All domestic violence victims are crime victims and need information, advocacy and support as they are faced with deterrents along their journey to independence. New York State Office of Victim Services provides compensation to victims for losses they incurred as a result of a crime.
Crime Victim Services Program
Our Crime Victims Program utilizes a trauma-informed and client centered approach to provide comprehensive, direct services to clients including individual and group counseling, safety planning, and advocacy. Advocates work with non-residential and residential clients including those living in our PALS units. People and Animals Living Safely (PALS) program for domestic violence victims with pets. We know that pets can be impacted by domestic violence and can be a barrier to seeking safety.
New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS)
A core mission of OVS is to provide compensation to innocent victims of crime for their out-of-pocket losses associated with the crime , particularly in the area of long-term medical benefits, provides some financial relief to victims, who often suffer long-term financial loss in addition to the harm caused by the crime itself. Our experienced advocates assist victims with the completion and submission of compensation applications.
Visit their Services page to learn more.
Download the Crime Victims Compensation Application here.
SUPPORT AND EDUCATION
Bilingual case managers coordinate services, educate the community about crime victim benefits, and provide counseling to survivors of domestic violence. In partnership with the New York City Family Justice Centers (FJCs), case managers accept referrals from the FJCs and are the critical point of contact for the ongoing needs of the FJC clients. Additional services include:
VICTIM INFORMATION NOTIFICATION EVERYDAY
Victims of crime can use the New York State VINE system to search for information regarding the custody status of their offender and/or to receive telephone and email notification when the offender’s custody status changes.
For more information about URI Crime Victim Service program or to make a referral please email CSVPinfo@urinyc.org.
URI serves all survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence and gender-based violence regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.