In January 2002, the FBI established a new Office for Victim Assistance (OVA) at Federal Bureau of Investigation Headquarters. The mission of the OVA is to ensure that victims of crimes investigated by the FBI are afforded the opportunity to receive the services and notification as required by federal law and the Attorney General Guidelines on Victim and Witness Assistance (2000). The mission of the OVA includes enhancing the way the FBI responds to victims of terrorism and cybercrime.

The OVA is responsible for ensuring that all victims of crimes investigated by the FBI are identified, offered assistance, and have the opportunity to receive information about case events. The OVA manages the day-to-day operational aspects of the Victim Assistance Program in the 56 FBI field offices across the country as well as the FBI's international offices. In addition, the OVA is responsible for providing training and information that helps to equip FBI agents and other FBI personnel to work effectively with victims.

The OVA coordinates resources and services to victims in cases of terrorism and crimes against American citizens that occur outside the United States. When more than one U.S. Government agency is involved, the OVA works closely with the appropriate federal agency to ensure that victims receive assistance.

Victim Specialist Staff
In 2001, the FBI began hiring 112 full-time Victim Specialists to staff FBI divisions and field offices. The Victim Specialists are available to personally assist victims of federal crimes which are investigated by the division or field office where they work. The Victim Specialist is charged with ensuring that victims who choose to do so receive the opportunity to be notified of important case events and proceedings. In addition, the Victim Specialist can provide information about and referrals for a wide range of victim assistance services in his or her state and district. Some of these services include state crime victims compensation programs, rape crisis centers, homicide bereavement support groups, mental health counseling, and special services for child victims. Contact your local FBI offices to reach a victim specialist near you.

Victim Notification System
The Department of Justice and the FBI are committed to ensuring that victims of federal crime are treated fairly as their related case moves through the criminal justice system. The FBI is a partner with the United States Attorneys' Offices and the federal Bureau of Prisons in creating and using a new automated Victim Notification System (VNS), which is available in English and Spanish. This free, computer based system can provide two important services to victims:

1. Information on scheduled court hearings.

2. An offender's custody status, such as placement in community corrections centers, furlough, release, or death.

The FBI's Victim Specialist should be in contact with victims during the investigation stage of the case. Notifications which may be provided include the arrest of a suspect, whether the case is declined for prosecution, or if the case is being referred to state or local authorities. Victims will need to register with the FBI office handling their case. They will receive a Victim Identification Number and a Personal Identification Number that will allow them to access the VNS system.