Our mission is to provide compensation to certain victims of violent crime for some expenses they suffer as a result of the crime. In carrying out it’s mission, the VCCO is mindful of the special needs of those victimized by crime and their right to be treated with fairness, compassion and respect.

The New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation Office assists certain individuals whose lives have been tragically altered as a result of victimization from violent crimes by providing compensation for some expenses they suffer as a result of the crime. In carrying out its mission, the VCCO is mindful of the special needs of those victimized by crime and their right to be treated with fairness, compassion and respect. The VCCO was moved from the Department of Treasury to the Department of Law and Public Safety in July 2008.

The VCCO was established by the Criminal Injury Compensation Act of 1971 to help victims recover from the effects of violent crimes by providing financial assistance to victims, their families, and victim service providers to help alleviate the economic and emotional burdens of victimization. Going forward, the VCCO will continue to look for more efficient and effective ways to compassionately serve New Jersey crime victims. Plans include the use of new technology and organizational streamlining to provide greater service to those on the road to recovery. We have developed a training program for staff that provides extensive training on all aspects of victim services and the legal system, including domestic violence, cultural competence, prosecution of cases, family court and compassion fatigue.

We are also excited about our initiative to revive outreach and training programs. Our goal is to educate and re-educate those on the front line such as first responders to victims, including local police, EMT’s, SANE staff and hospital personnel. Equally important is the need to re-familiarize the staff in each county prosecutor’s office, judges, service providers, youth groups, the faith-based community and the public at large with the VCCO statutes, rules and policies.

Visit our library page to view our latest outreach materials.