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The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) publishes literature on emerging
victim issues, promising practices, policy development, and technical
assistance and skill-building tools. OVC victim-related resources are
sorted by:
To learn more about OVC publications and victim-related resources from
other agencies:
OVC publications are designed to educate and assist victim
services providers and allied professionals in their efforts to respond
to victims of crime. Some of these documents may be ordered online through the Publications/Products menu of the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (www.ncjrs.gov).
 = Available online only.
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Antiterrorism Emergency Assistance Program (July 2007)
This updated brochure (BC 000744) describes the OVC Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program, which provides federal funds to support crisis response, consequence management, criminal justice support, crime victim compensation, and training and technical assistance during crisis aftermath. PDF (341 kb)
Attorney General Guidelines for Victim
and Witness Assistance (May 2005)
This Department of Justice document presents guidelines for working with
crime victims and witnesses. The guidelines are based on federal victims’ rights
laws and Department of Justice policy, and include specific guidance
for victims of trafficking and identity theft. PDF (400 kb)
Breaking the Cycle
of Violence: Recommendations to Improve the Criminal Justice Response
to Child Victims and Witnesses (June 1999)
This OVC monograph (NCJ 176983) describes the
best practices and programs that focus on the most effective response
to child victims and child witnesses by all those who work in our criminal
justice system.
ASCII (79 kb) or PDF
(1.35 mb)
Bridging the Systems to Empower Victims: Mental Health and Victim
Services Training Guide (May 2000 reprint)
This OVC resource manual has two parts. The instructor resource manual (NCJ
179217) for curricula on victim empowerment (with attention to rape victims)
contains articles and information written from either a mental health or a
victim services perspective. (The document was originally printed in 1996 under
the title Victim Empowerment: Bridging the Systems—Mental Health and
Victim Service Providers (NCJ 161862). The student resource manual (NCJ
163173) presents workshop materials and training tips for a 2-day training
program designed to foster cooperation and collaboration between victim service
and mental health providers.
Instructor manual: HTML
Student manual: HTML, ASCII (299
kb), or PDF (426 kb)
 Building a State Victim Assistance Academy-Vermont's Experience (April 2008)
This online bulletin (NCJ 221684) describes Vermont 's experience in developing a State Victim Assistance Academy , providing information about useful strategies for designing, pilot testing, and implementing the academy.
Building Victim Assistance Networks with Faith Communities (April 2007)
This e-publication (NCJ 215201) provides information to victim service providers seeking to engage faith communities in serving crime victims. The publication focuses on lessons learned from the Faith Community Initiative developed through the OVC-funded Vermont Victim Services 2000 demonstration project, a model resource network for providing services to crime victims tailored to the needs of the community. It also discusses issues unique to faith-based victim assistance, and other initiatives that involve collaboration between the victim service and faith communities.
Child Sexual Exploitation: Improving Investigations
and Protecting Victims—A Blueprint for Action (January 1995)
This OVC report (NCJ 153527) provides guidelines for collaboration among federal,
state, and local agencies involved in the investigation and prosecution of child
pornography and prostitution cases and in the provision of services to young
victims of these crimes.
Abstract information
or ASCII (114 kb)
Children Exposed to
Violence: Criminal Justice Resources (June 1999)
This OVC bulletin (NCJ 176984) is a companion piece to the OVC monograph
"Breaking the Cycle of Violence: Recommendations to Improve the Criminal
Justice Response to Child Victims and Witnesses" (NCJ 176983). It provides
information about the resources, tools, and services available to improve
our individual and collective response to children who face crime and
violence in their lives.
ASCII (64 kb) or PDF (105
kb)
Children at Clandestine Methamphetamine Labs: Helping Meth’s Youngest
Victims (June 2003)
This bulletin (NCJ 197590) describes the health and safety risks faced
by children who live at or visit clandestine methamphetamine labs. Measures
are suggested to respond to children’s mental and physical health issues
when law enforcement officers seize meth labs. The experiences of several
states that use multidisciplinary teams are offered as examples of promising
interventions and the importance of collaboration among federal, state,
and local agencies to ensure the care and protection of these children
is emphasized.
Children’s Justice Act Partnerships for Indian Communities 2008 (June 2008)
Since 1989, OVC’s Children’s Justice Act grant program has provided funds and technical assistance to help AI/AN communities to better handle serious child abuse cases from disclosure and investigation through prosecution and case resolution. This updated fact sheet (FS 000314) discusses activities funded through CJA, eligibility, and supportive training and technical assistance for grantees.
The Community Crisis Response Team Training Manual, Second Edition
(May 1998)
This OVC manual (NCJ 173406) is designed to train individuals and communities
on crisis response. It presents an overview of crisis, trauma, and crisis response
intervention, including scope of catastrophes, factors affecting trauma response,
and how crisis intervention services must take these factors into account.
Other topics include group crisis intervention techniques, coordinating a crisis
response team, managing the media in crisis situations, and stress reactions
of caregivers. A 210-item bibliography is also included.
HTML, ASCII (52.1
kb split into 26 smaller files), or PDF (2.6
mb split into 26 smaller files)
Community Outreach Through Police in Schools (August 2003)
This OVC bulletin (NCJ 197038) describes a collaborative effort between
child development and community policing practitioners to help children
cope
with the effects of violence. The school-based intervention program combines
the experience of police officers and mental health professionals to
minimize the
emotional and psychological effects of violence on middle school students.
Conference Planning Guide
(September 1997)
This OVC guide (NCJ 166593) teaches the conference planning skills that result
in a successful conference, from selecting a site to negotiating contracts
and signing up speakers. The 7-part guide includes training initiatives and
technical assistance available from OVC and 11 appendixes of conference planning
forms.
Crime Victim Compensation
Program Directory (2002)
This compensation directory describes crime victim compensation programs by
state. Provided by the National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards,
this off-site directory (housed outside of the OVC Web site) includes details
on each state’s requirements, benefits, and procedures.
Denver
Victim Services 2000 Needs Assessment (October 2000)
This OVC bulletin (NCJ 183397) describes the creation of the Denver VS2000
model service network, a 5-year demonstration project to create a comprehensive,
coordinated, seamless service delivery system for victims of crime. It
summarizes the efforts and results of the three-pronged victims needs
assessment conducted by Denver VS2000 in 1997 and 1998, and details the
development of an assessment strategy and the creation of measurement
tools.
