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Law enforcement officers and emergency responders are often the first people to make contact with victims following a traumatic incident. Access to the right services can be critical to helping victims cope with and recover from their victimization. The organizations listed below can provide direct victim assistance during a crisis, support victims after a traumatic event, or help you understand and meet the immediate needs of crime victims.
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Disaster Relief & Response
 American Red Cross
The American Red Cross provides relief for victims of disasters and helps people prevent,
prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The web site offers guidelines and resource materials
for dealing with terrorism and unexpected events. Using the latest in telecommunications
technology, the Red Cross supplies services for the military that allow military members
stationed all over the world to send messages anytime to loved ones back home during an
emergency or other important events.
Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Teams (DMORT)
DMORT, a program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, assists local
authorities during mass fatality incidents and responds only to requests made for federal
assistance.
Disaster Technical Assistance Center
Established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, this center assists states, territories, and local entities with behavioral health all-hazards disaster planning. The center also promotes collaboration between mental health and substance abuse authorities, federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and experts in the field by organizing training events and workshops.
National Response Center
The National Response Center serves as the sole national point of contact for reporting all oil, chemical, radiological, biological, and etiological discharges into the environment anywhere in the United States and its territories.
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Medical Assistance
The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress®
The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress® is a multidisciplinary network of professionals committed to the advancement of intervention for survivors of trauma. The academy aims to identify expertise among professionals across disciplines and to provide meaningful standards for those who work regularly with survivors. The Academy's Traumatic Stress Library and publications provide practical information for survivors of traumatic events and those who care for them.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC promotes health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and
disability. CDC goals include fostering safe and healthy environments, preventing violence and
unintentional injury, protecting individuals against emerging infectious diseases (including
bioterrorism), and using new technologies to provide credible health information.
Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress conducts research, education, consultation, and training on preparing for and responding to the psychological effects and health consequences of traumatic events, natural and manmade.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network seeks to raise the standard of care and improve access to services for traumatized children. NCTSN offers resources and training for caregivers and professionals.
National Response Center
The National Response Center serves as the sole national point of contact for reporting all oil, chemical, radiological, biological, and etiological discharges into the environment anywhere in the United States and its territories.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in the Context of Terrorism and Other Civil Conflict in Northern Ireland: Randomised Controlled Trial (PDF)
M. Duffy, K. Gillespie, D.M. Clark, British Medical Journal (BMJ), March 22, 2007
This article describes the design and outcomes of an evaluation of the effectiveness of cognitive therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder related to terrorism and other civil conflict in Northern Ireland.
Rabies: Professional Resources and Clinician Information Line: 1-877-554-4625
Documents related to the disease of rabies are presented on this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web page for the convenience of clinicians. In addition, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, veterinarians, and health officers who have questions about rabies or rabies prophylaxis can contact the Clinician Information Line 24/7 for immediate answers.
Smallpox Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The Smallpox Vaccine Injury Compensation Program provides eligible individuals with
compensation (e.g., medical expense and lost employment income) for injuries or deaths associated with the
smallpox vaccine. Benefit forms and applications are available online.
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Mental Health Assistance
American Psychological Association (APA) Help Center
APA provides an online help center with specific information about coping with terror-related
stress and trauma.
For more information or to consult with a professional, please visit http://helping.apa.org/request/.
Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS)
CMHS, a component of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, administers programs and funding for delivery
of mental health services. The Emergency Mental Health and Traumatic Stress program provides
crisis counseling and education to victims of Presidentially declared disasters.
David Baldwin's Trauma Information Pages
This web site, compiled by psychologist David Baldwin, provides information for clinicians and researchers in the traumatic-stress field. It focuses on emotional trauma and traumatic stress, including posttraumatic stress disorder and dissociation, whether they develop following individual traumatic experiences or a large-scale disaster.
Disaster Mental Health Resources, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
This page includes information on general strategies for promoting mental health and resilience that have been developed by various organizations based on experiences in prior disasters. While each individual is affected differently by a disaster, certain groups may share common experiences.
Disaster Technical Assistance Center
Established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, this center assists states, territories, and local entities with behavioral health all-hazards disaster planning. The center also promotes collaboration between mental health and substance abuse authorities, federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and experts in the field by organizing training events and workshops.
