» Criminal Victim Resources

Criminal Victim Resources

Posted by Sandra On March - 27 - 2015

Criminal Victim Resources

Crime victims often are asked to testify in court or make a statement under oath in order to help prosecutors convict the perpetrator, and occasionally may receive restitution. Additionally, victims may claim monetary damages in civil court. But crime victims may also require assistance outside of the justice system, such as counseling; shelter; and other such needs. The following is a list of crime victim resources, including non-profit organizations and government agencies.

CrimeVictims.gov – Portal maintained by the U.S. Department of Justice to help crime victims, including a directory of local assistance resources and summaries of victims’ rights.
Directory of Crime Victim Resources – National directory of services and other resources for victims of crime; may be searched by location, type of victimization, service needed, and agency type (Office for Victims of Crime, DOJ).
Justice in Indian Country – Information and resources pertaining to Native American tribal law, tribal justice systems, and related matters (National Criminal Justice Reference Service).
RAINN – The Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network advocates on behalf of sexual crime victims and maintains the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-66-HOPE).
National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women – Provides legal references to victims of domestic violence who are facing criminal charges.
ChildHelp – Involved in advocacy and education with the goal of preventing child abuse and neglect; ChildHelp also maintains the National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD).
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children – Works toward reuniting missing and exploited children with their parents and loved ones; provides many different kinds of services and educational resources.
National Crime Victim Law Institute – Provides resources to help crime victims learn about their rights and their access to certain types of assistance (Lewis & Clark Law School).
National Domestic Violence Hotline – Connects domestic violence victims with advocates and counselors 24/7 in a confidential setting (1-800-799-SAFE).
National Human Trafficking Resource Center – Provides educational materials and advocacy to combat human trafficking; maintains the Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-3737-888).
National Organization for Victim Assistance – Provides general crime victim advocacy; maintains a state-specific list of advocacy resources.
U.S. Resource Map of Crime Victim Services & Information – Interactive U.S. map provides links to state-specific resources for crime victims (Office for Victims of Crime, DOJ).
Victim Notification System – The DOJ and most state jurisdictions have laws giving crime victims the right to be notified about the status of their perpetrator’s criminal case (Office for Victims of Crime, DOJ)
Online Directory of Crime Victim Services—Database that can be searched locally, nationally, and internationally for public, private, nonprofit, and community agencies that provide assistance and services in the victim’s local area.Help for Crime Victims—Provides information on how to contact victim assistance and compensation programs in your state, as well as links to resources, organizations, and publications.Victim Assistance and Compensation Programs—Interactive map that connects you to crime victim services and compensation programs that help reimburse victims for out-of-pocket costs through their state’s Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) administrative office, which is funded by the Office for Victims of Crime.Resources for International Victims—Links to international centers, publications, and Web sites related to crime victim issues.Helplines: Toll-Free Telephone Numbers—Hotlines and 1-800 numbers for national victim serving organizations, clearinghouses, and referral organizations.
- Victim Rights Law Center – For victims of rape and sexual assault seeking civil legal services
- Immigration Legal Services – For help finding an immigration lawyer
- National Crime Victim Law Institute – Works to ensure that victims of crime are informed of their rights and can find resources to enforce their rights

