If you are looking for support after domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, child abuse, or another crime, you may come across the VOCA Administrators page from the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). This is a federal resource page that helps explain how Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding is managed at the state and territorial level.

For survivors, the most important takeaway is simple: VOCA is one of the main ways victim services are funded in the United States. That funding can support shelters, crisis lines, advocacy, counseling, legal help, relocation assistance, and other services that may be available to you at low or no cost.

The OVC updated or highlighted its VOCA Administrators resource page. This page is not a direct service line for survivors. Instead, it points to the people and offices in each state, territory, and the District of Columbia that help oversee VOCA-funded victim services.

In practical terms, this means:

• VOCA funding is still an important part of the victim-services system.
• The page helps identify the state-level administrators who manage or coordinate these funds.
• Survivors and advocates can use this information to better understand where services come from and how to find local programs.

When you are in crisis, the system can feel confusing and hard to navigate. A resource like this matters because it helps explain who is responsible for funding and organizing many victim services in your area.

That can affect you in several ways:

• Access to help: VOCA-funded programs may offer free or reduced-cost support.
• Local availability: Services can vary by state, county, and community.
• Program stability: Funding decisions can affect whether programs have enough staff, hours, or space.
• Referrals: If one program is full, a VOCA administrator or local victim service agency may know other options.

If you are trying to leave an abusive situation, this kind of funding can matter a lot. It may help determine whether you can get a shelter bed, a safety plan, transportation, emergency financial help, or an advocate who can walk with you through court or police processes.

This update may matter to:

• Domestic violence survivors looking for shelter, advocacy, or legal support
• People experiencing stalking, sexual assault, trafficking, or other crimes
• Children and caregivers seeking trauma-informed services
• Advocates and caseworkers trying to locate state victim-services contacts
• Community organizations that rely on VOCA funding to provide direct services

If you are not sure whether a service is VOCA-funded, you can still ask. Many programs do not require you to know the funding source before they help you.

VOCA funds are often used for services such as:

• Crisis intervention
• Emergency shelter and housing support
• Safety planning
• Advocacy and accompaniment
• Counseling and therapy referrals
• Legal advocacy and court support
• Transportation assistance
• Relocation or emergency needs in some areas
• Support for children and family members affected by violence

Not every program offers every service. Availability depends on your location and the organization.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number.

If you are not in immediate danger but need support, here are gentle next steps:

1. Reach out to a local domestic violence program or hotline.

   • Ask for shelter, safety planning, or an advocate.
   • You do not have to share everything at once.

2. Ask whether the program is VOCA-funded or can refer you to a VOCA-funded service.

   • You can say: “Do you have victim services funded through VOCA, or can you connect me with someone who does?”

3. Use the state victim-services contact if you need a broader referral.

   • The VOCA Administrators page can help identify the office responsible for victim-services coordination in your state or territory.

4. Write down only what feels safe.

   • Keep a list of phone numbers, addresses, and names if you can do so safely.
   • If your phone is monitored, consider using a safer device or clearing your browser history.

5. Ask about confidentiality.

   • You can ask what information is collected, who can see it, and whether it is safe to leave a voicemail.

6. If you are worried about money, ask about emergency assistance.

   • Some programs can help with transportation, hotel stays, food, or other urgent needs.

If someone is controlling your phone, messages, or internet use, even looking up help can create risk. Please move at your own pace.

Safety reminders:

• Use a device or account the abusive person cannot access if possible.
• Clear browser history, downloads, and call logs if that is safe.
• Consider using private browsing only if it does not make you more visible to someone monitoring your device.
• If you need to leave quickly, save important numbers in a way that will not alert the abusive person.
• If speaking aloud is unsafe, many hotlines offer chat or text options.

This page is a resource and administrative directory, not a guarantee of services. A few things may vary:

• The amount of VOCA funding available in your area
• Whether a local program has open capacity
• Which services are offered by each organization
• How quickly help can be arranged

Because funding and program availability can change, it is okay to ask for the most current information. If one place cannot help, ask for a referral to another program.

If you are helping a friend, family member, neighbor, or client:

• Offer to help them find the local victim-services office.
• Ask what feels safest before making calls or sending messages.
• Avoid pressuring them to leave or report before they are ready.
• Focus on immediate needs: safety, shelter, transportation, food, and emotional support.
• Remember that survivors may need time to trust a new service.

If you need support now, consider:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• Text: START to 88788
• Chat: thehotline.org
• If you are in immediate danger: call 911

You can also contact:

• Your state or territorial victim services office
• A local domestic violence shelter or advocacy program
• A sexual assault or stalking support organization
• A legal aid office if you need help with protection orders, custody, or housing issues

You do not need to prove your pain to deserve help. If this resource helps you find one more safe person, one more phone number, or one more option, that is enough.

If you want, you can take this one step at a time: first safety, then support, then the rest.