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Terrorism & Mass Violence

Domestic Terrorism & Mass Violence

Notice

If you or a family member has been a victim of an act of terrorism or mass violence occurring within the United States, visit our Help for Victims site.

The following federal programs provide funding and assistance to victims and communities in the aftermath of a domestic terrorism or mass violence event.

Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program (AEAP)

Through AEAP, OVC supports victims and jurisdictions that have experienced incidents of terrorism or mass violence. AEAP is designed to supplement the available resources and services of entities responding to acts of terrorism or mass violence in order to ensure that a program’s resources are sufficient and/or not diverted to these victims to the detriment of other crime victims.

For further details on who is eligible to apply for this assistance, what expenses it covers, and other information about the program, visit the AEAP website.
 

State Victim Assistance and Compensation Programs

All states receive federal funds from OVC to help support local victim assistance and victim compensation programs. State victim assistance programs can link victims to direct service providers and victim advocates to help them cope in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Victims also may be eligible to apply for crime victim compensation benefits, including reimbursement for medical services, mental health counseling, lost wages, and other costs incurred as a result of the crime. Victim compensation benefits are governed by the applicable state statutes, so eligibility may vary among states.

Visit the Help in Your State section of our site to find the programs in your area so you can refer victims to them.
 

Crime Victim Assistance Emergency Fund for Victims of Terrorism or Mass Violence

OVC provides funding to the Crime Victim Assistance Emergency Fund, administered by the FBI’s Victim Services Division, to support services for victims and their families, including emergency food, clothing, shelter, and temporary housing; emergency transportation for medical care and travel assistance to reunite family members with injured survivors unable to travel; repatriation of the remains of a deceased victim; transportation expenses of secondary victims; crisis counseling; and child and dependent care.

Visit the FBI’s Victim Services Division web page for more information about the Terrorism and Special Jurisdictions Program, including the type of information, guidance, and support they provide to state and local agencies affected by mass casualty incidents.
 

Improving Community Preparedness to Assist Victims of Mass Violence or Domestic Terrorism: Training and Technical Assistance Program

This OVC-funded project provides training, technical assistance, and support to help communities augment their existing emergency response plans to ensure they effectively include immediate and long-term protocols and strategies to support victims of mass violence and domestic terrorism. Organizations can apply for no-cost assistance, watch on-demand trainings, and view resources on topics such as family/friends assistance center planning and donation management protocol.

Date Created: April 19, 2020