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
Across Nebraska's 93 counties, only 22 established Victim Witness/Assistance Programs are available, resulting in limited access to essential services, advocacy, and support for many survivors.
The statewide program is available to ensure all victims of crime—regardless of location or victimization type—have access to advocacy services and direct client assistance to support their safety and well-being.
Types of Victimization Served
NVAP serves victims of many types of crime, including traditionally underserved crime types such as:
- DUI/DWI
- Assault
- Robbery
- Elder Abuse/Neglect
- Survivors of homicide victims
- Adult survivors of incest or child sexual abuse
- Identity theft, fraud, and financial crimes
- Vehicular victimization
Statewide Services
Statewide Advocacy Services
Targeted support for traditionally underserved areas and crime types across Nebraska.
Direct Victim Assistance (DVA) Fund
Financial assistance for eligible safety and well-being needs directly resulting from victimization.
How to Access Assistance
To access advocacy services or the Direct Victim Assistance (DVA) Fund, we encourage you to first connect with your local victim assistance agency. A victim advocate can help you explore available resources and determine whether the DVA Fund may be appropriate.
Depending on the services available in your area, your local victim advocate may:
- Help assess your needs.
- Connect you with available services and resources.
- Determine whether the DVA Fund may be appropriate and assist with accessing DVA Fund assistance.
Need help getting connected?
If you are unsure who your local victim assistance provider is, contact NVAP and we can help connect you with services in your area.
The DVA Fund is not accessed directly by survivors. Requests are coordinated through a victim assistance agency and reimbursed for approved eligible expenses.
Advocacy and Direct Assistance Services Provided by NVAP
- Information and referrals
- Personal advocacy and accompaniment
- Emotional support and safety services
- Criminal justice system advocacy
- Assistance with Crime Victim Reparations (CVR) claims
- Assistance with offender notification registration
- Support for urgent safety and well-being needs
Direct Victim Assistance (DVA) Fund
Key Considerations
- Requests must directly relate to the crime and support the safety and well-being of survivors and their families.
- All costs must be reasonable and justified.
- The fund serves as a last resort—other available resources should be considered first.
Eligible Categories of Support
- Relocation Support – Emergency relocation expenses
- Safety & Security – Window, door, and lock repair or replacement
- Emergency Needs – Food, clothing, shelter, and transportation
- Criminal Justice Participation Support – Travel, lodging, and meals to attend specific court proceedings
- Other Well-Justified Needs – Based on the individual's circumstances and the impact of the crime
Unallowable Expenses
The following expenses are not eligible for DVA Fund assistance:
- Costs or needs related to being a witness
- Mortgage payments
- Vehicle-related expenses (repairs, insurance, or car payments)
- Property loss or damage resulting from theft or vandalism
- Monetary losses resulting from fraud
- Expenses related to general financial hardship
Eligibility is determined based on current VOCA guidelines. Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are dependent on available resources within the current budget year.
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 or 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
julie.geise@nebraska.gov