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Victim assistance is a government program that helps people who have been harmed by a crime. This harm can be physical, emotional, or financial, and the support is available to both direct victims (those directly affected) and indirect victims (such as family members or loved ones). These programs help people recover and navigate the legal system after experiencing crimes like theft, assault, domestic violence, fraud, or even large-scale tragedies like terrorism or mass violence.

Victim assistance services include emotional support, crisis counseling, legal guidance, and financial help. Many programs provide hotlines, counseling, and therapy to help victims cope with trauma. Legal services can assist with understanding rights, filing police reports, obtaining restraining orders, and testifying in court.

Financial aid may cover medical bills, lost wages, funeral costs, or relocation expenses for victims of violent crimes. Some programs also offer risk reduction and prevention services to help people stay safe and avoid future victimization.

These services are often provided by government agencies, non-profits, and community organizations, and they work closely with law enforcement and courts. Victim assistance ensures that crime victims are not left to face the aftermath alone.

While these programs aim to help victims recover and seek justice, awareness and access to services can sometimes be limited. Many efforts focus on expanding outreach so that all victims—regardless of background or circumstances—receive the help they need.

Content Associated with this Tag

  • document cover for Recommendations for Practice: Post-Conviction Victims' Rights and Services
    Accession Number
    033114

    In 2017, the National Institute of Corrections and the National Crime Victim Law Institute began work on a project to analyze existing rights and services, identify gaps and opportunities for inter-agency collaboration, and draft a set of recommendations to assist jurisdictions in the development of systems to improve rights compliance and implementation of integrated trauma-informed services post conviction.

  • document preview for Offender Reentry: The Value of Victim Involvement [Broadcast]
    Accession Number
    029682

    This three-hour national discussion and broadcast by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) focuses on the unique opportunities and challenges of including victims in the offender reentry process. Current points in the criminal justice reentry continuum where victims can and should have a voice are explored. By including victims we can obtain more balanced information about the offender and their offense history which can positively impact reentry decisions. This approach can result in better outcomes for the community, offenders and victims through enhanced offender accountability, increased victim satisfaction, and community safety.

    During this program, presenters will:

  • The Geiger Institute is a national initiative to end domestic violence homicides.