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Message From the DirectorAbout This GuideResources
Resource Guide for Serving U.S. Citizens Victimized Abroad
Publication Date:  April 2008
Contents
Victim Services: An International Outlook
Responding to Victimization Abroad
minus iconCoordinating Victim Services
minus iconIf the Victim Remains Abroad
minus iconIf the Victim Returns to the United States
minus iconInternational Terrorism
minus iconCrime Victim Compensation
Checklists for Assisting U.S. Citizens Victimized Abroad

Responding to Victimization Abroad

Types of Victim Assistance Abroad

Consuls, consular agents, and local employees at overseas posts are familiar with local government agencies and resources in the countries in which they work and can provide valuable assistance in cases of—

  • Death of a U.S. citizen abroad.

  • Robbery of a U.S. citizen abroad.

  • Sexual assault of a U.S. citizen abroad.

  • U.S. citizens missing abroad.

  • Crises abroad involving U.S. citizens.

  • International parental child abduction.

Time zones differ between the United States and countries overseas; therefore, embassy staff might not always be available during traditional U.S. business hours. Moreover, embassy staff members rotate regularly and are responsible for scores of other duties in addition to victim assistance. The victim assistance specialists in the Office of Overseas Citizens Services headquarters in Washington, D.C., should be the initial points of contact for victim service providers, rather than an individual embassy or consulate.

Resource:

U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Overseas Citizens Services
888-407-4747 (8 a.m.–8 p.m. e.t.)
202-647-5225 (all other times)
travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/victims_crime_overseas/
victims_crime_overseas_1748.html