Directory of International Crime Victim Compensation Programs: 2004–2005 (October 2005)
This OVC directory (NCJ 206874) provides Americans who are working, traveling, and studying in other countries the eligibility criteria and contact information for 35 countries and territories (and Taiwan) that have crime victim compensation programs. Most offer financial assistance to Americans and other foreigners victimized by crime within their borders.
Establishing
Victim Services Within a Law Enforcement Agency: The Austin Experience
(March 2001)
This bulletin (NCJ 185334) describes the benefits to both victims and law enforcement
officials of incorporating victim assistance staff within law enforcement agencies.
The document is a case study of the Austin, Texas, Police Department, recounting
how the department established and funded its first full-time victim assistance
coordinator position and how victim services successfully grew from a one-person
operation to a four-unit Victim Services Division.
Faith-Based Responses to Crime Victims (April 2008)
This 30-minute DVD (NCJ 216616) provides the faith community and the victim services field with examples of successful partnerships that are making a difference in victims' lives throughout the Nation. These promising practices are intended to inspire the two communities to collaborate effectively to expand their victim service networks.
Family Violence: An Intervention Model for Dental Professionals (December
2004)
Because most domestic violence injuries are to the head and neck, dentists are
in a unique position to identify victims. This OVC bulletin (NCJ 204004) describes
a training model that teaches dental professionals how to recognize symptoms
and patterns of abuse, create a safe environment for disclosure, intervene appropriately
when abuse is suspected, refer patients to appropriate services, and file mandatory
reports.
First Response to Victims of Crime (April 2008)
This educational multimedia package, produced by the National Sheriffs' Association, looks at the impact of crime on victims and describes steps that law enforcement can take, as first responders, to meet victims' needs. Among the types of victimizations covered are sexual assault, drunk driving, homicide, human trafficking, and mass casualties. The special needs of older victims, child victims, immigrants, and victims with disabilities are addressed as well. This 30-minute video is available in DVD (NCJ 211619) and VHS (NCJ 211618). A companion guidebook (NCJ 217272) is also available.
First
Response to Victims of Crime (December 2001)
This OVC handbook for law enforcement officers (NCJ 189631) describes how to
approach and help different types of crime victims. It is designed as a field
guide for personnel who respond first to crime victims and includes contacts
for assistance. Also available in other languages.
First Response to Victims
of Crime Who Have a Disability (October 2002)
This handbook for law enforcement officers (NCJ 195500) describes how to approach
and help victims who have Alzheimer's Disease, mental illness, or mental retardation
or who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing. It is designed
as a field guide for personnel who respond first to crime victims and includes
contacts for assistance.
From Pain to Power: Crime Victims
Take Action (September 1998)
Following an overview of the effects of crime on its victims, this OVC monograph
(NCJ 166604) addresses some of the benefits of community involvement for crime
victims, including rebuilding self-esteem, reducing isolation, regaining a
sense of power, and dealing with fear and anger. The monograph discusses victim
assistance, victims’ rights advocacy, and violence prevention and presents
some caveats regarding victim activism.
Guide
for Policymakers (1999) / Handbook
on Justice for Victims (1999)
In May 1996, the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal
Justice, at its fifth session, adopted a resolution to develop a manual or
manuals on the use and application of the Declaration. The Handbook on Justice
for Victims (NCJ 179083) was developed in response to that resolution and outlines
the basic steps in developing comprehensive assistance services for victims
of crime. The Handbook on Justice for Victims is available in electronic format
only.
A brief Guide for Policymakers (NCJ 179084) has also been developed to highlight
programmes and policies that have been put into effect in various jurisdictions.
Helping Outreach Programs to Expand (April 2007)
This OVC brochure (BC 000742) describes the Helping Outreach Programs to Expand grant program developed to help grassroots, nonprofit, community- and faith-based organizations and coalitions that are not linked to mainstream victim service programs to expand and enhance their crime victim services and outreach efforts. Funds may be used to develop programs, aid networking, build coalitions, and deliver services.
Printed copies of this brochure will be available later in May.
(PDF 335 kb)
HIV/AIDS and Victim Services: A Critical Concern
for the ‘90s, a Training Manual (1996)
This OVC manual (NCJ 161415) offers an overview of the medical, legal, and
counseling issues associated with HIV/AIDS. It describes the impact on victims
of crime and on the workplace, and the possible responses of victim assistance
professionals. It also includes a trainer’s manual.
Abstract
and ordering information
I’m Going to Federal Court with Mark & Julie
(1997)
This OVC activity book (PDF only) includes pages to color, games, puzzles,
and information to teach child witnesses about the court experience they
will face. The book is a companion piece to the video Inside
Federal Court (September 1995; NCJ 157156), which also instructs children
and their families about the court process to build confidence and reduce
anxiety about testifying.
PDF (10.35
mb)
Impact Statements: A Victim’s
Right To Speak, A Nation’s Responsibility To Listen (July 1994)
This OVC report (NCJ 154395) discusses the state of victim rights in the United
States and focuses on the right to submit victim impact statements. It examines
the effectiveness of victim impact statements, proposes models for implementation
of impact statements in states that do not yet provide for them, and discusses
various aspects of victimization and social services for victims.
Implementing SANE Programs in Rural Communities: The West Virginia Regional Mobile SANE Project (June 2008)
Although Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs have spread throughout the country, they remain scarce in rural communities. OVC’s replication guide—available in print (NCJ 221749) and as an electronic publication (NCJ 221753)—highlights an OVC-funded demonstration project from the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services (FRIS), which sought to use on-call SANEs to serve hospitals throughout a four-county region in a rural area of West Virginia. The guide focuses on how the project was planned and implemented and the lessons learned by FRIS and other stakeholders. It also provides a checklist for other rural communities to use in replicating a similar project and access to materials developed during implementation.
Improving the Police Response to Domestic Elder Abuse (September
1993)
Instructor (NCJ 147558) and Participant Training Manual (NCJ 148831)
These OVC training manuals teach the legal mandates related to police officers,
the process of aging, and aspects of elder abuse that police may encounter.
