Call 911 if you are experiencing an emergency.
If you are experiencing a Mental Health Crisis please call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org/
Nebraska Victim Advocacy Program
The statewide Nebraska Victim Advocacy Program (NVAP) is available to ensure all victims of crime – regardless of location or victimization type – have access to advocacy services and direct client assistance to work towards or achieve safety and well-being.
Across Nebraska’s 93 counties, only 21 established Victim/Witness/Assistance Programs are available, resulting in limited access to essential services, advocacy, and support for many survivors.
Statewide Advocacy Services
Targeted support for traditionally underserved areas and crime types across Nebraska
Direct Victim Assistance (DVA) Fund
Funds designated for safety and well-being needs directly resulting from victimization
Advocacy and Direct Assistance Services Provided by NVAP
- Information and referrals
- Personal advocacy & accompaniment
- Emotional support & safety services
- Criminal Justice system advocacy
- Assistance with Crime Victim Reparation (CVR) claims
- Assistance with offender notification registration
- Support for urgent safety and well-being needs
Types of Victimization (Include but are not limited to):
- DUI/DWI
- Assault
- Robbery
- Elder Abuse/Neglect
- Survivors of Homicide Victims
- Adult Survivors of Incest or Child Sexual Abuse
- Identity Theft/Fraud/Financial Crime
- Vehicular Victimization
Direct Victim Assistance (DVA) Fund
Eligible categories of support
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Relocation Support
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Emergency relocation expenses
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Safety & Security
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Window, door, lock repair/replacement
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Safety-related home modifications
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Emergency Needs
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Food, clothing, shelter, transportation
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Criminal Justice Participation Support
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Travel, lodging, meals to attend specific court proceedings
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Other Well-Justified Needs
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Based on individual circumstances and impact of the crime
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DVA Fund – Funding Request Considerations
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Funding requests must speak to ways approval would assist in the immediate emotional, psychological and physical health and safety of the victim and include a plan for sustainability of any services provided.
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The financial need must directly relate to a recent crime victimization and ensure enhanced safety and well-being of survivor/family
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All costs must be reasonable and justified
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The fund serves as a last resort – other available resources should be considered first
Unallowable Expenses
The following costs are NOT eligible for consideration by the DVA Fund:
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Costs or needs related to being a witness
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Mortgage payments
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Vehicle-related expenses (e.g. repairs, insurance, car payments)
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Property loss of damage due to theft or vandalism
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Monetary losses resulting from fraud
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Expenses related to general hardship
Eligibility is determined by the current VOCA guidelines.
Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis, guided by the resources available in the current budget year.
The Direct Victim Assistance (DVA) Fund operates on a reimbursement basis. Agencies must provide itemized invoices, lease agreements and other required documentation. Final approval is granted once all documentation has been submitted.
Other Resources
To find local resources in Nebraska for food, housing, mental health, and other community services: Call 211, Text your zip code to 898211, or visit their website for more options. https://ne211.org
Victim Connect Resource Center - Confidential referrals for crime victims
Call / Text directly at 1-855-484-2846
National hotline service that provides free, confidential call, text and chat support to victims of any type of crime.
State of Nebraska Victim Resources
Reference Library
Contact Information
Julie Geise
Statewide Victim Advocacy Coordinator
(402) 429-1609