Victim Assistance Program is often the first point of contact for victims seeking information, compensation, advocacy and emotional support related to their new and unwanted status as victims of crime. Advocates can immediately draw upon the resources of OVS for the purpose of delivering direct services, including referrals to all appropriate resources throughout New York, particularly other OVS funded victim assistance programs and the established network of crime victim service providers, compensation claims assistance (including emergency OVS compensation claims assistance), information, personal advocacy and follow-up contact through in person contact, telephone, mail, and e-mail.