The Participant’s manual also focuses on improving the police response to domestic
elder abuse. Both manuals offer practical information that can be applied to
police encounters with elder abuse victims, suspects, and witnesses. Also included
are training resources, model police response and investigation procedures,
and a literature review.
Abstract and ordering information
Improving Tribal/Federal Prosecution of Child Sexual Abuse Cases
Through Agency Cooperation (September 1999)
This OVC bulletin (NCJ 172877) encourages close cooperation between tribal
and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure effective investigation and
prosecution of child abuse cases. Employing multiagency protocols and teams,
for instance, helps address the jurisdictional overlap and confusion in oversight
that often leads to multiple investigations and child interviews, which result
in unnecessary victim trauma.
HTML, ASCII (30
kb), or PDF (89 kb)
Information for Victims of Trafficking in Persons and Forced Labor (2002)
This brochure (BC 000673) from the U.S. Department of Justice provides
basic information about the rights of victims of trafficking in the United
States and describes assistance and protections that may be available. Also available in other languages.
HTML or PDF (450 kb)
International Crime Victim Compensation Program Directory (March
1999) Superceded by new edition
This OVC directory (NCJ 173392) lists contact information for victim compensation
programs in 29 countries, including the United States and the District of Columbia.
ASCII (64
kb) or PDF (227 kb)
International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program Report to Congress (February 2006)
This OVC Report to Congress (NCJ 210645) outlines the challenges and obstacles faced in developing the congressionally authorized International Terrorism Victims Expense Reimbursement Program, details the groundwork laid thus far, and discusses the emergency assistance provided to victims in the interim while program regulations are being finalized.
International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program Report to Congress (April 2008)
This report (NCJ 222307) outlines the activities and accomplishments of OVC’s International Terrorism Victims Expense Reimbursement Program (ITVERP) from October 2006 through May 2007. The report includes a background of the program, authorizing legislation, and funding structure; an explanation of the procedures for filing and processing applications for reimbursement; a description of the policies, procedures, materials, and tools instituted to promote public awareness about the program; a statistical analysis of applications received and victims assisted; and future program needs and suggested improvements. (PDF 669 kb)
Internet Crimes
Against Children (December 2001)
This document (NCJ 184931) explores the nature of Internet crime and the complex
challenges it poses for law enforcement personnel and victim service providers
as they work to protect children. The document discusses challenges such as
investigating geographically dispersed crimes, gathering evidence, and apprehending
offenders while considering how best to respond to children and their families.
The Justice for All Act (April 2006)
This fact sheet (FS 000311) describes the 2004 Act (H.R. 5107, Public Law 108-405) signed into law by President George W. Bush. The Act seeks to protect crime victims' rights, eliminate the substantial backlog of DNA samples collected from crime scenes and convicted offenders, and improve and expand the DNA testing capacity of crime laboratories.
Leadership
in Victim Services (June 2002)
This NVAA workbook (NCJ 197343) focuses on the differences between management
and leadership and explores the principles of leadership and the qualities
of exceptional leaders. Also concentrates on ethics, resiliency, ownership,
problem solving, team building, and facilitating change.
ASCII (341
kb) or PDF (670
kb; also available in 10 smaller PDF files)
Learning
About Victims of Crime: A Training Model for Victim Service Providers
and Allied Professionals (September 2003)
Fifth in a series documenting the accomplishments of the Victim Services 2000
(VS2000) project, this OVC bulletin (NCJ 199934) summarizes initiatives at the
Denver VS2000 site and how participants there approached cross training victim
service providers and allied professionals in faith communities, law enforcement
settings, and judicial and other legal settings.
Learning All About Court With "B.J.": An Activity Book
for Children Going to Federal or Tribal Court (September 1997)
This OVC activity book (NCJ 167252) contains games, puzzles, and information
designed to instruct children on the jobs performed by tribal and federal court
personnel. The activity book uses the same characters as and is designed to
accompany the video B.J. Learns About Federal and Tribal Court (NCJ
139730). PDF (12 mb)
Looking Back—Moving Forward: A Guidebook for Communities Responding
to Sexual Assault, Workbook To Accompany Guidebook, and Training Guide
(1993)
This OVC guide (NCJ 153768) is designed to help communities develop a
training program for responding to sexual assault and write a protocol
based on community needs and resources. The workbook is designed to complement
the materials in the Guidebook and to assist Interagency Councils with
organizing and carrying out the steps for developing and implementing
multidisciplinary, multiagency, victim-centered protocol. The Training
Guide is designed to prepare participants—agency and organizational
representatives on the Sexual Assault Interagency Council (SAIC)—to
write protocol.
Abstract information:
Guidebook, Workbook, Training
Guide
Making
Collaboration Work: The Experiences of Denver Victim Services 2000
(December 2002)
This bulletin (NCJ 194177) documents the Victim Services 2000 collaborative
model in Denver, which allied community and criminal justice-based victim services
providers to provide comprehensive services to victims of crime. The bulletin
discusses leadership, the use of technology for case management, community
advocacy, and lessons learned from this effort.
Meeting the Needs of the Victims of the September 11th Terrorist
Attacks: Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2002 Report to
Congress (April 2003)
This report (NCJ 200377) summarizes OVC’s use of $68.1 million authorized
by Congress in the Defense Appropriations Act of 2002 to assist the victims
and survivors of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Minority Community Victim Assistance (1990)
This OVC handbook (NCJ 170148) is designed to give minority community residents
a practical approach to assisting crime victims in their communities and
neighborhoods; for law enforcement agencies, the handbook describes victim
services that are both cost effective and feasible for community-based programs.
A Multimedia Program for Physically Injured Crime Victims (April 2006)
This multimedia program offers victims an educational DVD (NCJ 213709), brochure (BC 000728), and bulletin (NCJ 212974) for use during their hospitalization for crime-related injuries. The program provides victims of violent crime with information about emotional responses to victimization, elements of medical follow-up, physical rehabilitation processes, and the criminal justice system. Also available in other languages.
A Multimedia Program To Improve Criminal Justice System Participation and Reduce Distress Among Physically Injured Crime Victims (April 2006)
This OVC Bulletin (NCJ 212974) is a component of A Multimedia Program for Physically Injured Crime Victims. The bulletin outlines the theories and research that led to the creation of a DVD and brochure designed to inform physically injured crime victims about the recovery process and their rights in the criminal justice system. Also available in other languages.
