The State Department is committed to assisting U.S. citizens who become victims of crime while abroad.  We help in two ways:

• Overseas: consular officers, agents, and staff work with crime victims and help them with the local police and medical systems.
• In the United States: our office of Overseas Citizens Services will stay in touch with family members in the United States, and help provide U.S.-based resources for the victim when possible.

If you are the victim of a crime overseas:

• Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate: Consular officers are available for emergency assistance 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
• Contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates overseas can be found here or by going to our individual Country Specific Information pages.
• To contact the Department of State in the U.S. call 1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. or Canada) or (202) 501-4444 (from overseas).
• Contact the local police to report the incident and get immediate help.  Request a copy of the police report.

Consular Assistance to U.S. Citizen Victims of Crime

When a U.S. citizen is the victim of a crime overseas, he or she may suffer from physical, emotional or financial injuries. It can be more difficult because the victim may be in unfamiliar surroundings, and may not know the local language or customs.

How We Can Help:

• Replace a lost or stolen passport
• Contact family, friends, or employers with written permission, in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974
• Provide information to facilitate access to appropriate medical care
• Address emergency needs that arise as a result of the crime
• Explain financial assistance options, such as assistance available to return to the United States
• Provide information about local points of contact or organizations who discuss relevant host country laws and implementation of those laws
• Share information about the status of your case in the local criminal justice process when applicable
• Connect you to overseas and U.S.-based resources for victims of crime, if available
• Provide a list of local lawyers who speak English

We cannot:

• Investigate crimes
• Provide legal advice or represent you in court
• Serve as official interpreters or translators
• Pay legal, medical, or other expenses for you

Resources and Information for Crime Victims upon Return to the United States:

Some U.S. cities and communities offer programs to help residents who are victims of overseas crime, including:

• Rape crisis counseling programs
• Shelter and counseling programs for battered women
• Support groups and bereavement counseling for family members and friends of murder victims
• Diagnostic and treatment programs for child abuse victims
• Assistance for victims of drunk driving crashes

All U.S. states provide victim compensation programs, however only some states offer benefits to residents who are victims of violent crime overseas.  Most compensation programs require the victim to file a report at the time of the incident, and to provide a copy with the application.  Programs include financial assistance to pay for:

• Medical costs, including counseling
• Funeral or burial expenses
• Lost income or loss of support
• Expenses related to the repatriation of remains

Information about each state’s compensation program and how to apply for benefits is available from the National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards.

Contact Information for Victim Assistance Programs:

DISCLAIMER:  The U.S. Department of State assumes no responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the organizations whose names appear below.  This referral does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of the U.S. Department of State.