U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Victim Liaison Models

NCJ Number
255232
Date Published
September 2018
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This "tip sheet" from the National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center presents examples of victim liaison models in various jurisdictions throughout the country, which are programs structured to ensure that victims and family members impacted by a mass violence incident (MVI) have victim liaisons who monitor the needs of victims and their families and connect them with community services that address their specific needs.
Abstract
The tip sheet notes that the examples of victim liaison models presented are only examples and have not qualified as proven best practices. They represent the efforts of various communities to ensure that victims and their families make an informed connection to the services that address their needs. The features of each program are listed for Aurora, Colorado; Newton, Connecticut; the New York City area; Oak Creek, Wisconsin; Boston, Massachusetts; and the Safe Haven model Implemented in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Denver, Colorado. The tip sheet's concluding comment on existing statutes and policies related to victim liaison programs advises that timely and effective responses to victims, survivors, and first responders may require amending existing statutes to address funding or service gaps. It suggests researching and reviewing listed federal and state statutes and policies to gain an understanding of existing mandated procedures, roles, and responsibilities.