National Bias Crimes Training for Law Enforcement
and Victim Assistance Professionals: A Guide for Training Instructors
(1995)
This OVC guide (NCJ 155130) trains instructors in teaching a 2-1/2-day curriculum
designed to enhance the services that police and victim-assistance professionals
provide to victims of bias crimes. Abstract information
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Resource Guide (January 2008)
This guide (NCJ 220102) was developed to help communities and victim assistance providers promote awareness of crime victim issues and help commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) held each year in April.
The guide features tips for working with the media, customizable public awareness materials, a theme DVD, and more.
National Victim Assistance
Academy 2002
This OVC textbook (NCJ 197109) is an overview of the National Victim Assistance
Academy, the university-based, foundation-level course in victim assistance and
victimology. This rigorous, 45-hour academic curriculum emphasizes foundations
in victimology, victims’ rights and services, and new developments in the field
of victim assistance.
National Victim Assistance
Academy 2002 Instructor’s Manual (June 2002)
This instructor's manual (NCJ 197298) supports the National Victim
Assistance Academy 2002 text. It includes sections outlining the
nuts and bolts of NVAA
participation and instruction, principles of adult learning, effective presentation
techniques, and recommended training outlines for each chapter topic in the
NVAA text.
New Directions from the Field: Victims’ Rights and Services for the
21st Century (1998)
This OVC report (NCJ 170600) is a comprehensive report and set of recommendations
on crime victims’ rights and services from and concerning virtually every community
involved with crime victims across the Nation.
HTML, ASCII (978
kb; also available split into 23 smaller text files), or PDF (1.6
mb; also available split into 23 smaller PDF files)
New Directions
from the Field: Victims’ Rights and Services for
the 21st Century Bulletins
(August 1998)
This set of bulletins is based on recommendations for victim services
presented in OVC’s New
Directions from the Field: Victims’ Rights and Services for the
21st Century to create a comprehensive
response system in every community. Each bulletin is community-specific.
Executive Summary (bulletin #1) (August 1998)
(NCJ 172811)
ASCII (47 kb) or PDF (131 kb)
Victims’ Rights
(bulletin #2) (August 1998)
(NCJ 172812)
ASCII (96 kb) or PDF (220 kb)
Law
Enforcement (bulletin #3) (August 1998)
(NCJ 172813)
ASCII (66 kb) or PDF (171 kb)
Prosecution
(bulletin #4) (August 1998)
(NCJ 172814)
ASCII (59 kb) or PDF (162 kb)
Judiciary
(bulletin #5) (August 1998)
(NCJ 172815)
ASCII (58 kb) or PDF (157 kb)
Corrections
(bulletin #6) (August 1998)
(NCJ 172816)
ASCII (70 kb) or PDF (172 kb)
Victim
Assistance Community (bulletin #7) (August 1998)
(NCJ 172817)
ASCII (119 kb) or PDF (227 kb)
Health
Care Community (bulletin #8) (August 1998)
(NCJ 172818)
ASCII (55 kb) or PDF (154 kb)
Mental
Health Community (bulletin #9) (August 1998)
(NCJ 172819)
ASCII (79 kb) or PDF (175 kb)
Legal
Community (bulletin #10) (August 1998)
(NCJ 172820)
ASCII (36 kb) or PDF (129 kb)
Education
Community (bulletin #11) (August 1998)
(NCJ 172821)
ASCII (52 kb) or PDF (152 kb)
Faith
Community (bulletin #12) (August 1998)
(NCJ 172822)
ASCII (27 kb) or PDF (123 kb)
Business
Community (bulletin #13) (August 1998)
(NCJ 172823)
ASCII (44 kb) or PDF (146 kb)
News
Media Community (bulletin #14) (August 1998)
(NCJ 172824)
ASCII (25 kb) or PDF (122 kb)
Crime
Victim’s Compensation (bulletin #15) (August 1998)
(NCJ 172829)
ASCII (76 kb) or PDF (171 kb)
Restitution
(bulletin #16) (August 1998)
(NCJ 172825)
ASCII (46 kb) or PDF (145 kb)
Civil
Remedies (bulletin #17) (August 1998)
(NCJ 172826)
ASCII (22 kb) or PDF (121 kb)
Child
Victims (bulletin #18) (August 1998)
(NCJ 172827)
ASCII (76 kb) or PDF (175 kb)
International
Perspectives (bulletin #19) (August 1998)
(NCJ 172828)
ASCII (37 kb) or PDF (140 kb)
New Directions from the Field: Victims’ Rights and Services for the
21st Century, Strategies for Implementation Tools for Action Guide
(February 2000)
This OVC action guide (NCJ 179558) provides valuable resources for implementing
the recommendations, ideas, and promising practices contained in New Directions
from the Field: Victims’ Rights and Services for the 21st Century.
HTML, ASCII (287
kb), or PDF (1.8
mb; also available split into 28 smaller PDF files)
OVC Handbook for Coping After Terrorism: A Guide
to Healing and Recovery (September 2001)
This OVC handbook (NCJ 190249) provides victims of terrorism with information
based on the expertise of mental health, crisis counseling, and victim assistance
professionals. The handbook is intended to help these victims understand their
reactions to an act of terrorism or mass violence. Also available in other languages.
HTML, ASCII (20
kb), or PDF (165 kb)
OVC Help Series (March 2002)
The OVC Help Series (BC 000669) is a set of 10 brochures that address 8 categories
of crime victimization: assault, child abuse, domestic violence, drunk driving,
homicide,
robbery, sexual assault, and stalking. Each brochure includes an overview
of general crime facts, a description of what victims may experience, and
suggestions for how to seek help. The brochures are intended to supplement
the information victim service providers can offer and to give victims a
resource they can easily refer to in a crisis. Also available in other
languages.
