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Introduction

An intense disastrous experience, such as an act of terrorism, will dramatically change the lives of those victimized. Violent and unexpected acts of terrorism may leave victims with serious physical and emotional wounds. Following the shock and trauma of an act of terrorism, victims may have to work with several organizations to investigate the crime and to bring the perpetrators to justice. This brochure briefly describes your fights in the federal criminal justice system. It also describes some services that are available to assist you in the aftermath of a terrorist attack.

Who investigates and prosecutes acts of terrorism?

Terrorist acts are federal crimes, investigated and prosecuted by federal law enforcement officials.

INVESTIGATION: THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (FBI)
It is the duty of the FBI to collect evidence from the scene and from witnesses and to coordinate the investigation with the United States Attorneys offices and the Department of Justice. There is no way to know how much time the investigation will take or to whom the investigators will need to talk. Their goal is to find and arrest the person or persons responsible for the crime and continue to gather evidence for the case. The FBI has Victim-Witness Coordinators and Specialists who can provide you with referrals to services and updates on the investigation.

PROSECUTION: UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS' OFFICES
Most victims have a strong desire to see that justice is done and the terrorist is punished. The US Attorney's office is responsible for bringing charges against the person or persons believed to have committed the act of terrorism. Each US Attorney's office has a Victim-Witness Coordinator who is the point of contact for victims of federal crime and their families. Victim-Witness Coordinators can provide you with referrals to services and crime victim compensation programs as well as notification of important case events.

What are your rights as a victim of terrorism?

Federal criminal justice agencies have statutory responsibilities related to victims' rights and services in criminal cases. Specifically, federal officials must use their best efforts to ensure victims are accorded the following rights:

• The right to dignity and privacy and to be treated with fairness and respect.
• The right to seek assistance from federal law enforcement in the event you are threatened or intimidated.
• The right to be notified of court proceedings.
• The right to attend all public court proceedings related to the offense, unless the court determines otherwise.
• The right to confer with an attorney working on the case.
• The right to restitution.
• The right to information about the conviction, sentencing, and imprisonment of the offender.

As a victim of a violent crime, at sentencing you may also be able make an oral statement or submit a written impact statement about the effect the crime has had on you.

What resources are available to assist you in the aftermath of a terrorist act?

Victim Compensation
As a victim of crime, you may be eligible for financial compensation for crime-related expenses, such as medical care, mental health counseling, and lost wages. Every state has a Crime Victim Compensation Program that may reimburse these expenses when other financial resources, such as private insurance, do not cover the cost. Your US Attorney's office Victim-Witness Coordinator can assist you in contacting your state's Crime Victim Compensation Program.

Victim Assistance
A variety of victim assistance services have been established which address the needs of victims of terrorism. These include:

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) Family Assistance Call Center
1-800-331-0075
www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/vfa/
Victims and families of victims of terrorist attacks can obtain information and assistance, including crisis counseling, by calling OVC's national toll-free information line which is staffed by trained mental health professionals.

The Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB)
1-888-744-6513
The Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program, administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, assists public safety officers, their agencies, and their families before, during, and after a tragedy occurs.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
1-800-462-9029
www.fema.gov
Victims in designated federal disaster areas can call FEMA for crisis counseling, disaster unemployment assistance, disaster loans, and grants for losses.

Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS)
1-800-789-2647
www.mentalhealth.org/cmhs/
CMHS works in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in overseeing national efforts to provide emergency mental health services to survivors of Presidentially declared disasters.

American Red Cross
1-877-733-2767
The Family Well-Being Line can provide family referrals to local Red Cross Chapters

Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. (COPS)
573-346-4911
www.nationalcops.org
COPS is a nationwide nonprofit organization assisting survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
301-447-1365
www.firehero.org
The Foundation works to ensure that all necessary support systems are in place to best meet the needs of fire service families.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
To obtain further information about your rights, victim compensation, or victim assistance services, please contact

United States Attorney's Office
Victim-Witness Coordinator:
Name:
Phone:

FBI Field Office
Victim-Witness Coordinator:
Name:
Phone:

State Compensation Program:
Phone:

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