Resources


General
Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services	Information on domestic violence and sexual assault for the Deaf community. Downloadable brochures for Deaf children and adults on keeping safe and dealing with violence.
Administration for Children and Families, Trafficking Information	Information about human trafficking, including services available to victims in English, Polish, Spanish, and Russian.
Boat People SOS, Victims of Exploitation and Trafficking Assistance (VETA)	Information on the services offered by the Victims of Exploitation and Trafficking Assistance (VETA) program, including legal representation and case management. Trafficking Information and Referral Hotline number.
Break the Cycle	Information on dating violence and how to get help, including Break the Cycle’s program offering legal representation to teen victims.
Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice	Crime and victims statistics, including results from the National Crime Victimization Survey.
Child Welfare Information Gateway	Information on prevalence and impact of child maltreatment. Includes state laws relating to child abuse and neglect, child welfare, and adoption. Frequently asked questions.
Childhelp	Information on child abuse, including types of child abuse and signs of abuse. Downloadable brochures and posters. Information for children who are being abused, including how to get help.
Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking	Information on trafficking, including the services the Coalition offers to victims such as representation in removal proceedings and securing release from detention.
Cyber Angels	Resources for parents, educators, youth, and children about operating safely in cyberspace. Information for victims on cybercrime, including identity theft and online stalking. Downloadable brochures and online classes.
Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Site	Information on preventing, detecting and responding to identity theft. Downloadable brochures and online identity theft quiz.
Federal Victim Rights’ Ombudsman	Provides victims in federal cases with information on how to file a complaint against an employee of the Department of Justice (includes any attorney, investigator, or law enforcement officer within the Department) if they feel their rights have been violated. Information about federal victims’ rights. Downloadable complaint forms.
Gift from Within	Information on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), including articles and video reviews. Q & A with PTSD expert. List of international trauma support groups.
Identity Theft Resource Center	Resources for victims of identity theft, including a “Victim Guide 101.” Information on how to get connected with a local support advocate.
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)	Online mechanism for victims to report Internet crime. IC3 refers complaints to appropriate law enforcement agencies. Frequently asked questions and crime prevention tips.
It Happened to Alexa	Information for survivors of sexual assault and their support persons. Frequently asked questions. Foundation offers financial assistance to support persons to defray costs of transportation and housing, so the victim’s support person can attend criminal justice system proceedings.
List of Toll Free Helpline Numbers, Office of Justice Programs	List of toll-free helpline numbers for victims from the Office of Justice Programs, United States Department of Justice.
Love Is Not Abuse	Information on relationship violence. Downloadable handbooks for parents, women, girls and boys. Materials available in Spanish. Information on the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving	Information on the criminal justice system, victims’ rights, and victim compensation. Online chats and message boards for victim support. Search for local assistance by zip code or state. Contact information for MADD’s victim assistance program.
National Center for State Courts, Tribal Courts Information	Information about tribal courts, tribal court jurisdiction, the Major Crimes Act, judge selection for tribal courts, and tribal code construction. Online directory with links to tribal courts and tribal justice systems.
National Center for Victims of Crime	Downloadable “GetHelp” bulletins on all types of crime and victimization, victims’ rights, compensation, and civil justice, among many others. Toll-free helpline and email address for victims to receive information and referrals to services. Special information for teen victims of crime.
National Center on Elder Abuse	Information on elder abuse. Frequently asked questions. List of elder abuse laws. Clickable map of resources across the country.
National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life	Online directory of services for victims of domestic abuse in later life and their advocates. Downloadable fact sheets. Frequently asked questions.
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence	Information for victims on safety planning, violence at the workplace, internet safety, and identity theft.
National Crime Victim Bar Association	Information on civil remedies for victims of crime, including how to select an attorney. Downloadable brochure about civil justice for victims. Toll-free number to obtain attorney referrals.
National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI)	NCVLI assists attorneys who provide direct legal services to victims. Establishes legal clinics to represent crime victims in criminal courts. Files amicus briefs in trial and appellate courts on the rights of victims. Provides information, resources, and trainings on victims’ rights to ensure these rights are enforced in courts.
National Criminal Justice Reference Service	Information on all types of crime and victimization. Downloadable publications for victims.
National Domestic Violence Hotline	Information on the services the Hotline offers. Resources for victims about abuse, safety planning, and Internet safety. Information for immigrants, teens, family members, and other support persons.
National Latino Alliance for the Elimination of Domestic Violence	National resource directory of domestic violence programs offering services in Spanish.
National Organization for Victim Assistance	Information on victimization, trauma, and how to find help. Specific information on crime victims with disabilities, elderly victims, and domestic violence. Criminal justice system glossary. Links to national and state victim resources.
National Sexual Violence Resource Center	Articles and other materials about sexual violence. Links to other victim resources.
National Stalking Resource Center	Resources for stalking victims, including materials on safety planning, what to do if you are being stalked, and address confidentiality programs. Downloadable incident and behavior log. Stalking laws and court cases.
Office for Victims of Crime, United States Department of Justice	Online directory of victim services. Links to other resources and victim assistance programs by crime. Resources for international victims, victims of mass terrorism, and trafficking. Frequently asked questions.
Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, Unites States Department of State	Information on human trafficking, including slave labor and sexual servitude. Materials on identifying and helping trafficking victims.
Online Directory of Crime Victim Services, Office for Victims of Crime	Searchable database of non-emergency crime victim services in the United States and abroad. Search by location, type of victimization, service needed and agency type.
Parents of Murdered Children	Resources for families and other survivors of homicide victims. Information on grief, criminal justice system terminology, victim impact statements, and victim notification. Online support forums for victims.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Alliance	Information on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. Downloadable brochures.
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse	Resources for victims of identity theft. Some fact sheets available in Spanish.
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network	Online searchable directory of rape crisis centers. Statistics and other information on sexual assault, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and incest.
Safe Horizon	Information on all types of victimization and the services offered by Safe Horizon.
Security on Campus, Inc.	Information about the federal campus sexual assault victims bill of rights and other federal laws relating to campus sexual assault. What to do if you have been a victim of a sexual assault on campus. Links to other victim resources.
Social Security Administration Identity Theft Site	Information about what to do if you are a victim of identity theft.
Stalking Behavior Web Site	Information on stalking, including how to recognize stalking, cyberstalking, safety planning, and types of stalkers.
Stalking Victims Sanctuary	Information about stalking, including recognizing stalking, cyberstalking, and safety planning. Online discussion boards for victim support.
The Anti-stalking Web Site	Resources for victims of stalking, including safety planning, protective orders, and stalker behavior.
The Compassionate Friends	Resources for parents, grandparents, and siblings of a child who has died. Brochures for parents, grandparents, teachers, funeral directors, and many others. Local TCF chapter clickable map.
Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE)	Provides searchable information on offenders in many states who are currently in custody. Allows victims to register to receive email notification about a change in an offender’s status.
Victims of Crime With Disabilities Resource Guide	Searchable database of materials on victims of crime with disabilities. Online discussion forum.
Voices in Action	Information for survivors of sexual trauma. Downloadable brochures, including a brochure for men. Information on how to pick a therapist.
WiredSafety	Information about online safety for parents, educators, librarians, law enforcement, and children and youth. Materials on cell phone safety. Online reporting mechanism for harassment, stalking via the Internet, and cyberbullying.
Womenslaw.org	State-by-state domestic violence legal information and resources. Includes information for immigrant victims and victims in the military. Resources for seeking protective orders, safety planning, and Internet safety. List of online chats and message boards for victim support.

Military		Go to Top
Department of Defense Victim and Witness Council	Information about the victim and witness assistance program. Contact information for Victim and Witness Assistance Points of Contact for each military branch. Online forms for victim notification and compensation. PowerPoint overview of the military justice system.
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (Department of Defense)	Information for victims on reporting options, the military’s confidentiality policy, and the investigative process. Frequently asked questions.
Staff Judge Advocate, U.S. Marine Corps	Fact sheets on the military justice system. Information on military jurisdiction, commander’s disciplinary options, trial procedures, and a review of clemency, parole, and pardons, among many other topics.
The Family Advocacy Homepage on Interpersonal Abuse	Information on domestic violence and the military response. How to recognize abuse. Downloadable directory of Family Advocacy Programs.