Assault Victimization (February 2002)
ASCII (9
kb) or PDF (70
kb)
Child Abuse Victimization (February 2002)
ASCII (9
kb) or PDF (76
kb)
Domestic Violence Victimization (February 2002)
ASCII (10
kb) or PDF (73
kb)
Drunk Driving Victimization (February 2002)
ASCII (8
kb) or PDF (57
kb)
Homicide Covictimization (February 2002)
ASCII (9
kb) or PDF (73
kb)
Robbery Victimization (February 2002)
ASCII (8
kb) or PDF (70
kb)
Sexual Assault Victimization (February 2002)
ASCII (9
kb) or PDF (71
kb)
Stalking Victimization (February 2002)
ASCII (9
kb) or PDF (57
kb)
What You Should Know About Child Abuse (For Children Ages 6–11)
(February 2002)
ASCII (7
kb) or PDF (76
kb)
What You Should Know About Child Abuse (For Teenagers Ages 12–16)
(February 2002)
ASCII (9
kb) or PDF (72
kb)
OVC Legal Series Bulletins
OVC Legal Series bulletins are designed to inform victim advocates and other
professionals who work with victims of crime about various legal issues relating
to crime victims. They highlight existing legislation, important court decisions
in cases in which courts have addressed the issues, and current trends or "hot
topics" relating to each legal issue.
The Crime Victim’s Right To Be Present (January 2002)
This OVC bulletin (NCJ 189187) provides an overview of state laws addressing
the rights of victims to attend criminal justice proceedings, particularly
trials, and how their presence might affect the rights of defendants.
HTML or PDF (194
kb)
Enforcement of Protective Orders (January 2002)
This OVC bulletin (NCJ 189190) provides an overview of state laws and issues
related to the enforcement of protective orders.
HTML or PDF (377
kb)
Ordering Restitution to the Crime Victim (November 2002)
This OVC bulletin (NCJ 189189) provides an overview of state laws addressing
the rights of victims to receive court-ordered restitution from offenders
in criminal cases.
HTML or PDF (137
kb)
Privacy of Victims’ Counseling Communications (November
2002)
This OVC bulletin (NCJ 192264) provides an overview of state laws and issues
related to the privacy of communications between victims and their counselors.
HTML or PDF (137
kb)
Reporting School Violence (January 2002)
This OVC bulletin (NCJ 189191) provides an overview of state laws enacted
in recent years to address violence in U.S. schools.
HTML or PDF (192
kb)
Restitution: Making It Work (November 2002)
This OVC bulletin (NCJ 189193) provides an overview of state legislation
and issues related to the collection of court-ordered restitution to crime
victims.
HTML or PDF (129
kb)
State Legislative Approaches to Funding for Victims’ Services
(December 2003)
This OVC bulletin (NCJ 199477) provides an overview of state legislative
approaches to raising funds for victim compensation and assistance
programs.
HTML or PDF (415 kb)
Strengthening Antistalking Statutes (January 2002)
This OVC bulletin (NCJ 189192) provides an overview of state legislation
and issues related to stalking.
HTML or PDF (117
kb)
Victim Input Into Plea Agreements (November 2002)
This OVC bulletin (NCJ 189188) provides an overview of state laws addressing
the rights of victims to be involved during plea negotiations in criminal
cases.
HTML or PDF (155
kb)
OVC National Directory of Victim Assistance Funding Opportunities
2001 (September 2001)
This OVC resource directory (NCJ 189218) lists by state and territory the contact
names and information for federally funded crime victim assistance programs
and includes particulars on grant programs that help state and local agencies
prepare for and respond to incidents of domestic terrorism and criminal mass
casualty.
HTML, ASCII (300
kb), or PDF (969 kb)
National Resource Directory of Victim Assistance Funding Opportunities
2000 (May 2000)
This OVC directory (NCJ 181042) lists the contact names, mailing addresses,
telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses for the federal grant programs that
provide assistance to crime victims.
HTML, ASCII (328
kb), or PDF (502
kb)
OVC Products and
Services Brochure (Updated August 2005)
This OVC brochure (BC 000703) describes the OVC resources that help you deliver
comprehensive, quality services to victims of crime, including the OVC Resource
Center, the OVC Training and Technical Assistance Center, and the OVC Web site.
Also available in other languages. PDF (431
kb)
OVC Publishing Guidelines for Print and Multimedia (Second Edition, revised September 2008)
This OVC guide (NCJ 223646) describes the criteria grantees must follow when preparing products for publication. The guidelines, which were originally published in 2004, now include a section on producing OVC-funded videos (e.g., VHS tapes, DVDs) and an expanded copyright discussion. Other topics include requirements for writing Web-based publications, the types of OVC publications, the publication submission process, word processing and formatting guidelines, and legal and policy requirements. The guidelines are designed to help grantees work with OVC to produce a quality product that exceeds professional standards of excellence.
OVC Report to the Nation 2001 (December 2001)
This OVC report (NCJ 189205) describes OVC’s major undertakings—grants,
programs, and initiatives funded by moneys deposited in the Crime Victims Fund—during
fiscal years 1999 and 2000. This statutorily required document demonstrates
how OVC works to improve the criminal justice response to victims, make services
and resources more accessible, and expand the range and quality of services
for victims nationwide and worldwide.
HTML, ASCII (194
kb), or PDF (936
kb)
OVC
Report to the Nation 2003 (December 2004)
This biennial OVC
report (NCJ 205031) summarizes OVC-supported initiatives during Fiscal
Years 2001 and 2002. Topics covered include deposits into the Crime Victims’ Fund,
victim compensation and assistance awards, training and technical assistance,
resource dissemination, and accomplishments in the field. The publication
also features links to the OVC
Focus On Series, an indepth look at specific grantee initiatives.
OVC Report to the Nation 2005 (October 2005)
This biennial OVC report (NCJ 209117) outlines the activities and accomplishments of the Office for Victims of Crime during Fiscal Years 2003 and 2004. Each section summarizes victims’ needs in that area and details how OVC is helping to meet them. The companion OVC Focus On Series, provides an indepth look at specific grantee initiatives.
OVC Report to the Nation 2007: Rebuilding Lives, Restoring Hope (October 2008)
This biennial OVC report (NCJ 217686) outlines the activities and accomplishments of the Office for Victims of Crime during Fiscal Years 2005 and 2006. Each section summarizes victims’ needs in that area and relates how funding from OVC makes a crucial difference in the lives of crime victims. Topics include the Crime Victims Fund—a powerful resource for supporting services to victims; meeting the needs of priority victims; victim funding in Indian Country, funding and assistance for victims of international trafficking, terrorism and mass violence, identity theft, and domestic violence. The companion OVC Focus On Series provides an indepth look at specific grantee initiatives.