Enduring Mental Health Morbidity and Social Function Impairment in World Trade Center Rescue, Recovery and Cleanup Workers: The Psychological Dimension of an Environmental Health Disaster (PDF)
J.M. Stellman et al., Environmental Health Perspectives, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, May 13, 2008
The World Trade Center (WTC) attacks exposed thousands of workers to hazardous environmental conditions and psychological trauma. To assess the health of these workers, the WTC Worker and Volunteer Medical Screening Program established a large cohort of WTC rescue, recovery, and cleanup workers. The current study describes mental health outcomes, social function impairment, and psychiatric comorbidity in the cohort, as well as perceived symptomatology in workers' children.
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc. (ICISF)
ICISF is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to preventing and mitigating disabling stress. It offers
education and training, a certificate program, and consultation services to professionals in the
emergency services and mental health fields.
Managing Anxiety in Times of Crisis
Provided by the National Mental Health Information Center, this Web site includes resources for coping with anxiety and links to a Mental Health Services Locator.
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)/National Emergency Assistance Team
(NEAT)
NEAT is composed of nine nationally certified school psychologists who have had formal
training in and direct crisis experience with manmade and natural disasters. In an emergency,
NEAT can be reached within hours of a crisis. Team members train school psychologists and
other professionals in crisis preparedness and response. The NASP web site provides numerous
materials designed to help school psychologists and other officials establish school crisis teams.
National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The National Center for PTSD, mandated by Congress to advance the clinical care and social
welfare of U.S. veterans, provides educational information concerning PTSD and other
consequences of traumatic stress. The center's web site includes pages devoted to the effects of traumatic experiences, assessment instruments, and terrorist attacks and children. The site also
includes a bibliographical database called PILOTS, which catalogs international literature
published on traumatic stress.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a nationwide, 24-hour toll-free suicide prevention service available to those thinking about committing suicide. Additionally, as part of its participation in the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network, the Mental Health Association of New York City will provide training and technical assistance to crisis centers. The training and technical assistance will cover operational, promotional, and evaluative issues and will be provided at little or no cost to participants.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Alliance
The alliance provides educational resources for those at risk for developing PTSD, individuals
diagnosed with PTSD and their loved ones, and medical, health-care, and other frontline
professionals. Helpful publications include Hope for Recovery: Understanding Posttraumatic
Stress Disorder and PTSD: A Guide for Frontline Professionals (call 1-877-507-PTSD to order
copies).
Trauma and the Brain (PDF)
S. Smith and S. Aslanian, American RadioWorks®, American Public Media
Drawing on research gleaned from work with civilian and first-responder survivors of the September 11 terror attacks, clinicians and researchers share their findings through web articles and audio interviews recorded by American RadioWorks®. New information about who is likely to develop posttraumatic stress disorder after a catastrophic event, when and how to best intervene clinically, and, as important, how to avoid further stressing the survivor are discussed.
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Resources for Victim Service Providers
Association for Death Education and Counseling
The Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) is an interdisciplinary organization in the fields of dying, death, and bereavement. Its membership comprises a wide array of mental and medical health personnel, educators, clergy, funeral directors, and volunteers. ADEC's primary goal is to enhance the ability of professionals and lay people to better meet the needs of those with whom they work in death education and grief counseling. ADEC offers numerous educational opportunities through its annual conference, courses and workshops, certification program, and newsletter, The Forum.
Disaster Mental Health Institute, The University of South Dakota
The Disaster Mental Health Institute (DMHI) promotes, develops, and applies
practices and research in disaster mental health. DMHI offers coursework, degree programs, and conferences intended to help undergraduates, graduates, and mental health professionals learn how to serve their communities in times of disaster.
Disaster Technical Assistance Center
Established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, this center assists states, territories, and local entities with behavioral health all-hazards disaster planning. The center also promotes collaboration between mental health and substance abuse authorities, federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and experts in the field by organizing training events and workshops.
Eureste: European Resources for the Victims of Terrorism
Eureste seeks to offer a common European response to terrorism. The project provides this web site to establish an inventory of useful resources, focusing particularly on the way victims of terrorism and their families experience their tragedy.
