The New York State Office of Victim Services has a three-tiered mission to: provide compensation to victims of crime, their family members, and other eligible individuals in a timely, efficient and compassionate manner; fund direct services to victims of crime and their families through a network of programs across New York State; and advocate for the rights and benefits of all victims of crime. OVS supports more than 200 victim assistance programs that provide direct services, such as crisis counseling, advocacy, emergency shelter, civil legal assistance and relocation assistance, to victims and their families: ovs.ny.gov/connect
The agency also provides financial assistance and reimbursement to eligible crime victims for medical and counseling expenses, funeral and burial expenses, lost wages and support, in addition to other assistance. This reimbursement and compensation is funded by fines, fees and surcharges paid by certain offenders convicted state and federal court. Claims filed with the agency are confidential and are exempt from disclosure under the state's Freedom of Information Law. If you wish to file a claim or have a question about a claim, please contact the agency directly: ovs.ny.gov/contact or 800-247-8035.