Alabama		Go to Top
Alabama Attorney General, Office of Victim Assistance	General information on victims’ rights, compensation, pardons and parole, victim notification, and more. Downloadable victim notification form. List of Alabama victim service officers by county. Victim assistance hotline number.
Alabama Board of Pardons and Parole	Information on victims’ rights in the pardons/parole process. List of scheduled parole hearings.
Alabama Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information. Downloadable victim compensation application form. Online form to check the status of a compensation claim. Information on victims’ rights, the trial process, and the corrections process. Frequently asked questions.

Alaska		Go to Top
Alaska Attorney General, Victim Witness Assistance Program	Information on victims’ rights and restitution collection. Links to other Alaskan victim services programs. Frequently asked questions. Includes a “Kids Go to Court” coloring book.
Alaska Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information. Downloadable application form. How to appeal a denial of compensation application.
Alaska Department of Corrections, Victim Service Unit	Information about victim notification and the Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) system. Downloadable notification form. Victim impact statements information and related forms. Links to other Alaskan and national vies. Toll-free number
Alaska Judicial Council	Downloadable handbook, in English or Spanish, with information on the criminal justice process, definitions of commonly used terms, victims’ rights, and safety planning. Directory of other Alaskan victim resources.
Alaska Office of Victims’ Rights	Information about victims’ rights and the victims’ rights enforcement process. How to file a complaint for violation of rights. Downloadable information sheet, “How a typical case is prosecuted in Alaska.”

American Samoa		Go to Top
American Samoa Crime Victim Compensation Program	Contact information for the American Samoa victim compensation program.

Arizona		Go to Top
Arizona Attorney General, Office of Victim Services	Information concerning duties of the office, including victims’ rights enforcement and victims’ rights training. Downloadable brochures on victims’ rights to leave work, restitution, and the criminal appeals process, among others. Contact information for other Arizona victim service programs.
Arizona Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information. Contact information for victim compensation programs by county. Downloadable compensation application.
Arizona Department of Corrections, Office of Victim Services	Online database to track inmates via the Internet. Information about post-conviction notification, orders of protection, restitution, and restorative justice. Frequently asked questions. Links to other state and national victim resources.
Arizona Supreme Court, Public Court Case Information	Searchable database provides information about court cases from 142 of 180 Arizona courts (list of courts posted on Web site). Email notification for changes to cases in Maricopa County.
Arizona Victims’ Rights Enforcement Officer	Information about Arizona’s Victims’ Rights Enforcement Officer which receives and investigates complaints of crime victims concerning denial of victim’s rights. Online complaint form.
Arizona Voice for Victims	Victims’ rights information and overview of the criminal justice system. Downloadable forms including Request for Notice of Conditions of Release and Motion To Allow Support Person for Victim During Trial Testimony. Contact information for other Arizona victim resources. Information on the Crime Victims’ Legal Assistance Project.

Arkansas		Go to Top
Arkansas Attorney General, Crime Victim Information	Victim compensation information. Downloadable application forms. Information about stalking, elder abuse, and missing children.
Arkansas Crime Information Center, Victim’s Information	Downloadable guide to the justice system in Arkansas. Clemency and parole information. Contact information for other Arkansas and national victim resources.
Arkansas Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information. Downloadable compensation claim form.
Arkansas Department of Corrections, Victim Notification Program	Information about the state’s Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) system, including how to register.

California		Go to Top
California Attorney General, Office of Victim Services	Overview of California’s Office of Victim Services. Information on victims’ rights. Downloadable form to request notification of criminal appeals. Frequently asked questions and informational brochures. Information about California and national victim resources.
California Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information. Downloadable victim compensation form. Spanish forms. Brochure on victim restitution. Directory of victim witness assistance programs across the state.
California Department of Corrections, Office of Victim and Survivor Services	Information about victims’ rights and the correctional system, parole board hearings, and cases in which the offender is a juvenile. Downloadable victim notification form. Restitution information. Links to additional resources.
California Victims of Crime Resource Center	Overview of the Center and toll-free line for resources and referrals for victims. Links to California and national victim resources.

Colorado		Go to Top
Colorado Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information. Downloadable compensation claim form.
Colorado Department of Corrections, Victim Services	Information on victim services available and victims’ rights generally. Online victim notification request form. Online victim impact form. Information on other Colorado resources. Frequently asked questions.
Colorado Department of Public Safety, Crime Victim Services Advisory Board	Information on Colorado’s Victims’ Rights Coordinating Committee which investigates victims’ rights violations complaints. Downloadable complaint form.
Colorado Department of Public Safety, Office for Victims Programs	Information on victims’ rights in English and Spanish. Victim compensation information and downloadable compensation claim form. Links to other Colorado and national victim resources.
Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance	Online directory of victim services in Colorado. Other information for victims and advocates.

Connecticut		Go to Top
Connecticut Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information. Downloadable compensation application in English and Spanish.
Connecticut Department of Corrections, Victim Services Unit	Downloadable request for victim notification. Victim Services contact information.
Connecticut Judicial Branch, Office of Victim Services	Victims’ rights information in English and Spanish. Victim compensation and restitution information. Frequently asked questions Downloadable notification registration form. List of court-based advocates across the state. Links to other Connecticut and national victim resources.
Connecticut Office of the Victim Advocate	Information on the duties of the office, including monitoring the treatment of victims in the criminal justice system and receiving and investigating crime victim complaints of mistreatment by state agency or other entity providing services to victims. Summary of victims’ rights. Contact information for other state and national victim resources.

