Office of Victim Services' 50th Anniversary

Office of Victim Services

Commemorating 50 Years

The Office of Victim Services has provided critical services and support – treating crime victims and their families with the compassion and dignity they deserve – since its creation five decades ago.

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A Critical Safety Net for Victims, Their Families Since 1966

Compensation

OVS provides substantial financial relief to eligible crime victims and their families. The agency pays medical and dental bills; counseling costs; funeral and burial expenses; crime scene clean-up cost; lost wages and support, among other assistance. New York is the only state in the country with no limit on reimbursement for medical bills or counseling, which means individuals receive help for as long as they need it.

Advocacy and Support across New York State

To further the rights, interests and support of crime victims, OVS funds a network of victim assistance programs providing direct services, such as counseling, legal help, emergency shelter for domestic violence victims, across the state. Crime victim advocates meet men, women and children in crisis, help them navigate the criminal justice process and work to ensure their rights are protected and their voices heard.

Education and Outreach

OVS facilitates communication and coordination with other federal, state, and local governmental agencies and victim advocacy organizations. The agency also supports victim service professionals, providing training and resources that allows them to enhance their skills and resources that emphasize the importance of caring for themselves. While advocacy work is extremely rewarding, it also can be stressful and challenging.

Find a Program

Making a Difference

Help, Healing and Hope for Crime Victims

Voice of a Survivor

Support from a victim advocate, help with medical bills make a difference.

A Success On and Off the Court

A single moment – and five bullets – changed David Snowden’s life.

Remembering Ianna Doris, Always

A mother loses her toddler to violence, but the girl’s memory lives on.

Making a Difference

Help, Healing and Hope Campaign

Major Milestones

2016-09-26

Help, Healing and Hope Campaign Begins

2016-08-22

New Law Helps Families of Homicide Victims with Funeral Costs

2016-08-02

The Office of Victim Services Commemorates 50 Years of Assistance to Crime Victims Family Members

Latest Accomplishment

2016-09-26

Help, Healing and Hope Campaign Begins

Learn More

Office of Victim Services' 50th Anniversary