If you are the victim of a crime overseas

• Resources and contacts vary by country and type of crime. Review the country information page for information on resources in the country you are visiting.
• Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate or the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at (888) 407-4747 (from the U.S. or Canada) or (202) 501-4444(from overseas). Consular officers are available for emergency assistance 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

Consular Assistance to U.S. Citizen Victims of Crime

When a U.S. citizen is the victim of a crime overseas, he or she may suffer from physical, emotional or financial injuries. It can be more difficult because the victim may be in unfamiliar surroundings, and may not know the local language or customs.

How We Can Help:

• Replace a lost or stolen passport
• Contact family, friends, or employers with written permission, in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974
• Provide information to facilitate access to appropriate medical care
• Address emergency needs that arise as a result of the crime
• Explain financial assistance options, such as assistance available to return to the United States
• Provide information about local points of contact or organizations who discuss relevant host country laws and implementation of those laws
• Share information about the status of your case in the local criminal justice process when applicable
• Connect you to overseas and U.S.-based resources for victims of crime, if available
• Provide a list of local lawyers who speak English

We cannot:

• Investigate crimes
• Provide legal advice or represent you in court
• Serve as official interpreters or translators
• Pay legal, medical, or other expenses for you

Some U.S. cities and communities offer programs to help residents who are victims of overseas crime, including:

• Sexual Assault counseling programs
• Shelter and counseling programs for battered persons
• Support groups and bereavement counseling for family members and friends of murder victims
• Diagnostic and treatment programs for child abuse victims
• Assistance for victims of drunk driving crashes

While all U.S. states provide victim compensation programs, only some states may offer benefits to residents who are victims of violent crime overseas.

Information about each state’s compensation program and how to apply for benefits is available from the National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards.

Sexual Assault: 

• RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network) – Toll-free 24/7 hotline for sexual assault counseling and referrals: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). RAINN also offers a hotline that provides live, secure, anonymous crisis support for victims of sexual violence, their friends, and families over RAINN's website. The Online Hotline is free of charge and is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
• U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women – Information about local sexual assault victim assistance coalitions.

Domestic Violence:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – Toll-free 24/7 hotline for crisis counseling and referrals: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). 
• https://www.justice.gov/ovw – Information about local domestic violence victim assistance coalitions.
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence – The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence offers a safe home and shelter programs, public education, and technical assistance. They also have a list of state and international organizations that can assist domestic violence victims: 303-839-1852.
• International Directory of Domestic Violence Agencies – Global list of abuse hotlines, shelters, refuges, crisis centers and women's organizations, plus domestic violence information in over 90 languages.

Families and Friends of Murder Victims:

• POMC, Inc. (National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children) – Hotline for crisis counseling and referrals available Monday-Friday, 8-5 PM EST: 1-888-818-POMC.

Victims and Families of Drunk Driving Crashes:

• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – Information about local resources for victims and family members.

General Victim Assistance:

• U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) – Contact information for non-emergency services in communities throughout U.S. OVC includes the International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program (ITVERP).
• National Center for Victims of Crime – Information for crime victims on the impact of crime, safety planning, legal rights and civil legal remedies, and options for assistance and referrals to local programs.
• National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) – Toll-free hotline available Monday-Friday 9am-5pm EST for information and referral to victim assistance programs: 1-800-TRY-NOVA.