Quick Exit

If you are in immediate danger, CALL 911.

VictimConnect lines may experience longer than usual wait times. Thank you for your patience with us. Anytime we are closed, or hard to reach, feel free to check out the Resource Map to locate service providers in your area (Select the "Resources" tab at the top of this page followed by "Victim Connect Resource Map"). More Info.

Close

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There are some questions we answer more than others, if you have questions about what VictimConnect is or how the program operates, your question may be addressed on this page.

Are VictimConnect’s services confidential?

Our services are anonymous and confidential. We do not capture phone numbers or IP address; we collect freely given demographic information to report to our funders.

What does VictimConnect do?

The VictimConnect Resource Center is a referral helpline where crime victims can learn about their rights and options confidentially and compassionately. Since we serve the entire nation, we are unable to provide in-person direct services. Learn more about us here.

Why does the Victim Assistance Specialist ask about safety at the beginning of the conversation?

VictimConnect values your safety at all times and we want to make sure that you are secure and comfortable when speaking with us. We cannot provide any direct, in-person assistance so if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety we ask that you call 911 or contact your local law enforcement agency. You can contact us at a later time when you are in a safer location. We know that safety can be a relative term but, if you are in a place where you can freely talk with us, we trust your judgment and assessment of your situation. You can leave the conversation at anytime and we encourage you to end the conversation if you feel your safety or privacy is jeopardized.

Is VictimConnect a reporting agency?

We are not a reporting agency; if you are a mandatory reporter, disclosing a crime to us does not fulfill your obligation to report. If you would like to report a crime, abuse, or neglect you can contact us and we can help direct you to the appropriate reporting agency. We are mandated to report abuse and neglect when it involves children, older adults or disabled adults if you provide us with identifying information such as names and addresses. However, we do not ask for disclosure of identifying information.

Is VictimConnect the same as Crime Victims Compensation?

This is our most common question! Crime Victims Compensation is a state-run fund that helps victims recover from the impacts of a crime; read more about what Crime Victim’s Compensation is here. Each state will vary on what they will cover, so we’re happy to help direct you to your state’s Crime Victim Compensation office. You can search the nationwide directory here.

Is VictimConnect part of the Department of Justice?

VictimConnect is funded by the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime. However, we are a separate organization and do not share any personally identifying information with them.

Can I report child/Elder abuse to VictimConnect?

We can talk with you about elder abuse and connect you with the correct resource for reporting. However, we are not a reporting agency for abuse against older adults or children.

How is VictimConnect funded? Is VictimConnect a government agency?

We are a 501(c)3 non-profit agency. We are primarily funded by federal and local grants but we are not a government agency or government contractor.

Is VictimConnect part of the show American Greed?

No, we are not affiliated with any television show or network. Television shows like this one will often share our contact information for their viewers as a resource for potential victims without our knowledge. While we may not have direct knowledge of topics discussed on various crime television shows, if you were/are the victim of a crime, we are here to help!

Can VictimConnect find a lawyer, therapist, private investigator, etc for me?

Because we serve the entire nation we are unable to provide referrals for individual people or private agencies. We can help direct you to a state referral service for legal assistance or mental health care providers. We can also refer you to a local service provider who can provide more specific referrals. For appropriate resources near you, you may reach out to VictimConnect at 855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846) and speak with a Victim Assistance Specialist from 12:00pm – 5:00pm ET. Online chat is also available from 12:00pm – 5:00pm ET.  If you’d like to learn more about the National Crime Victim Bar Association, please visit this link.

Can I donate?

You can donate to the National Center for Victims of Crime here.

If you have a question that we have not answered here, you may reach out to VictimConnect at 855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846) and speak with a Victim Assistance Specialist from 12:00pm – 5:00pm ET. Online chat is also available from 12:00pm – 5:00pm ET.

OUR TRAINED VICTIM ASSISTANCE SPECIALISTS ARE READY TO HELP.