Partnering With Faith Communities to Provide Elder Fraud Prevention, Intervention, and Victim Services (April 2006)
This is an online bulletin (NCJ 213340) that showcases the Communities Against Senior Exploitation (CASE) program of Denver, Colorado, and offers insight into how law enforcement and the community can work together to address the problem of elder fraud.
Program Standards (1996)
This OVC document outlines common goals and objectives for victim compensation
programs.
HTML or PDF (95
kb)
Promising Practices and Strategies for Victim Services in Corrections
(July 1999)
This report (NCJ 166605) offers an overview of correctional practices
and planning strategies for
responding to victims of crime. It contains a wealth of ideas to establish
and enhance corrections-based
victim services, particularly improving treatment of crime victims in
the postsentencing phase of their
cases.
ASCII (148 kb) or PDF (4.1 mb)
Promising Practices for Serving Crime Victims With Disabilities Bulletin and Toolkit (October 2008)
This updated bulletin (NCJ 223965) provides a snapshot of the scope and dynamics of an OVC-funded demonstration project undertaken by SafePlace to improve the local response of criminal justice personnel and victim service providers to people with disabilities. The companion toolkit (NCJ 223966) provides more indepth detail on the strategies and activities of each subgrantee, and includes such useful tools as sample needs assessments, sample forensic protocols, and lessons learned vignettes.
Promising Victim-Related Practices and Strategies in Probation and
Parole (July 1999)
This OVC compendium (NCJ 166606) explains ways in which probation and parole
can change from being simply offender directed to a balanced approach that
addresses the specific needs of all involved, including victims.
HTML, ASCII (451
kb), or PDF (3.70 mb)
Providing Relief to
Families After a Mass Fatality: Roles of the Medical Examiner’s Office
and the Family Assistance Center (November 2002)
This bulletin (NCJ 188912) offers medical examiners, coroners, and victim assistance
professionals guidance, resources, and lessons learned about working with victims’
families after a mass fatality event. Recommendations are drawn from the disaster
response practices used by the National Transportation Safety Board and the
experiences of the Oklahoma City Medical Examiner’s Office during the aftermath
of the 1995 terrorist bombing in that city.
Providing Services to Victims of Fraud: Resources for Victim/Witness
Coordinators (July 1998)
This OVC manual (NCJ 170594) presents materials and guidelines to give federal
personnel who work with fraud victims the resources they need to develop effective,
sensitive, and fraud-specific victim assistance programs and services. It provides
effective program service strategies, suggestions to enhance services to fraud
victims, and referrals to outside agencies and programs that provide fraud
victims with services or information.
HTML or PDF (7
mb)
Providing Services to Victims Viewing a Trial at Multiple Locations (September 2006)
To help victims and survivors of mass violence and terrorism, some courts have ordered the closed-circuit transmission of trial proceedings to multiple locations so that victims may more easily participate in the trial process. This e-pub (NCJ 212293) presents a protocol for providing standardized quality services in a safe haven environment to victims during the trial, sentencing, and other court proceedings of those involved in crimes of mass violence and terrorism. 
Resource Guide for Serving U.S. Citizens Victimized Abroad (April 2008)
Victim service providers in the United States have a tremendous opportunity to enhance the services that U.S. citizens who are victimized abroad receive. This online resource guide can help victim service providers develop strategic plans and carry out constructive activities to ensure that key personnel, resources, and protocols are in place for effective assistance.
Responding to Hate Crime:
A Multidisciplinary Curriculum (2000)
The six-session training program instructs law enforcement and victim assistance
personnel on strategies for identifying bias crimes, responding to victims,
and contributing to successful investigations and prosecutions. The interactive
style of the OVC curriculum (NCJ 182290) facilitates adult learning and includes
case studies, videos, handouts, flip charts, and transparencies. The training
package is a revision of the National Bias Crime Training Manual (NCJ 155130
- print only).
Responding to September
11 Victims: Lessons Learned From the States (April 2005)
This OVC monograph (NCJ 208799) reflects the frontline perspective
of the state Victims of Crime Act administrator agencies that OVC funded
to provide services to victims of the 9/11 attacks. The monograph also
offers lessons learned to state, federal, and private decisionmakers for
organizing effective responses to mass criminal victimization.
Responding to Victims of Human Trafficking-A Training Video for Victim Service Providers (April 2008)
This 20-minute DVD (NCJ 219179), produced with the assistance of Safe Horizon, addresses the need for the victim services field to work in partnership with those who provide services to immigrants and with other allied practitioners to better serve victims of human trafficking. It was designed to help traditional victim service providers expand their skills and resources to meet the needs of trafficking victims. A component of this DVD is a guide that provides resources for information about what defines human trafficking and the response to this crime by the U.S. Government, the international community, and nongovernmental entities.
Responding to Victims of Terrorism and Mass Violence Crimes: Coordination
and Collaboration Between American Red Cross Workers and Crime Victim
Service Providers (September 2005)
This booklet (NCJ 209681), jointly published by OVC and the American
Red Cross (ARC), provides information on how ARC staff and volunteers can
better assist victims of terrorism and mass violence crimes. It focuses
on victims’ rights and needs, OVC resources, victim compensation and assistance,
and key differences between the needs of victims of crime and victims of
natural disasters.
Responding to Terrorism Victims: Oklahoma City and Beyond (October
2000)
This OVC report (NCJ 183949) identifies special measures needed to protect
the rights and meet the needs of victims of large-scale terrorist attacks involving
mass casualties based on lessons learned from the Oklahoma City bombing and
other mass casualty events.
HTML, ASCII (161
kb), or PDF (1.5 mb)
The Restorative
Justice and Mediation Collection: The Collection (April 2000)
This collection of OVC documents describes the field of restorative justice
and discusses the practice of victim-offender mediation as a restorative programmatic
approach for crime victims.
Directory of Victim-Offender Mediation Programs in the United States
(April 2000)
This OVC directory (NCJ 176349) provides addresses, telephone numbers, and
contact and other basic information about domestic victim-offender mediation
programs.
HTML, ASCII (143
kb), or PDF (570
kb)
Family Group Conferencing: Implications for Crime Victims (April
2000)
This OVC report (NCJ 176347) discusses the implications of family group conferencing
for crime victims based on its use in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and
the United States.
