Being a victim of crime can have a lasting impact on a person’s physical, emotional and psychological well-being. The immediate effects often include physical injuries, financial losses and a deep sense of vulnerability. Victims should never feel ashamed or blame themselves—responsibility for a crime always lies with the perpetrator, not the victim.

Immediate Response and Resources

HSI's special agents and Victim Assistance Program Specialists (VAPS) focus on removing victims from dangerous situations and ensuring their basic needs are met. These needs include:

• Medical care
• Food
• Clothing
• Hygiene products

For victims who are immigrants, HSI may provide services like emergency shelter. We also offer interpreters and translation services, allowing victims to fully understand and communicate their needs as they navigate legal, medical and support systems.

VAPS are also trained to identify and coordinate referrals to non-profits and other organizations that provide services for any unique needs victims may have, such as:

• Physical or psychological distress
• Chemical dependency treatment
• Immigration legal services

HSI continues to support victims through trial preparation and beyond and ensures continued communication throughout the process.

Collaboration with Community Support Services

HSI works closely with non-profit organizations (NGOs) and local victim advocates to identify additional services for victims, such as:

• Housing and shelter
• Mental health care and support groups
• Physical therapy
• Food banks
• Transportation assistance
• School resources
• Advocacy organizations
• Branding removal (e.g., tattoos)

These services help victims manage a variety of challenges, from loss of income to childcare and occupational therapy.

Compassionate and Unbiased Support

HSI’s victim assistance program is designed to treat victims with compassion and respect. Our agents and VAPS are trained to recognize the signs of victimization and respond in a way that prevents further harm or re-traumatization. VAPS are non-law enforcement personnel who are specially trained to handle trauma-sensitive situations, providing unbiased support without the pressure sometimes associated with law enforcement. Their primary focus is on the emotional, psychological and practical needs of the victim – empowering individuals to heal while navigating the legal system.

Victim Rights

The Crime Victims' Rights Act (CVRA) (18 U.S. Code § 3771) ensures that victims of federal crimes have specific rights throughout the criminal justice process. These rights include the right to be reasonably protected from the accused, to be notified of court proceedings, to be present at these proceedings and to be heard during certain legal stages, such as sentencing. Victims also have the right to restitution, to be treated with fairness and respect, and to have timely access to information about the offender’s status. The CVRA empowers victims by ensuring they have a voice and are treated with dignity throughout the legal process.

Restitution

18 U.S. Code § 3663A mandates that courts order restitution for victims of certain crimes, requiring offenders to compensate victims for their financial losses. This applies to cases involving violent crimes, property offenses and fraud-related crimes. Restitution covers a range of losses, such as medical expenses, lost income and property damage. The law ensures that victims are financially reimbursed to the extent possible, but it does not consider the perpetrator's ability to pay when issuing a restitution order.

Learn more about the restitution process from the Department of Justice.

Immigration Assistance and Protections

For non-citizen victims of crime, HSI supports immigration relief initiatives provided by the U.S. Government, such as the T and U visas:

• T visa – For victims of human trafficking (labor or sex)
• U visa – For victims of certain qualifying crimes

In addition, HSI provides Continued Presence.

Continued Presence is a temporary immigration designation provided to individuals identified by law enforcement as potential victims of trafficking.

Continued Presence:

• Authorizes the victim to remain in the United States for two years
• Is renewable
• Provides a free work permit
• Provides eligibility for other federal benefits and services

These programs enable victims to remain in the U.S. while assisting in investigations, without fear of deportation. In this way, HSI empowers victims to seek justice and rebuild their lives regardless of their immigration status.