New York State Office of Victim Services

Providing help, healing and hope to crime victims since 1966. to find help and services in your community.

[New York State Office of Victim Services @nysovs]

Today we remember the lives lost and those injured in the racially motivated mass shooting at the Tops Friendly Market on Buffalo’s East Side. We honor the victims, stand with their loved ones, and recognize the strength and resilience of the Buffalo community. #BuffaloStrong

[New York State Office of Victim Services @nysovs]

11 a.m. TODAY: Director Bea Hanson and @CapPressRoom Host @poozer87 talk about the state of victim services, new state laws that make it easier for survivors to seek financial help with crime-related costs they can't otherwise afford to pay, and more.
📻💻https://t.co/iFvq1ZKboz

[New York State Office of Victim Services @nysovs]

Thank you @nycendgbv and @LinkNYC for sharing details about this critical financial safety net for victims and survivors of crime. New York is the only state in the nation with no cap on medical and counseling costs, which means help is available as long as individuals need it.

[LinkNYC @LinkNYC]

New Yorkers may be eligible for financial help if they experience a crime! @nycendgbv partnered with @nysovs to share this critical message on LinkNYC and connect community members to the support they deserve. Learn more at https://t.co/LH6fdbUkEz

[New York State Office of Victim Services @nysovs]

We're accepting applications to fund support services that meet the immediate and long-term needs of victims and survivors of crime. Deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Monday, March 23, 2026. More: https://t.co/cqkDxQ6p6c

[New York State Office of Victim Services @nysovs]

The updated OVS compensation program is now in effect. New laws taking effect today expand who can apply and how claims are reviewed, making compensation more accessible for victims and survivors.
Learn more: https://t.co/cbr6V8aDFP

[New York State Office of Victim Services @nysovs]

As of today, new state laws are in effect and OVS Compass is now the system advocates must use to submit compensation claims for victims and survivors.
To learn more about these important updates, visit https://t.co/bOtE67Adhi

[New York State Office of Victim Services @nysovs]

Please note, the current compensation portal will close on Dec. 31. Any in-progress claims should be completed before then.
Learn more about these important updates: https://t.co/XBsX5jVDh3

[New York State Office of Victim Services @nysovs]

Starting Dec. 31, new state laws will expand access to OVS compensation. These changes are designed to make it easier for victims and survivors to apply for financial assistance and get support after a crime. 🧵

[New York State Office of Victim Services @nysovs]

▪️ Victims and survivors will have three years to file a claim with OVS following the crime, discovery of the crime, after a court finds a lawsuit frivolous, or the victim died because of the crime.
▪️ OVS can review claims even if no arrest was made or charges were filed.

[New York State Office of Victim Services @nysovs]

Our Victim Service Portal will also close on December 31, and all claims must be submitted through our new system: OVS Compass.

To learn more about these important updates, visit https://t.co/bOtE67Adhi

[New York State Office of Victim Services @nysovs]

📢Attention victim advocates! 📢
Several law changes will go into effect December 31, making it easier for victims and survivors to get reimbursed for crime-related expenses. 🧵

[New York State Office of Victim Services @nysovs]

Director Hanson and her OVS team remain committed to doing everything we can to help ensure that victims and survivors can access the resources, services and support they need to move forward and thrive (3/3).

[New York State Office of Victim Services @nysovs]

Director Bea Hanson (fourth from left) joined 40 government, nonprofit and philanthropic professionals from across the country this week to reimagine how these different systems can better address, reduce and prevent gender-based violence (1/3).

[New York State Office of Victim Services @nysovs]

Thank you to the @CPI_foundation and Battered Women's Justice Project for hosting the convening and facilitating these important conversations (2/3).

[New York State Office of Victim Services @nysovs]

We mourn the four New Yorkers killed in the July 28 mass shooting in Manhattan and stand with all those affected. In moments like these, knowing where to turn for help is critical. Find counseling, crisis services and support here: https://t.co/yzk3AvrhBq
@NMVVRC

[New York State Office of Victim Services @nysovs]

11 a.m. TODAY: Director Bea Hanson talks with @CapPressRoom Host David Lombardo about the state's record-level investment in programs that support victims and survivors of crime.
https://t.co/OH7ECNWz81

[New York State Office of Victim Services @nysovs]

ICYMI: @UlsterCoSheriff Juan Figueroa hosted @GovKathyHochul & Director Bea Hanson Tuesday in Kingston to call for common-sense changes to the state’s discovery law, which outlines how information and evidence in criminal cases is shared with the defense. https://t.co/YhW5FOZBkU

[New York State Office of Victim Services @nysovs]

to highlight proposed changes to the state's discovery process to ensure procedural fairness, shorten case processing times, and safeguard sensitive and personal information belonging to witnesses (2/2). https://t.co/BBb7OGMogk

[New York State Office of Victim Services @nysovs]

Director Bea Hanson joined @GovKathyHochul, survivors of domestic violence, advocates and elected district attorneys this morning to discuss record-level funding in the Governor's FY 26 Executive Budget proposal to expand access to services and support for survivors, and (1/2)