RESOURCES
The following are some resources for crime victims, missing persons, family members and loved ones that may be helpful. To access these resources, please click on the titles which will bring you to their individual websites.
Available weekdays from 9am-5pm EST, the VictimConnect Resource Center is a phone, chat, and text-based referral helpline operated by the National Center for Victims of Crime. VictimConnect also provides information about victims' rights, as well as local and national resources that may be available.
Cyber Civil Rights Initiative Crisis Helpline
The CCRI Crisis Helpline provides information, guidance related to image documentation and takedown, referrals to attorneys and emotional support to victims of nonconsensual porn/NCP, recorded sexual assault (RSA) and sextortion.
Light The Way Missing Persons Project
In a collaboration with The Gabby Petito Foundation, Light The Way Missing Persons Advocacy Project is a victim-centered volunteer organization dedicated to reuniting missing persons with their loved ones, fostering positive relationships between families and law enforcement and advocating tirelessly for victims of unresolved cases, missing individuals and their families.
The Gabby Petito Foundation seeks to empower youth and their families, communities and the multitudes of supportive services by centralizing and delivering innovative tools and resources to stop domestic abuse, promote healthy relationships, and help find missing loved ones.
Haley Gray is a true crime researcher, writer, and Credentialed Victim Advocate. She also founded True Crime Research Training with the mission of equipping people with essential skills for the true crime and advocacy community. Her advocacy work extends beyond podcasts, focusing on direct, compassionate support for families affected by cold cases. Ms. Gray has a series of excellent resources to help families navigate true crime, which are available at her website, which can be accessed by clicking her name above.
Jessie Buttafuoco Mental Health Media Services
Jessie Buttafuoco is a trauma-informed Media Consultant and motivational speaker, as well as a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. Ms. Buttafuoco offers mental health media services, which are listed and described on her website and can be accessed by clicking her name above. She is also a PhD student in Media Psychology, focusing on and researching the impacts of true crime media on victims of crime and their families.
Lucine Center for Trauma & Grief
Offering no cost grant-funded trauma and grief counseling for children, teen and young adults.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
The Nation's clearinghouse and comprehensive reporting center for all issues related to the prevention of and recovery from child victimization.
Additional Missing Children Guides:
Guide: What To Do When Your Child Is Missing. Use the following link:
https://familysurvival.amberadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Family-Survival-Guide_508_FINAL_ May-23-2023.pdf
Guide: Sibling Guide When Your Brother or Sister Is Missing. Use the following link:
https://familysurvival.amberadvocate.org/wpcontent/uploads/2025/01/2024_SIBLING_GUIDE_FINAL.pdf
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233(SAFE) is available 24/7.
This resource is a quick reference for missing children, entitled "Missing-Child, Emergency-Response, Quick-Reference Guide for Families.
Office for Victims of Crime Help for Victims-Victims Compensation and Assistance in Your State
This resource allows victims to discover resources in their immediate area that may help, including eligibility and information on crime victim compensation benefits.
This resource is a searchable map of victim service programs for survivors of crime and abuse in Indian Country.
Allows for offender tracking for victims and service providers, in an anonymous way. Offers a phone number, online site and mobile app.
