The following information resources may offer victim assistance information, research findings, educational materials, or strategies for program and policy development specific to this topic. A general listing of all OVC publications is also available.

A Multimedia Program for Physically Injured Crime Victims (April 2006)
This multimedia program offers victims an educational DVD (NCJ 213709), brochure (BC 000728), and bulletin (NCJ 212974) for use during their hospitalization for crime-related injuries. The program provides victims of violent crime with information about emotional responses to victimization, elements of medical follow-up, physical rehabilitation processes, and the criminal justice system. Also available in other languages.

A Multimedia Program To Improve Criminal Justice System Participation and Reduce Distress Among Physically Injured Crime Victims (April 2006)
This OVC Bulletin (NCJ 212974) is a component of A Multimedia Program for Physically Injured Crime Victims. The bulletin outlines the theories and research that led to the creation of a DVD and brochure designed to inform physically injured crime victims about the recovery process and their rights in the criminal justice system. Also available in other languages.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Resource Guide (February 2009)
This guide (NCJ 224169) was developed to help communities and victim assistance providers promote awareness of crime victim issues and help commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) held each year in April. The guide features tips for working with the media, customizable public awareness materials, a theme DVD, and more.

Responding to Terrorism Victims: Oklahoma City and Beyond (October 2000)
This OVC report (NCJ 183949) identifies special measures needed to protect the rights and meet the needs of victims of large-scale terrorist attacks involving mass casualties based on lessons learned from the Oklahoma City bombing and other mass casualty events.

Strengthening Sexual Assault Victims’ Right to Privacy (April 2009)
This online guide (NCJ 226501), developed by Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services, Inc., provides recommendations to statewide sexual assault coalitions and rape crisis centers concerned with protecting sexual assault victims’ privacy. It addresses common challenges, discusses core concepts, and offers practical tips to maintain victim confidentiality to better serve victims.

Understanding DNA Evidence: A Guide for Victim Service Providers
This OVC bulletin (NCJ 185690) and brochure (BC 000657) offer victim service providers an understanding of how DNA testing may be used in victims’ cases, the process and procedures used, and the potential outcomes from the test.
Bulletin (April 2001): HTML, ASCII (14 kb), or PDF (573 kb)
Brochure (May 2001): ASCII (14 kb) or PDF (360 kb)

Victim Services in Rural Law Enforcement (April 2009)
In the aftermath of crime, many victims in rural areas never receive the vital services necessary to begin recovery. Victim Services in Rural Law Enforcement (NCJ 226275) summarizes an OVC-sponsored project of the National Sheriffs’ Association and the Office of the Alabama Attorney General, which developed 17 models for establishing or enhancing rural victims’ assistance. This replication guide offers a blueprint for establishing local programs, outlining approaches, successes, and lessons learned.

Victims of Crime-A Social Work Response: Building Skills To Strengthen Survivors (April 2006)
Social workers and students can learn about crime victim assistance and victims' rights and services by accessing this new kit of training materials. Materials include trainer and participant manuals, a discussion guide, and other resources.

Victims’ Rights Compliance Efforts: Experiences in Three States (1998)
This OVC report (NCJ 168099) analyzes the elements of the victims’ rights compliance enforcement programs in Colorado, Minnesota, and Wisconsin based on a variety of data collection techniques, including an analysis of relevant victims’ rights laws and constitutional provisions and interviews with involved officials.
PDF only (611 kb)

What You Can Do If You Are a Victim of Crime (April 2010)
This updated OVC brochure (BC000767) explains the rights of victims of crime and the compensation and assistance resources available to them. It also lists national organizations that help victims find information or obtain referrals. Also available in other languages.

What You Can Do If You Are a Victim of Crime (November 2005)
This brochure (BC 000713) highlights victims’ rights and the compensation and assistance programs available to help victims pay for certain expenses and deal with trauma. It also lists national organizations that can help victims seek information or get referrals. Also available in other languages.