The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) adopted new data collection and performance measures for Victim Assistance Programs in the United States in 2016. The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services performed a Gap Analysis on victimization types and service objectives and updated the catalog of services provided by grant-funded staff into the following (5) categories:
Information & Referral: Services that ensure victims of crime are promptly informed of their rights and connected to appropriate local, state, and federal resources—including legal aid, counseling, medical care, financial assistance, and emergency services—so they can access the support necessary for recovery and meaningful participation in the criminal justice process.
Personal Advocacy/Accompaniment: Involve assisting crime victims with navigating the criminal justice system by providing emotional support, helping with safety planning, accompanying them to court proceedings, medical appointments, or law enforcement interviews, and advocating on their behalf to ensure their rights such as notification, participation, and restitution and their right to dignity, respect, and sensitivity throughout the process.
Emotional Support or Safety Services: Ensure that victims of crime are treated with dignity, respect, and sensitivity by providing trauma-informed care such as crisis counseling, emotional support, and safety planning. These services may include assistance with obtaining protective orders, securing emergency shelter or relocation, and coordinating with law enforcement or victim/witness programs to reduce ongoing threats and promote physical and emotional stability throughout the criminal justice process.
Shelter/Housing Services: Ensure that victims of crime have access to safe and confidential emergency housing, transitional shelter, and relocation assistance when their physical safety or emotional well-being is at risk. These services are coordinated through local victim/witness assistance programs and community partners, and may include referrals to domestic violence shelters, help securing protective orders, and support navigating housing systems—all provided with dignity, respect, and sensitivity as required by law. A program must be specifically funded to provide Emergency Shelter or Safe House and Transitional Housing.
Criminal/Civil Justice Assistance: Ensures that victims of crime are supported in understanding, navigating, and participating in both criminal and civil legal processes.