HTML, ASCII (34
kb), or PDF (469
kb)
Guidelines for Victim-Sensitive Victim-Offender Mediation: Restorative
Justice Through Dialogue (April 2000)
This OVC report (NCJ 176346) examines victim-offender mediation, a major
program intervention that fully embraces the concepts of restorative justice.
HTML, ASCII (86
kb), or PDF (578
kb)
Multicultural Implications of Restorative Justice: Potential Pitfalls
and Dangers (April 2000)
This OVC report (NCJ 176348) aims to inform practitioners about multicultural
concerns associated with the implementation of restorative justice approaches.
HTML, ASCII (58
kb), or PDF (507
kb)
National Survey of Victim-Offender Mediation Programs in the United
States (April 2000)
This OVC survey report (NCJ 176350) contains information on the characteristics
of various victim-offender mediation programs operating throughout the United
States and major issues they face in the course of their daily operations.
HTML, ASCII (53
kb), or PDF (508
kb)
The Restorative Justice and Mediation Collection: Executive Summary
(July 2000)
This OVC bulletin (NCJ 180301) summarizes the five documents in the Restorative
Justice and Mediation Collection, which provides guidance on establishing victim-sensitive
restorative justice programs and is a valuable resource for probation and parole
agencies, judicial agencies, religious groups, victim service organizations,
community-based organizations, and those interested in a restorative conflict
resolution process.
HTML,
ASCII
(51 kb), or PDF
(969 kb)
Roles, Rights, and Responsibilities: A Handbook for Fraud Victims
Participating in the Federal Criminal Justice System (1998)
This OVC handbook (NCJ 172830) provides guidance to victims of fraud whose
cases are processed in the federal criminal justice system to help them cope
with the effects of their victimization, understand their options for participation
in case processing, avail themselves of victim services, and protect themselves
from fraud in the future.
HTML, ASCII (60
kb), or PDF (115 kb)
Rural Victim Assistance: A Victim/Witness Guide for Rural Prosecutors (April 2006)
This guide provides tips and strategies to overcoming the challenges rural prosecutors' offices face in providing assistance to crime victims and effectively prosecuting the perpetrators of crime. Advice is based on a survey of rural prosecutors' offices conducted by the American Prosecutors Research Institute.
Safe
Harbor: A School-Based Victim Assistance/Violence Prevention Program
(January 2003)
This OVC bulletin (NCJ 193464) describes Safe Harbor, a promising practice
for addressing violence prevention and victim assistance issues in schools.
It summarizes implementation issues and program evaluation results at 10 replication
sites around the United States. Useful for teachers, administrators, and victim
assistance professionals.
School
Crisis Response Initiative (September 2003)
This OVC bulletin (NCJ 197832) describes an innovative model for preparing for
fast and effective responses to the needs of students after violent or traumatic
crises. Crisis response teams made up of trained school personnel and community
members provide student support and assistance, including triage, counseling,
and referral to community services.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Development & Operation
Guide (August 1999)
This OVC document (NCJ 170609) provides an effective model for sexual assault
medical evidentiary exams and offers a multidisciplinary, victim-centered way
of responding to sexual assault victims by outlining specific steps to replicate "best
practices" for improving the response to victims.
ASCII (520 kb) or PDF
(5 mb)
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Programs: Improving the Community
Response to Sexual Assault Victims (April 2001)
This OVC bulletin (NCJ 186366) provides an overview of Sexual Assault Nurse
Examiner (SANE) programs and their contributions to improving community response
to sexual assault victims, identifies promising practices in such programs,
and provides practical guidelines for establishing a SANE program.
HTML, ASCII (86
kb), or PDF (2 mb)
State Legislators’ Handbook for Statutory Rape Issues (February 2000)
This OVC handbook (NCJ 178238) discusses state legislative actions to address
the issues of statutory rape and provides a framework for developing and
analyzing legislation that would criminalize sexual intercourse with a minor
based on the minor’s age. It includes questions for each issue that legislators
and policymakers should consider before drafting new legislation or amending
existing laws.
HTML, ASCII (34
kb), or PDF (305
kb)
Subgrantees’ Training Guide: Victims of Crime Act, Victim Assistance
Grant Program (September 1999)
This OVC training guide (NCJ 175717) provides technical assistance to victim
service organizations funded by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) in three areas:
developing human resources, managing money and fundraising, and adhering to
VOCA victim assistance grant guidelines.
ASCII (93 kb) or PDF (309
kb)
Survivors of Politically Motivated Torture: A Large, Growing, and
Invisible Population of Crime Victims (January 2000)
This OVC document (NCJ 178911) provides a definition of politically motivated
torture, discusses the extent and intent of torture around the world, and explains
the after-effects of torture on survivors and their families. It also details
how treatment centers intervene to help torture victims and how these centers
can collaborate with and provide training to victim assistance programs and
allied professionals.
HTML, ASCII
(30 kb), or PDF (566
kb)
Trauma, Death,
and Death Notification: A Seminar for Professional Counselors and
Victim Advocates (1996)
This OVC document (NCJ 162360) contains guidelines on trauma and death notification
developed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving as part of a seminar for professional
counselors and victim advocates. It includes guidance on planning a trauma,
death, and death notification seminar for professional counselors and victim
advocates and addresses crisis responder stress, post-traumatic stress disorder,
and secondary traumatization. The curriculum may be particularly useful for
mental health counselors and victim advocates.
The Ultimate
Educator: Achieving Maximum Adult Learning Through Training and Instruction
(June 2002)
This NVAA workbook (NCJ 197261) reviews the basics of training design, the
differences between adult and child learners, and ideas for making presentations
memorable. Topics included coordination, learning styles, presentation techniques,
facilitation skills, lesson development, and session evaluation. Includes sample
forms and worksheets.
Understanding DNA Evidence: A Guide for Victim Service Providers
This OVC bulletin (NCJ 185690) and brochure (BC 000657) offer victim service
providers an understanding of how DNA testing may be used in victims’ cases,
the process and procedures used, and the potential outcomes from the test.