Delaware		Go to Top
Delaware Attorney General, Victim Information	Information about the criminal justice process and victims’ rights. Telephone list for Delaware victim service agencies and related resources. Frequently asked questions.
Delaware Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information and contact numbers for staff of the program.
Delaware Department of Corrections, Victim Services Unit	Information on the services offered by the Unit. Frequently asked questions.
Delaware State Police, Victim Services Section	Information about the Victim Services Section of the Delaware State Police and its 24-hour hotline. Contact numbers for other Delaware victim service resources.

District of Columbia		Go to Top
District of Columbia Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information and downloadable application form.
District of Columbia Mayor’s Office, Office of Victim Services	Victim compensation and notification information. Frequently asked questions. List of D.C. and national victim resources.
District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department, Victim Assistance Unit	Information about victims’ rights and compensation. Links and numbers for other D.C. and national resources for victims.

Florida		Go to Top
Florida Attorney General, Division of Victim Services	Information on victims’ rights. Victim compensation information and downloadable compensation application. Clickable map directory of Florida victim services.
Florida Crime Victim Compensation Information	Downloadable victim compensation application form in English, Spanish and Creole. Brochure on victim compensation.
Florida Department of Corrections, Victim Assistance Office	Information for victims about what to expect after sentencing. Online victim notification request form. Online Inmate Information Search. Frequently asked questions. Additional Florida and national resources for victims.

Georgia		Go to Top
Georgia Attorney General, Crime Victim Information	Information on victim notification. Downloadable victim notification form.
Georgia Board of Pardons and Parole, Office of Victim Services	Information on victims’ rights in the parole process. Downloadable victim notification form and online change of address form. Online victim impact form. Other Georgia victim services links.
Georgia Crime Victim Assistance Helpline	The Helpline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, assists callers with finding resources as well as information about the Georgia Crime Victim Assistance Compensation Program.
Georgia Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information. Downloadable victim compensation application form.
Georgia Victim Services Directory	Downloadable Georgia victim services directory.

Guam		Go to Top
Guam Crime Victim Compensation Program	Contact information for Guam victim compensation program.
Guam Police Department, Victim Assistance Unit	Information on family violence and the duties of a peace officer. Phone numbers for local victim resources. Frequently asked questions.

Hawaii		Go to Top
Hawaii Crime Victim Compensation Program	Information about crime victim compensation. Downloadable compensation application form. Frequently asked questions. Phone numbers for numerous other Hawaii service providers.
Hawaii State Judiciary, First Judicial Circuit, Adult Client Services	Information on victims’ rights, including the right to restitution, notification, and compensation, and the right to give a victim impact statement. List of phone numbers for other Hawaii services for victims.
Hawaii United States Attorney, Victim Witness Assistance Program	Information on victims’ rights, submitting a Crime Victims’ Rights Act Complaint Form, victim notification, steps in a criminal prosecution, and preparing to testify. Links to Hawaiian and national victim resources.

Idaho		Go to Top
Idaho Attorney General, Manual on the Rights of Victims of Crime	Manual describes the rights of crime victims in the state of Idaho.
Idaho Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information. Downloadable compensation application form and instructions.
Idaho Department of Corrections, Victim Services	Information about the Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) system. Link to online registration for VINE.

Illinois		Go to Top
Illinois Attorney General, Crime Victim Services Division	Information on the services offered by the division. Downloadable brochure about registering for the state’s Automated Victim Notification System. Toll-free number to provide victims with referrals for service. Numerous downloadable brochures on topics such as compensation for funeral providers and hospitals, post-traumatic stress disorder, and victim impact statements.
Illinois Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information. Downloadable compensation application form.
Illinois Department of Corrections, Victims Services	Information on the services of the Victims Services Unit. Recent news relating to victim services in Illinois. Toll-free number.
Illinois Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Directory	Database of agencies and centers that provide assistance to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Can be downloaded or printed.

Indiana		Go to Top
Indiana Attorney General, Victim Assistance Division	Information about victim notification, the appeals process and victims’ rights, and the state’s Address Confidentiality Program.
Indiana Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information. Downloadable application form in English and Spanish.
Indiana Department of Corrections, Victim Witness Service Program	Downloadable victim notification form. Information on Parole Board hearings. Information on “wrap-around services” for victim safety after offender release. Link to the Offender Public Information Search Web site.

Iowa		Go to Top
Iowa Attorney General, Crime Victim Assistance Division	Information on the services the Division offers. Information on crime victim compensation.
Iowa Crime Victim Compensation Program	Information on crime victim compensation. Downloadable compensation application.
Iowa Department of Corrections, Victim Programs	Information on the Victim and Restorative Justice Programs, restitution, victim notification, victim impact statements. List of common terms relating to the criminal justice system. Criminal justice system flowchart. Frequently asked questions. Offender information look-up. Links to more resources.

Kansas		Go to Top
Kansas Attorney General, Crime Victims’ Rights Office	Information on the services provided by the office.
Kansas Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information. Downloadable compensation application form and eligibility requirements brochure.
Kansas Department of Corrections, Victim Witness Notification	Information on notification and downloadable registration brochure. Information on parole and public comment periods. Definition of commonly used terms in the correctional system. Link to secure Web page for victims to obtain information specific to their case.

Kentucky		Go to Top
Kentucky Attorney General, Office of Victim Advocacy	Information on the services offered. Downloadable brochures on victim impact statements and specific information about domestic violence. Link to information on the state victim notification system. Links to Kentucky and national victim service providers. Toll-free victim hotline.
Kentucky Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information. Frequently asked questions. Downloadable compensation application form.
Kentucky Department of Corrections, Office of Victim Services	Information on the services of the Office and the state’s victim notification system (VINE). Frequently asked questions.
Kentucky Victim Notification System	Information on the state’s victim notification system. Frequently asked questions, including how to register to receive notification.

