Online Guides from OVC: Resource Guide for Serving U.S. Citizens Victimized Abroad

Publication Date: April 2008

Victim Services: An International Outlook

Responding to Victimization Abroad

Coordinating Victim Services

If the Victim Remains Abroad

If the Victim Returns to the United States

International Terrorism

Crime Victim Compensation

Conclusion

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Victim Assistance Checklists

Special Considerations for Domestic Violence

Contact the Office of Overseas Citizens Services to learn how law enforcement, prosecutors, and the courts in the country respond to domestic violence cases and whether criminal charges can be filed and the abuser prosecuted.

Find out if restraining orders are available in the country, how the victim can obtain one, and what the victim should do if the order is violated.

Find out how the courts in the country address child custody issues in cases of domestic violence.

Facilitate loans or reimbursement for victims who wish to return to the United States to escape domestic abuse.

Avoid judging victims or personally commenting on the crime.

Provide victims with referral information on domestic violence shelters and battered women’s programs, if available.

In some cases, a victim fleeing domestic violence who leaves the country with his or her children could be accused of international parental child abduction. Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for clarification and referral information.

Resources:

Safe Horizon International Domestic Violence Resources
www.dvsheltertour.org/links.html

Social Security Administration
Domestic Violence
(Information on how to apply for a new Social Security number)
www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/domestic_fact.html

U.S. Department of Justice
Office on Violence Against Women
(Contact information for state domestic violence coalitions)
www.usdoj.gov/ovw/statedomestic.htm

U.S. Department of State
Office of Children's Issues
Toll Free: 888-407-4747 (8 a.m.–8 p.m. e.t.)
Phone: 202-736-9090
Fax: 202-736-9133
www.travel.state.gov/family/family_1732.html