Frequently Asked Questions

The National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations: Adults/Adolescents, Third Edition provides detailed guidelines for criminal justice and health care practitioners in responding to the immediate needs of sexual assault victims.

Visit the Office on Violence Against Women website for additional information.

The Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) system allows crime victims across the country to obtain timely and reliable information about criminal cases and the custody status of offenders. Information is available 24 hours a day via phone, email, text message (SMS), the VINELink Mobile App, or TTY device. Visit the VineLink website to register.

National Institute of Justice resources provide information on the phenomenon known as the "cycle of violence," in which a childhood history of physical abuse may lead the survivor to be more likely to commit violence in later years. Resources include the following:

• Pathways Between Child Maltreatment and Adult Criminal Involvement
• Effects of Child Maltreatment, Cumulative Victimization Experiences, and Proximal Life Stress on Adult Crime and Antisocial Behavior
• An Update on the Cycle of Violence
• Childhood Victimization: Early Adversity, Later Psychopathology

The 2027 NCVRW dates have not yet been announced.

Visit the NCVRW section of our website to learn about NCVRW and sign up for the NCVRW Subscription List to receive important updates.

Due to the challenging nature of supporting non-Department of Justice (DOJ) conferences while complying with the mandatory DOJ conference guidelines and pre-approval process, OVC has suspended the national and state conference support programs. If you have any questions, please contact OVC Training and Technical Assistance Center at [email protected].

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC) is not accepting applications for the Consultant Network at this time. Please contact the OVC TTAC Consultant Management Team at [email protected] if you have further questions.

Contact an OVC TTAC Technical Assistance Coordinator at [email protected] to check on the status of your training or technical assistance request.

View the comprehensive VOCApedia: Victim Assistance Program Final Rule to find answers to frequently asked questions that VOCA administrators have about the VOCA Victim Assistance Final Rule. If you have a question(s) about managing your VOCA award that is not covered in VOCApedia, review our Contacts for Help with Your Award referral sheet for assistance.

Information on government efforts to combat human trafficking can be found on the Human Trafficking section of our website and on the following websites:

• U.S. Department of Justice: Human Trafficking
• U.S. Department of State: Human Smuggling and Trafficking
• Office of Justice Programs: Human Trafficking Special Feature

If you believe that you are in danger, we strongly urge you to call your local police department’s emergency number (911).

If your local police department employs a victim advocate, they may be able to help you develop a safety plan. You may also contact a local victim service provider. If you need help locating a victim service provider in your area, contact the VictimConnect helpline by phone or text at 855-484-2846 or online chat for a referral in your area.

The Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center also provides information and resources on developing a safety plan on the What to Do if You Are Being Stalked section of their site.