Louisiana		Go to Top
Louisiana Attorney General, Victims’ Rights Information	Information on victims’ rights under Louisiana law.
Louisiana Crime Victim Reparations Program	Crime victim reparations (compensation) information. Frequently asked questions. Downloadable application form. Downloadable statewide victim services directory.
Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Crime Victims Services Bureau	Information on the Bureau’s services. Information on victim notification and downloadable registration form. Information on probation and parole and victim offender dialogue.
Louisiana Victims and Citizens Against Crime	General information for victims of crime. Contact information for victim/witness coordinators across the state.

Maine		Go to Top
Maine Attorney General, Crime and Victims’ Info	Information on criminal justice system and frequently asked questions for homicide survivors and victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse. Information about victim compensation, including eligibility checklist and downloadable application forms. Links to Maine service providers and national resources.
Maine Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information. Online eligibility checklist and downloadable application form.
Maine Department of Corrections, Victim Services	Information on victims’ rights, including restitution and notification. Online registration form for victim notification program.

Maryland		Go to Top
Maryland Attorney General, Victim Services Division	Information on the services provided by the office. Links to other victim services in the state.
Maryland Crime Victim Compensation Program	Information on victim compensation. Downloadable compensation application.
Maryland Crime Victims Resource Center	Information about victims’ rights, including notification and restitution. Flowcharts describing the criminal and juvenile justice system process. Links to Maryland and national resources. Information on victims’ rights compliance.
Maryland Crime Victims’ Rights Compliance Initiative	Information on Maryland’s Compliance Initiative which works to ensure fair treatment of victims by the criminal justice system. Toll-free compliance line through which victims can make complaints and get referrals.
Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, Victim Services	Information on the services the DPSCS offers. Information on victims’ rights and parole and probation. Downloadable flow chart describing victims’ rights in the criminal justice system. Links to compensation division and other state and national resources. Link to victim notification program (VINELink), http://www.dpscs.state.md.us/victimservs/commitment/main_pages/vs-vine.shtml.

Massachusetts		Go to Top
Massachusetts Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information and downloadable application form in English and Spanish. Phone numbers for victim witness programs across the state and other victim resources.
Massachusetts Department of Corrections	Click on “Victim Services Unit” (no direct link exists). Frequently asked questions. Information about victim notification and certification to receive notification. Contact information for other Massachusetts and national resources.
Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance	Information on local victim services for victims of all types of crimes. Safety planning information and court advocacy for domestic abuse survivors. Information on MOVAs victims’ rights law project.
Victims’ Rights Law Center	Information on the Center’s services, including free legal help for sexual assault victims in matters relating to privacy problems, education problems, immigration problems, or employment problems as a result of the crime. Resources for pro bono attorneys. Information on victim compensation.

Michigan		Go to Top
Michigan Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information and downloadable application.
Michigan Department of Community Health, Crime Victim Services	Information on victims’ rights, including victim notification. Compensation information and downloadable application.
Michigan Prosecuting Attorneys Council, Victims’ Rights Information	Information on victims’ rights. Summary of how a case progresses through the criminal justice system. Frequently asked questions. Commonly used terms defined. Information on victim compensation. Contact information for Victim Assistance Coordinators across the state. Links to Michigan and national resources.
Michigan Victim Alliance	Information on the services the Alliance offers. Links to helpful resources.

Minnesota		Go to Top
Minnesota Center for Crime Victim Services	Information on crime victim programs in Minnesota, including online directory of service providers. Information about the crime victim reparations (compensation) program and emergency fund for certain property loss.
Minnesota Crime Victim Reparations Program	Victim reparations (compensation) information. Downloadable application form in English, Spanish, and Somali.
Minnesota Office of Justice Programs, Crime Victim Justice Unit	Information on the Crime Victim Justice Unit’s mission to ensure compliance with victims’ rights laws. How to make a complaint for a victims’ rights violation. Downloadable complaint forms.

Mississippi		Go to Top
Mississippi Attorney General, Victim Assistance	Information on victims’ rights and the services offered by the office. Information on victim compensation and a “victim assistance fund” for crime scene cleanup and court-related travel. Downloadable request form for exercise of victims’ rights. Checklist for victims’ rights when working with the media.
Mississippi Crime Victim Compensation Program	Information on victim compensation. Frequently asked questions. Downloadable compensation application form.
Mississippi Department of Corrections, Division of Victim Services	Victim notification information and online request form. Criminal justice system handbook for victims.

Missouri		Go to Top
Missouri Attorney General, Victim Information	Information on crime victims’ rights. Online request form for victim notification of criminal appellate proceedings. Links to state and national organizations that assist crime victims. List of victim service providers and victim witness advocates across the state. Downloadable information booklet on the criminal justice system process.
Missouri Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information. Downloadable application form and online eligibility checklist in English and Spanish.
Missouri Department of Corrections, Office of Victim Services	Downloadable victim notification form. Frequently asked questions. Information about parole hearings.
Missouri Department of Public Safety, Crime Victims Services Unit	How to file a victims’ rights violation complaint. Information on the Missouri Victim Automated Notification System. Clickable map of victim service providers by county.
Missouri Victim Assistance Network	Glossary of criminal justice terms and information on the criminal justice process in Missouri. List of state and county prosecutor-based victim advocates. Victim services listed by county and by topic. State and national toll-free help numbers.

