The CDC reports teens who experience dating violence are more likely to face mental health challenges and increased risk of future relationship violence.

Victim Assistance Programs across NYS support teens and families with safety planning and confidential support.

Learn more at ovs.ny.gov/connect

If you or someone you care about has experienced a crime, support is available.

OVS helps victims and survivors find counseling, shelter, and support through local programs across New York.

Learn more: ovs.ny.gov/connect

Governor Hochul announces EXPRESS NY, a new statewide effort to streamline regulations and improve how government works.

EXPRESS NY seeks ideas to improve government delivery.

Learn more: www.governor.ny.gov/news/governo...

#expressny #makegovbetter #OVS

OVS partners with agencies and organizations across New York to protect victims’ rights and expand the services available to survivors of crime.

To learn more about what types of resources and services are available near you, visit ovs.ny.gov/connect

How did OVS get started?

The New York State Office of Victim Services began in 1966 as the Crime Victims Compensation Board and became OVS in 2010. The agency continues its long-standing mission to support victims and survivors of crime across New York State.

Learn more at ovs.ny.gov/about-ovs

Did You Know: OVS stores unreported sexual offense evidence collection kits for up to 20 years in a secure, monitored facility.

Learn more: ovs.ny.gov/sexual-offense-kits

OVS supports a statewide network of victim assistance programs. These local programs provide direct services like crisis counseling, emergency shelter, and financial assistance to victims and survivors of crime and their families.

Learn more about services available near you: ovs.ny.gov/connect

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Dating violence can take many forms, including emotional, physical, or digital harm. Victim Assistance Programs across New York State support teens and families with safety planning and confidential support.

Learn more at ovs.ny.gov/connect

Missing Persons Day raises awareness for individuals who are missing and the families still searching for answers. These cases are often connected to crime, making public awareness and information sharing critical.

Learn more: criminaljustice.ny.gov/missing/resources.html

February is Black History Month. It’s a time to honor the contributions of Black individuals and communities, and to reflect on the continued pursuit of equity, dignity, and justice.

OVS helps fund 200+ Victim Assistance Programs statewide. These programs provide counseling, advocacy, emergency shelter, relocation support, and other services for crime victims. Find a program near you: ovs.ny.gov/connect

OVS helps victims and survivors cover eligible expenses after a crime — from medical and counseling expenses to funeral costs and lost wages.

Learn more: ovs.ny.gov/ovs-brochure

Each year, over 7.5 million people in the U.S. are stalked. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men experience stalking in their lifetime.

Stalking can affect life in many ways: living in fear, anxiety, depression, and more.

If you or someone you know is being stalked, help is available: ovs.ny.gov/connect

Forced labor is a serious crime and a form of human trafficking. It happens across the U.S. every day, often in domestic work like cooking, cleaning, or caregiving.

If you are a victim or survivor, OVS-funded Victim Assistance Programs can help.

Find services near you: ovs.ny.gov/connect

Sexual violence can be part of stalking.

This can include:
• Watching or tracking
• Invading someone’s privacy
• Blackmail or fake sexual images
• Sexual assault or harassment

You deserve to feel safe. Support and options: ovs.ny.gov/connect

Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose legacy shows that progress is built through courage, empathy, and a commitment to justice. His legacy continues to guide efforts to strengthen and protect the dignity of all people.

If a crime has kept you from working or caused unexpected costs, OVS may be able to help. This can include lost wages, medical bills, counseling, or funeral expenses. Details on how to apply: ovs.ny.gov/victim-compensation

Stalking can involve misusing everyday technology. Among victims of tech-facilitated stalking:

• 75% get unwanted phone calls
• 57% get unwanted texts. emails, or messages
• 52% are followed or watched

You are not alone.

Support is confidential: ovs.ny.gov/connect

Did you know: People can be harmed online by someone close to them. This can be digital abuse or stalking.

You can get confidential support: ovs.ny.gov/connect

National Human Trafficking Awareness Month was established in 2010 by President Obama. It raises awareness about people being forced to work or exploited against their will in the U.S. and worldwide.

To learn more: dhs.gov/blue-campaign

Stalking is a serious crime that can happen to anyone. It often involves repeated unwanted attention, contact, or monitoring. Stalkers are not always strangers, and stalking is never harmless.

If you or someone you care about is being stalked, help is available: ovs.ny.gov/connect

Q: Where can I find victim services in my area?

A: OVS funds and supports local Victim Assistance Programs throughout New York State. These local programs offer direct services to victims and survivors of crime.

Learn more: ovs.ny.gov/connect

OVS helps victims and survivors cover eligible expenses after a crime — from medical and counseling expenses to funeral costs and lost wages.

Learn more: ovs.ny.gov/ovs-brochure

Victims, survivors, and loved ones can apply for OVS compensation after a crime in New York — or if they’re NY residents affected by a terror attack abroad.

The easiest way: connect with a Victim Assistance Program.

ovs.ny.gov/connect

Crime can bring unexpected costs — even after insurance.

OVS may be able to reimburse victims and survivors for medical, counseling, or travel expenses.

Learn more: ovs.ny.gov/ovs-brochure

Not sure where to turn after a crime?

OVS works with over 200 Victim Assistance Programs across New York that offer counseling, advocacy, and help applying for compensation.

Find support: ovs.ny.gov/connect

Everyone has a right to clear information. The New York State Office for New Americans provides free resources and support for all New Yorkers, including immigrants.

Use the link to learn more. dos.ny.gov/know-your-ri...

OVS partners with agencies and organizations across New York to protect victims’ rights and expand the services available to survivors of crime.

To learn more about what types of resources and services are available near you, visit ovs.ny.gov/connect.

OVS stores unreported sexual offense evidence collection kits for up to 20 years in a secure, monitored facility.

Learn more: ovs.ny.gov/sexual-offense-kits

On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, OVS reaffirms our commitment to accessible, inclusive services for all victims and survivors of crime.

Learn more: ovs.ny.gov/connect