provides liaison services, and reviews and attempts to resolve complaints against elements of the criminal and juvenile justice systems or victim assistance programs. The Crime Victims' Ombudsman is an impartial third party representative who attempts to resolve complaints
South Carolina Department of Corrections Division of Victim Services: This page gives simple background and contact information, with links leading to information on court process.
South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services Office of Victim Services: The goal of OVS to keep victims informed and involved in the probation/parole process. Victims are notified of parole/pardon hearings and are welcome to attend parole/pardon hearings to personally state their testimony to the Parole and Pardon Board. Victims may also submit their opposition to parole in writing (letters and/or petitions), or call OVS to state their opposition. Recently a law was passed by the state legislature that allows some victims or members of the solicitor's office to submit their opposition via videotape. Contact information for the OVS is provided.
South Carolina State Office of Victim Assistance: Formally the Crime Victim Compensation program, the mission of this restructured Office is to oversee crime victim compensation requests and to: Restore justice to eligible crime victims who are in need of advocacy and financial assistance; Work closely with victim service agencies and providers across the state, to render advocacy, support, programs, services information, referrals, training and technical assistance; Practice a statewide coordinated community and victim centered approach to proactively end violent crimes and assist individuals who are in need, as a result of their victimization.
United States Attorney - Victim/Witness
South Dakota
Brown County Crime Victim's Assistance
Tennessee
Collerville Police Department Victim & Witness Program: Basic contact and service information, along with a short glossary of court terminology.
East Tennessee's Victim's Rights Task Force : This page gives good background and contact information on the Task Force, an explanation of what a victim might experience, details on obtaining victim compensation, and a complete telephone listing of Tennessee's Victim-Witness Coordinators.
United States Attorney - Western District - Victim/Witness
Texas
Attorney General's Crime Victim Services: A detailed explanation of Texas' crime victim compensation, who can apply, what information is needed, how the process works and what awards could be expected. Applications can be submitted online; a number of other links lead to information or sites of interest.
Bexar County District Attorney's Victim Assistance: Detailed program and services information is presented, along with a graphic representation of court process. A short list of links of interested is also available.
Department of Criminal Justice Victim Services Division: An all-encompassing site, containing extensive information on victim rights, contact info on state/regional/local victim services, background and court information.
Department of Public Safety Victim Services
Texas Crime Victim Clearinghouse: The Clearinghouse serves as a central source of information about services and issues involving crime victims in Texas. It helps connect victims with community and state resources throughout the state.
Williamson County Victim Services: This site includes contact and service information, a detailed listing of victim rights in Texas and data on crime victim compensation. A short telephone directory of emergency services is also included.
United States Attorney - Eastern District - Victim/Witness
United States Attorney - Northern District - Victim/Witness
United States Attorney - Southern District - Victim/Witness
United States Attorney - Western District - Victim/Witness
Utah
Utah Crime Victims Legal Clinic: The Utah Crime Victims Legal Clinic (UCVLC) provides free legal representation to crime victims when victims' rights issues are at stake. The Legal Clinic is available to serve victims of all types of crime and has a statewide focus. UCVLC has three goals: 1) to provide free legal services to crime victims in criminal district, justice, juvenile and appellate courts 2) to recruit and train a roster of pro bono attorneys and law students to provide legal services to victims 3) to provide education to criminal justice professionals on victims' rights
Utah Office of Crime Victim Reparations: Information and brochures on Utah's crime victim reparation services.
Vermont
Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services: A listing of state resources and a network of contacts for victims of crime, those interested in volunteering or wishing to find out more about crime victim services in this state. Excellent resources.
Vermont Department of Corrections Crime Victim Services: Detailed information on programs and services in this state, crime victim compensation, explanations of victim rights and court process, online forms for victim notification and more
Virginia
Department of Criminal Justice Services Victim Services Section: The Section develops, coordinates and funds victim/witness programs, sexual assault crisis centers, rural domestic violence and child victimization programs. Information on grants, events, online publications and links of interest are also included.
Loudoun County Commonwealth Attorney's Victim Witness Program: Links from their homepage lead to detailed information of all kinds, including data on victims rights, contact and service descriptions, victim impact statements, crime victim compensation and maps of the area.
Newport News Victim Witness Program: An excellent site, with good background information and a number of online or downloadable brochures sure to be of interest to victims in this area.
Virginia Attorney General's Victim Notification Program: The Office of the Attorney General Victim Notification Program ensures Virginia's victims their right to be notified of any appeal or habeas corpus proceeding involving the case or cases in which such person was a victim
Virginia Department of Corrections Victim Services
Virginia Network for Victims and Witnesses of Crime, Inc: The Virginia Network for Victims and Witnesses of Crime (VNVWC) works to ensure the rights of victims and witnesses of crime through: Diagnosing, assessing and advocating needs; Promoting policies and legislation; Producing professional development and encouraging collaboration;* Fostering accountability through the criminal justice system.
York County Commonwealth Attorney's Office Victim Witness Assistance Program: Extensive information on and for victims of crime in this region, including history, agency background, and access to a variety of online services and information, including online forms and assistance.
United States Attorney - Eastern District - Victim/Witness
Washington
King County Victim Assistance Unit: A very informative site, explaining just about everything to do with their program and office, how both operate, what a victim can expect and a variety of links to sites of interest for various victims/survivors.
San Juan County Prosecuting Attorney's Victim Services
Thurston County Prosecutor's Victim Assistance: Contact and service information is posted here, along with a short telephone directory of regional services.
United States Attorney - Western District - Victim/Witness
Washington State Department of Corrections Victim Services Program: Useful information for victims of crime, including safety suggestions, criminal justice process information, contact and program descriptions and much more.
Washington Crime Victim Compensation: Managed by the state Department of Labor and Industries, this site provides basic information for crime victims on compensation practices in this state, as well as providing access to forms and contact info.
Violent Crime Victim Services: Violent Crime Victim Services seeks to provide resources and support services to victims/survivors of homicide.
Victim Witness Assistance Program: Extensive information on victim and witness services, programs, community education, crime victim compensation and much more.
Wisconsin
Office of Crime Victim Services: A well designed and organized site - authored by Steve Derene - it contains information and directories on victim and victim-witness services in Wisconsin, listings of Wisconsin victim rights laws and many links of interest. Of interest is the online handbook: Crime Victim Compensation: A Handbook for those Assisting Innocent Victims of Crime.
Wisconsin Department of Corrections Victim Services: Detailed background, program and service information, including links of interest.
United States Attorney - Eastern District - Victim/Witness
Wyoming