Montana		Go to Top
Montana Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information, including eligibility requirements and how to file a claim.
Montana Department of Corrections, Victim Information	Information on victim notification and downloadable forms to register. Contact information for victim information officers at each Montana correctional facility. Information on the victim offender dialogue program.
Montana Department of Justice, Office of Victim Services	Information on the services the office provides. Specific information on domestic violence, identity theft, rape exam payments, and restorative justice. List of crime victim services by city. Many downloadable resource documents, including booklets on victims’ rights and the criminal justice system.

Nebraska		Go to Top
Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, Crime Victim Services	Information on the state victim notification system (Victim Information and Notification Everyday/VINE). Information on victim compensation (reparations). Downloadable guide to the criminal justice system. Frequently asked questions.
Nebraska Crime Victim Reparations Program	Victim reparations information. Downloadable compensation claim form.
Nebraska Department of Corrections, Victim Assistance Program	Links to each correctional facility’s victim assistant representatives. Information on VINE and how to register. Links to other national resources. Frequently asked questions.

Nevada		Go to Top
Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners	Information on victims’ rights and the parole process, including the right to notification of parole hearings. Downloadable notification registration form. Downloadable guide to parole hearings.
Nevada Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information, including frequently asked questions.
Nevada Department of Corrections, Victim Services Unit	Information on the services the Unit offers. Downloadable victim notification registration forms. Information on the state’s Confidential Address Program.

New Hampshire		Go to Top
New Hampshire Attorney General, State Office of Victim/Witness Assistance	Office mainly provides information and support for homicide survivors. Web site contains downloadable guides on the New Hampshire criminal justice system and victims’ right to give an impact statement. Contact information for victim witness assistance programs and domestic and sexual assault service providers across the state. Information on the state’s Address Confidentiality Program.
New Hampshire Department of Corrections, Victim Services	Information on probation and parole, notification, protection from intimidation and harassment, and restitution, among others. List of victim services liaisons in the state’s correctional facilities.
New Hampshire Joan Ellis Victim Assistance Network	Information on the services of the Network, including trauma intervention, court advocacy, and a program for kids and teens, “Grieving Assistance Program for Students.”
New Hampshire Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information. Downloadable application form and compensation brochure.
New Hampshire Victim Services Directory	Listing of victim services and other related resources across the state of New Hampshire.

New Jersey		Go to Top
New Jersey Crime Victim Compensation Program	Information on victim compensation, including frequently asked questions. Downloadable compensation application form. Web site also includes lists of rape crisis centers, domestic violence shelters, and victim witness offices across the state.
New Jersey Crime Victim Law Center	Information on victims’ rights and the services the NJCVLC offers, including pro bono legal assistance to victims.
New Jersey Department of Corrections, Office of Victim Services	Frequently asked questions. Information on other victim resources in the state. Offender status search Web page.
New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Office of Victim Witness Advocacy	Information on the services the office offers, including court accompaniment and counseling and support services. Information on the state’s victim notification system, including how to register. Downloadable guide to the criminal justice system. Links to other state victim services and resources. Lists of victim witness programs throughout the state.
New Jersey Parole Board	Information on the state victim notification system (VINELink). Online registration to receive notice of parole board hearings.

New Mexico		Go to Top
New Mexico Attorney General, Victims Services Advocate	Information on victims’ rights and the services available through the Victim Services Advocate. Web site also contains information on child sexual abuse and Internet exploitation of children.
New Mexico Crime Victim Reparations Program	Victim reparations (compensation) information. Downloadable application in English and Spanish.
New Mexico Department of Corrections, Victim Services Program	Information on the services of the Program, including a toll-free victim assistance number. Frequently asked questions.
New Mexico Victms’ Rights Project	Information on victims’ rights and pro bono services offered by the Project, including representation at court hearings, assistance with victim impact statements, and filing for restitution and compensation. Downloadable victims’ rights brochure. Contact information for other victim resources by county.

New York		Go to Top
New York Attorney General, Crime and Crime Victims	Web site posts the state’s toll-free victim helpline number.
New York Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information. Downloadable application in English and Spanish. Listing by county of victim witness programs across the state. Downloadable restitution brochure.
New York State Division of Parole, Victim Impact Unit	Information on victim impact at parole proceedings and suggested topics for victim impact statements. Downloadable registration form or online registration for the state victim notification system (VINE).
New York State Office of Victim Services	Information on the state victim notification system (VINE). Offender status search available.

North Carolina		Go to Top
North Carolina Attorney General, Victims and Citizens Services	Information on victims’ rights, the appeals process, and the state’s Address Confidentiality Program. Frequently asked questions. Links to other victim resources across the state.
North Carolina Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information. Downloadable compensation application.
North Carolina Department of Corrections, Office of Victim Services	Information about victim notification, victim input into parole or post-release supervision. Downloadable victim notification request form. Online offender look-up.
North Carolina Statewide Automated Victim Assistance and Notification (SAVAN)	Information on the Statewide Automated Victim Assistance and Notification (SAVAN). Online registration.
North Carolina Victim Assistance Network	Clickable map of victim services across the state. Link to online offender search and victim compensation program Web site.

North Dakota		Go to Top
North Dakota Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information, including frequently asked questions.
North Dakota Crime Victim and Witness Assistance Association	Victims’ rights and compensation information. Contact information for Victim and Witness Assistance programs across the state. Links to state and national victim resources.
North Dakota Department of Corrections, Victim Services Program	Victims’ rights after sentencing and victim notification information. Downloadable notification registration form.

Ohio		Go to Top
Ohio Attorney General, Victim Services Program	Information on victim notification and victim compensation. Online directory of victim services across the state. Materials on the Identity Theft Verification PASSPORT Program.
Ohio Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information. Online application and downloadable application form in English and Spanish. Online compensation claim status check.
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Office of Victim Services	Information on the services the Office provides. Downloadable registration form for victim notification. List of victim coordinators in each correctional facility. Information on parole. Online offender status search.
Ohio Victim Witness Association	Victims’ rights information, including downloadable brochure on Ohio’s victims’ rights laws.

