NCJ Number
192637
Date Published
January 2002
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This fact sheet describes the Terrorism and International Victims Unit (TIVU) established by the Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) in response to emerging issues of terrorism.
Abstract
These issues include the increased threats worldwide due to advancing technology, widespread use of the Internet, increased international tourism, and overseas job opportunities, as well as new types of weapons of mass destruction and the resulting challenges for those responding to victims of terrorist attacks. TIVU is responsible for developing programs and initiatives to help victims of terrorism, mass violence, and crimes with transnational dimensions, such as trafficking of women and children and international child abduction. TIVU provides information and benefits to United States national and Federal employees who are victims abroad, makes OVC resources available to assist terrorism victims, and serves as OVC's liaison to the Department of State and other Federal agencies. It also serves as OVC's liaison to foreign embassies and consulates in the United States and helps fund efforts to recover children abducted and taken outside United States resources. TIVU administers the International Terrorism Victims Compensation Program, works with the Department of State to update and maintain an International Crime Victim Compensation Program Directory, and administers the Anti-terrorism and Emergency Assistance Program for Terrorism and Mass Violence Victims. TIVU is also involved in programs and initiatives with other Federal agencies and nonprofit organizations to enhance the assistance provided to victims of terrorism, mass violence, and international crimes. TIVU provides technical assistance and briefings to visitors from around the world. OVC has supported victims and families of numerous terrorist attacks and operates the OVC Resource Center as a clearinghouse for victim-related information, including information on issues related to victims of terrorism and international crime. Sources of further information