New York’s commitment to victims of violent crime began in 1966 with the establishment of the Crime Victims Compensation Board, subsequently renamed the Crime Victims Board. The agency became the Office of Victim Services in 2010.

OVS now funds and supports more than 200 victim assistance programs that provide services, such as crisis counseling, advocacy, emergency shelter, civil legal assistance and relocation assistance, to victims and survivors and their families. The agency also provides financial assistance and reimbursement to eligible victims of crime for medical and counseling expenses, funeral and burial expenses, lost wages and support, in addition to other assistance.