Oklahoma		Go to Top
Oklahoma Attorney General, Victim Services Unit	Information on the services the Unit offers, including “Safeline,” a toll free, V/TDD accessible 24-hour hotline for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
Oklahoma Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information and downloadable application form in English and Spanish. Online compensation claim status lookup.
Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Victim Services	Information on the services offered by the Department, including victim notification. Downloadable notification form. Pardon and parole information.

Oregon		Go to Top
Oregon Attorney General, Crime Victims’ Assistance Section	Information on victim compensation and Victim Information & Notification Everyday (VINE). Victim services directory and directory of all the certified county and city victim/witness assistance programs located throughout Oregon.
Oregon Crime Victim Compensation Program	Information on victim compensation. Downloadable compensation application form.
Oregon Crime Victims Assistance Network	Victims’ rights information, including downloadable brochure. Contact numbers for District Attorney’s Victim Assistance programs by county. Links to other victim resources.
Oregon Department of Corrections, VINE Information	Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) information and link to register.

Pennsylvania		Go to Top
Pennsylvania Crime Victim Compensation Program	Information on victim compensation. Downloadable compensation claim form. Online claim status check. Downloadable handbook of victim service referrals arranged by county. Frequently asked questions.
Pennsylvania Office of the Victim Advocate	Information about victims’ rights, including the right to notification, the right to restitution, and the right to give input. Online registration for victim notification. Clickable map of victim services across the state. Information about the state’s Address Confidentiality Program. Frequently asked questions.

Puerto Rico		Go to Top
Puerto Rico Crime Victim Compensation Program	Information on Puerto Rico’s victim compensation program in Spanish.

Rhode Island		Go to Top
Rhode Island Attorney General, Victim Services Team	Description of the services the Victim Services Team offers.
Rhode Island Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information. Downloadable compensation application in English and Spanish. Frequently asked questions.
Rhode Island Department of Corrections, Office of Victim Services	Information about the state’s notification system (Victim Information and Notification Everyday/VINE), including how to register. Frequently asked questions.
Rhode Island Parole Board, Victim Information	Information on the parole process and victim input into parole hearings. Frequently asked questions.

South Carolina		Go to Top
South Carolina Attorney General, Victim Assistance	Information on the criminal justice process. List of other resources for victim assistance.
South Carolina Crime Victim Compensation Program	Information about victim compensation. Downloadable application. Frequently asked questions.
South Carolina Crime Victim Ombudsman	Information on South Carolina’s Crime Victim Ombudsman which reviews and attempts to resolve victim complaints against the criminal or juvenile justice systems or victim assistance programs. Downloadable complaint form.
South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardons, Victim Services	Online registration for victim notification of hearings. Information on probation, parole and pardons, restitution, and submitting a videotaped statement to the parole board. List of contact information for victim services coordinators in several counties. Online offender search.
South Carolina State Office of Victim Assistance	Information on victims’ rights and victim compensation. Links to other state and national victim resources.
South Carolina Victim Assistance Network	Information on the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network’s crime victim legal network which provides free legal representation to victims in asserting their constitutional rights. Information on specific crimes and subjects such as restitution. Links to state, national, and other resources for victims.

South Dakota		Go to Top
South Dakota Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information. Downloadable application form. Frequently asked questions.
South Dakota Department of Corrections, Victim Information	Information about victims’ rights. Downloadable victim notification request form.
South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Crime Victim Services	Information on victims’ rights and the impact of crime.

Tennessee		Go to Top
Tennessee Attorney General, Victim Information Services	Information about victims’ rights. Downloadable victim notification form. Links to state and national victim resources.
Tennessee Crime Victim Compensation Program	Information on victim compensation. Downloadable application forms. Frequently asked questions.
Tennessee Department of Correction, Victim Information and Services	Information about the state’s notification system, Victim Offender Information Caller Emissary, or VOICE hotline. Downloadable registration form. Felony Offender Information Lookup (FOIL) Online. What to expect at a parole hearing brochure.
Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference, Victim Witness Handbook	Information about the criminal justice system, including “Misdemeanors & Felonies,” “What Happens After The Trial,” and “Length of Prison Terms in Tennessee.”
Tennessee, East Tennessee Victim’s Rights Task Force	Glossary of criminal justice system terms. Information on victim compensation. Suggestions for witnesses going to court. Phone numbers for victim service providers across the state, including victim witness coordinators.

Texas		Go to Top
Texas Attorney General, Crime Victim Services	Information on statewide victim notification system, protective orders, victims’ rights, and victim compensation. Downloadable compensation forms. Links to sexual assault services programs.
Texas Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information, including relocation assistance for victims of family and sexual violence and travel reimbursement. Downloadable application form.
Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Victim Services Division	Information on the services of the Division, including a toll-free victim referral line. Information on victim notification and how to register. Frequently asked questions. Statewide and national resource directory. Numerous brochures on victim-related topics.

Utah		Go to Top
Utah Attorney General, Victim Assistance	Information on the services the office provides.
Utah Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information and downloadable application form.
Utah Department of Corrections, Office of Victim Services	Information on the services the Office provides and the state’s victim notification system, Victim Information & Notification Everyday (VINE).
Utah Statewide Victim Advocate Listing	Contact information for victim advocate programs across the state.

Vermont		Go to Top
Vermont Attorney General, Victim Assistance Program	Information on victims’ rights. List of other state and national victim resources.
Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services	Information for victims on victim services and the criminal justice system. Vermont Victim Services Resource Directory and searchable directory by county. Links to other state victim resources.
Vermont Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information and downloadable application form.
Vermont Department of Corrections, Victim Services	Information about victims’ rights and the corrections system. Victim notification information and downloadable registration form. Online offender status search.

