Skip to main content

This is archived content from the U.S. Department of Justice website. The information here may be outdated and links may no longer function. Please contact webmaster@usdoj.gov if you have any questions about the archive site.

Office of Justice for Victims of Overseas Terrorism

About OVT

The Office of Justice for Victims of Overseas Terrorism (OVT) was established by the Attorney General on May 6, 2005. Congress directed the establishment of the OVT in the Department of Justice Appropriations Act in December, 2004. See also the accompanying Conference Report, H.R. 4818 to that Act.

OVT's primary responsibilities to U.S. citizen overseas terrorism victims are:

  • To work to ensure that where Americans are injured or killed in terrorist attacks overseas, investigation and prosecution remain a high priority within the Department of Justice.
  • To monitor the investigation and prosecution of terrorist attacks against Americans abroad in both foreign and the United States criminal justice systems.
  • To work to ensure that the rights of victims and their families are honored and respected throughout the criminal justice system.

OVT consists of a Director (who is also an attorney) and a small staff. Our office also has an active internship program where we offer law students an opportunity to gain both academic credit and experience.

OVT Brochure

 
Updated August 4, 2017