Bulletin (April 2001): HTML, ASCII (14
kb), or PDF (573 kb)
Brochure (May 2001): ASCII (14
kb) or PDF (360
kb)
USA Bulletin: Victims’ Rights (January 1999, vol. 47, no. 1)
This United States Attorneys’ bulletin (NCJ 175038) is dedicated
solely to victim-witness matters, with emphasis on the role of prosecutors.
This special 96-page issue also chronicles legislation from the past two
decades that provides procedural and remedial rights to victims, such
as the Mandatory Victims Restitution Act of 1996, the Emergency Witness
Assistance Program, the Crime Victims Fund, and the Drug Victim Initiative.
PDF
(370 kb)
Using Geographic Information Systems To Map Crime Victim Services: A
Guide for State Victims of Crime Act Administrators and Victim Service
Providers (February 2003)
This monograph (NCJ 191877), jointly developed by OVC and NIJ, examines
how crime mapping technologies can be used to develop strategic program
and financial plans for supporting victim services. Geographic Information
System (GIS) technology can analyze the types of crime by location, victim
population groups, and the service areas of victim service organizations.
Using Technology To Enable Collaboration (August 2001)
Following the OVC bulletin Denver Victim Services 2000 Needs Assessment,
this bulletin (NCJ 187528) continues to document VS2000 initiatives by describing
the VS2000 automated information system, its implementation, and suggestions
for developing and maintaining technology-based solutions to serve crime victims.
It discusses the technology initiative that needs assessments revealed as critical
for achieving the goals of establishing a seamless, accessible system of services.
This information will help victim service providers and agencies determine
the best technology for enhancing interagency collaboration to support victims
in the community.
HTML, ASCII (79
kb), or PDF (715 kb)
The Victim Assistance Field and the Profession of Social Work (April 2006)
This OVC Bulletin (NCJ 210592) focuses on responses to adult victims of violent crime , giving attention to training for social workers and programs that can be replicated across the nation.
Victim-Oriented Multidisciplinary Responses
to Statutory Rape Training Guide (February 2000)
This OVC guidebook (NCJ 178237) raises the various problems law enforcement,
prosecutors, and victim service providers encounter in statutory rape cases
and identifies promising practices for dealing with them.
HTML, ASCII (109
kb), or PDF (589
kb)
Victims, Judges, and Juvenile Court Reform Through Restorative Justice
(October 2000)
This OVC bulletin (NCJ 179383) documents the views expressed by victims of
juvenile offenders and juvenile court judges who were engaged in a structured
dialogue about the problems in juvenile court and their potential solutions.
HTML, ASCII (61
kb), or PDF (1.11 mb)
Victims of Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Elder Abuse, Rape, Robbery, Assault, and Violent Death: A Manual for Clergy and Congregations, Special Edition for Military Chaplains (2001)
This OVC manual (NCJ 163707) for the clergy is an elementary guide to understanding the issues confronting victims of crime. The manual covers victimization by the following crimes: spousal/partner abuse, rape, elderly abuse, robbery/assault/burglary, and violent death.
Victims of Crime-A Social Work Response: Building Skills To Strengthen Survivors (April 2006)
This kit of training materials includes trainer and participant manuals, a discussion guide, and other resources to teach social workers and students about crime victim assistance and victims' rights.
Victims of Fraud and Economic Crime (May 2000)
This OVC bulletin (NCJ 176357) documents the ideas generated by participants
of the Fraud
Victimization Focus Group convened by OVC in April 1998.
HTML, ASCII (21 kb), or PDF (239 kb)
Victims’ Rights Compliance Efforts: Experiences
in Three States (December 2004)
This OVC report (NCJ 168099) analyzes the elements of the victims’ rights compliance
enforcement programs in Colorado, Minnesota, and Wisconsin based on a variety
of data collection techniques, including an analysis of relevant victims’ rights
laws and constitutional provisions and interviews with involved officials.
Victims’ Rights Compliance Efforts: Experiences in Three States (December 2004)
This OVC bulletin (NCJ 167241) describes the elements of a victims’ rights
compliance office and the experiences of victims’ rights compliance
efforts in
Colorado, Wisconsin,
and Minnesota.
Victim Services: Promising Practices in Indian Country (November 2004)
This OVC monograph (NCJ 207019) describes promising practices for assisting
victims of violence and abuse in 12 Indian Country locations throughout the
United States. Each description includes the program’s keys to success,
relevant demographic data, and a contact for further information.
What
You Can Do If You Are a Victim of Crime (November 2005)
This OVC brochure (BC 000713) explains the rights of victims of crime and the
compensation and assistance resources available to them and lists national organizations
that help victims find information or obtain referrals. Also available in other
languages.
When Will They Ever Learn? Educating to End Domestic
Violence—A Law School Report (December 1997)
By integrating domestic violence issues into their curricula, law schools can
give lawyers tools to assist victims effectively and improve the legal system’s
response to family violence. This and other recommendations stem from a 2-day
meeting of experts convened in 1996 by the American Bar Association (ABA). This
OVC-ABA report (NCJ 168098) also includes supplemental information on domestic
violence-focused law school programs and organizations.
HTML, ASCII (158
kb), or PDF (479 kb)
Working with Grieving Children
After Violent Death: A Guidebook for Crime Victim Assistance Professionals
(August 1996)
This OVC guidebook (NCJ 165814) is intended as a "quick reference" for
victim assistance professionals in their work with children, parents, teachers,
and school counselors, clergy members, and others as they address the needs
of grieving children who have been touched by the death of a family member
or close friend. An Instructor’s Guide (NCJ 178939) is also available.
Working with Victims of Crime with Disabilities (September 1998)
This bulletin (NCJ 172838) presents recommendations on improving services
to crime victims with
disabilities, based on discussion at an OVC-funded 2-day symposium of
victim assistance providers
and related professionals. The bulletin identifies issues, service gaps,
and barriers to access;
recommends needed changes; and spotlights successful programs and promising
practices that reach
and serve crime victims with disabling conditions.
HTML, ASCII (90 kb), or PDF (163 kb)
Working With Victims of Gun Violence (July 2001)
This OVC bulletin (NCJ 186155) describes the impact of gun violence on victims,
covictims, and their communities. It identifies key victim issues and needs,
develops recommendations for how federal and state crime funds could be used
to address the unmet needs of gun violence victims, and identifies promising
practices to serve victims of gun violence.
HTML, ASCII (72
kb), or PDF (366 kb)
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