Virgin Islands		Go to Top
Virgin Islands Catholic Charities, Victims of Crime Program	Information on the impact of crime and the services the program offers. Links to other local victim resources.
Virgin Islands Crime Victim Compensation Program	Contact information for the Virgin Islands victim compensation program.
Virgin Islands, Women’s Coalition of St. Croix	Information on services the Coalition offers. Links to national and local victim resources. Information for teens on dating violence, sexual assault, and healthy relationships.

Virginia		Go to Top
Virginia Attorney General, Victim Notification Information	Information on victim notification and downloadable registration form. Appeals process information.
Virginia Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information. Downloadable application form. Frequently asked questions.
Virginia Department of Corrections, Victim Services Unit	Information on the services the Unit offers. Toll-free number for victims. Information on the state’s victim notification system, Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) and downloadable registration form.
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice, Victims Services Section	Information on services the Victims Services Section offers, including the toll-free DCJS INFO-Line for victims. Frequently asked questions.

Washington		Go to Top
Washington Coalition of Crime Victim Advocates	Information on victims’ rights. List of other Washington state resources for victims.
Washington Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information and downloadable application form. Links to other state and national victim resources.
Washington Department of Corrections, Victim Services Program	Information on the victim notification program and how to enroll. Frequently asked questions. Information on safety planning and the “victim wrap-around program.”
Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Victim/Witness Notification Program	Information on the state Victim/Witness Notification Program and how to enroll.
Washington Indeterminate Sentence Review Board, Victim Information	Information about victims’ rights at parole proceedings and how to request an opportunity to make a statement to the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board.
Washington Office of Crime Victim Advocacy (Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development)	Information about the services of the Office of Crime Victim Advocacy, including advocacy for victims who have had trouble accessing services or whose rights have been denied. Directory of local, state, and national resources for victims, searchable by county. Downloadable brochures on topics such as restitution and posttraumatic stress disorder.

West Virginia		Go to Top
West Virgina Division of Corrections, Victim Services	Information on the services provided. Information on the state victim notification system (Victim Information & Notification Everyday/VINE) and downloadable registration form.
West Virginia Crime Victim Compensation Program	Information on victim compensation, including eligibility requirements and how to apply.
West Virginia Division of Criminal Justice Services, Service Provider Directory	Downloadable directory of victim services providers by county.

Wisconsin		Go to Top
Wisconsin Attorney General, Office of Crime Victim Services	Information on victims’ rights and what to do if you believe your rights have been violated. Information on victim compensation and downloadable application form. Victim service agencies listed by county and by crime. Frequently asked questions.
Wisconsin Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information, including frequently asked questions. Downloadable compensation brochure and application. Main Office of Crime Victim Services site, http://www.doj.state.wi.us/cvs/OCVS_pages/For_Victims.asp
Wisconsin Crime Victims’ Rights Board	Information on the Wisconsin Crime Victims’ Rights Board, which can review victim complaints of rights violations. Downloadable sample formal complaint form.
Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Victim Web Site	Information on the state’s victim notification system and offender information search, Visual Offender Information Center/ Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VOICE/VINE). Frequently asked questions.

Wyoming		Go to Top
Wyoming Crime Victim Compensation Program	Victim compensation information, including frequently asked questions. Downloadable application form.
Wyoming Crime Victims Coalition	Information on victims’ rights. Frequently asked questions. List of victim service providers by county.
Wyoming Department of Corrections, Victim Notification Program	Information on the state’s victim notification program. Downloadable victim notification request form.

_________________________________________

Legal Aid and other Low-Cost Legal Help

If you cannot afford a lawyer, legal aid may be able to help you:

There are legal aid offices (also called legal services) throughout the United States. Legal aid offices are not-for-profit agencies that provide free legal help to people who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. While many legal aid offices only help people with very low incomes, some offices have more flexible income rules.

Legal aid usually handles cases involving:

Domestic violence– if your partner is abusing you, legal aid can help you obtain a protective order, a child custody order and divorce.
Family law– if you have a child custody or divorce case, legal aid may be able to help. Call your local legal aid office or ask the Judge in your case to appoint a legal aid lawyer to represent you in court.
Housing– if you are being evicted from your home or if your house is in foreclosure, legal aid may be able to help.
Public Benefits– if you have a problem with welfare, Food Stamps, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Social Security, legal aid may be able to help.

Many legal aid offices may be able to handle other problems including immigration, consumer, and disability issues. Some legal aid offices focus on one area of law, such as disability law, or housing law. Some legal aid offices get funding from the government and that may limit the kind of cases they can take.

To find a legal aid office near you: Go to www.LawHelp.org and select the state where you live to find out who in your state may be able to help with your legal problem.

_________________________________________

SOURCES:

http://www.crimevictims.gov/crime.html

https://www.victimsofcrime.org/help-for-crime-victims

https://www.victimlaw.org/victimlaw/commonAction.do?invoke=loadResources

http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-legal-help/crime-victim-resources.html

http://avda-tx.org/victim-advocacy/249794

--------------------------------------------- ~ DID YOU KNOW? ~
By the time you finish reading this, 15 children will have been abused; In the next five minutes, 30 more; Within the next hour, 360 more; And by tonight, close to 8,000+ children will have suffered from abuse, 5 of which will die. Child abuse has increased 134% since 1980 and is now considered a worldwide epidemic. The high jump in child abuse deaths and the shocking increase in statistics highlights the frightening lack of public knowledge.

Educate Yourself -- Learn the Facts
It May Just Save a Child's Life!!
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