Crisis is defined as a state of emotional distress (often characterized by crying or being irate). Provide crisis/emergency counseling, emotional support, and guidance when a victim is in crisis. This could occur at the scene of a crime, immediately following a crime, preceding/during/following a court hearing, or on an ongoing basis.

Hotline/Crisis Line Counseling Providing live hotline services by trained professionals or volunteers. Services may be provided via telephone, instant messaging, mobile application, or website contact; individuals may be identified or may be anonymous contacts.

Provision of criminal justice services are conducted on-scene of the crisis. This includes GCI (Group Crisis Intervention) response by certified trained NOVA (National Organization for Victim Assistance) responders. (e.g., community crisis response). This service includes response at the scene of a crime by victim advocate.

Individual Counseling to include:  Therapy and Mental Health Services:    Providing psychological, psychiatric, and/or other counseling-related treatment for individuals, couples, and family members. This service must be provided by a person who meets professional standards to provide these services.  Services may include assessment and treatment.

Provide or organize support groups for victims (e.g., homicide survivors group). Including coordination of supportive group activities, such as self-help, peer, and social support. This is more than a referral to a support group (see crisis referrals above), and is only counted in this category if your program sponsors the group.

Other Therapy (traditional, cultural, or alternative healing; art, writing, play therapy, etc.) Providing therapy (not covered in the individual counseling or support group categories above) to improve and promote healing that responds to the emotional, social, financial, or physical needs of the victim. Must be based on the targeted needs of the individual victim and be provided by the agency.

Provide or furnish emergency assistance: payment for items such as food and/or clothing, changing windows and/or locks, taxis, prophylactic and nonprophylactic medications, durable medical equipment, etc.). This can include directly providing a victim with food, clothing, etc. If you refer a victim to shelter (whether or not they end up staying at the shelter), this is counted as Referral to Other Victim Services Programs® (#3) and should not be counted under Emergency Financial Assistance.