First Response to Victims of Crime
Office for Victims of Crime, U.S. Department of Justice, and National Sheriffs' Association, April 2008
This educational multimedia package describes steps that law enforcement personnel can take, as first responders, to meet crime victims' needs. The video covers victimizations such as sexual assault, drunk driving, homicide, human trafficking, and mass casualties, and also addresses the special needs of older victims, child victims, immigrants, and victims with disabilities.
National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA)
NOVA advocates for victims' rights, assists service providers, provides direct victim assistance,
offers emergency response training, coordinates a National Crisis Response Team, and operates a
toll-free referral hotline for victims of crime and disaster (1-800-TRY-NOVA).
 Office for Victims of Crime
The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) helps service providers deliver comprehensive, quality services to victims of crime. Its web site provides numerous information resources for victims, including the OVC Handbook for Coping After Terrorism and contact information for state victim assistance and compensation programs. The OVC Resource Center (1-800-851-3420) is staffed by information specialists who can answer questions, provide up-to-date research and statistics, and make appropriate service referrals. OVC's Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC) is the nexus of a learning community focused on strengthening the capacity of the nation's victim assistance organizations. TTAC maintains a calendar of events occurring throughout the country, which can help people find training in victim assistance skills, information about current and emerging victim assistance topics, and professional development opportunities.
Proceedings of the Conference Debate on "Terrorism, the Law and Victims' Rights"
Victims' rights advocates and other professionals who work with victims of mass trauma may be interested in these written summaries of this March 2006 conference. The event represents the beginning of a European-wide reflection and study process on the role of the judicial system in supporting victims' rights in the face of terrorist acts.
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Support for Families
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Disaster Response
AACAP has gathered facts, tips, and advice to help parents and others talk to kids about
terrorism and disasters. Information is available in English and Spanish.
The Compassionate Friends
This support organization provides people who have experienced the death of a child at any age,
from any cause, with an opportunity for sharing with and learning from other grievers. Members
offer friendship and understanding to bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings.
Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. (COPS)
COPS provides resources and support for surviving families of law enforcement officers killed in
the line of duty, training to law enforcement agencies on survivor victimization issues, and public
education on the need to support the law enforcement profession and its survivors.
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Office for Victim Assistance
The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Office for Victim Assistance aids victims of crimes investigated by the bureau, including overseas crimes against Americans.
International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program
Office for Victims of Crime, February 2006
This report covers in detail the challenges and obstacles faced in developing this program, a compendium of the groundwork laid thus far, and the emergency assistance provided to victims in the interim while program regulations are being finalized.
National Center for Grieving Children and Families (Dougy Center)
The Dougy Center provides resources and training locally, nationally, and internationally to
support individuals and organizations that help grieving children as they move through the
healing process.
National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC)
NCVC serves individuals, families, and communities harmed by crime. Center resources include
advocacy, victim services, training, a virtual library, and a toll-free helpline (1-800-FYI-CALL)
for referrals to crisis intervention, research information, assistance with the criminal justice
process, counseling, and support groups.
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
The foundation's mission is to honor and remember America's fallen firefighters and provide
resources to assist their survivors. The Survivor Support Network matches survivors with similar
experiences and circumstances for mutual emotional assistance, and the Chief-to-Chief Network
helps fire chiefs handle a line-of-duty death through professional and personal support from other
chiefs who have been through the same loss.
National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children (POMC)
POMC offers parents and other survivors emotional support, information on the criminal justice
system, court accompaniment, and advocacy. Staff also provide consultation and training for
professionals who work with survivors.
Project Liberty—Feel Free to Feel Better
Project Liberty was established in 2001 to provide supportive counseling to individuals and groups affected by the World Trade Center disaster. The project has phased down operations and redesigned its web site to link individuals and groups to services that will continue to help them cope with the aftereffects of the attack.
Voices of September 11th
VOICES of September 11th is an internationally recognized leader in providing support and advocacy in response to the 9/11 attacks. Founded in 2001 as a clearinghouse for information and support for those affected, VOICES has expanded its mission to include nonpartisan advocacy for public policy reform on prevention, preparedness, and response related to terrorism.
World Trade Center United Family Group
The World Trade Center United Family Group is a nonprofit support and information organization dedicated to building a community of trust and shared experience for 9/11 survivors, families, and rescue workers. The organization offers peer support events, resources, an enhanced online peer support forum, and community advocacy and outreach activities.
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 See also related publications.
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