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.  Consular officers, consular agents, and local employees at overseas posts know local government agencies and resources in the country where they work.

We can help:

• Replace a stolen passport
• Contact family, friends, or employers
• Obtain appropriate medical care
• Address emergency needs that arise as a result of the crime
• Explain the local criminal justice process
• Obtain information about your case
• Connect you to local and U.S.-based resources to assist victims of crime
• Obtain information about any local and U.S. victim compensation programs 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 fees for you

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 crashesAll 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.

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. 

Sexual Assault: 

• • RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network) – Toll-free 24/7 hotline for sexual assault counseling and referrals: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).  RAINN also offers a hotline that provides live, secure, anonymous crisis support for victims of sexual violence, their friends, and families over RAINN’s website.  The Online Hotline is free of charge and is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week!
  • U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women – Information about local sexual assault victim assistance coalitions.
  • International Directory of Domestic Violence Agencies – Global list of abuse hotlines, shelters, refuges, crisis centers and women’s organizations, plus domestic violence information in over 90 languages

NOTE: The agencies and organizations listed on this international directory have not been vetted by the U.S. Department of State or other federal agency.

Domestic Violence:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – Toll-free 24/7 hotline for crisis counseling and referrals: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
• U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women – Information about local domestic violence victim assistance coalitions.
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence – The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence offers a safe home and shelter programs, public education, and technical assistance.  They also have a list of state and international organizations that can assist domestic violence victims.  1-303-839-1852
• Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center – The center serves abused Americans, mostly women and children, in both civilian and military populations overseas. The 24/7 international crisis hotline 1-866-USWOMEN (1-866-879-6636) can be called toll free from overseas.
• International Directory of Domestic Violence Agencies – Global list of abuse hotlines, shelters, refuges, crisis centers and women’s organizations, plus domestic violence information in over 90 languages

NOTE: The agencies and organizations listed on this international directory have not been vetted by the U.S. Department of State or other federal agency.

Families and Friends of Murder Victims:

• POMC, Inc. (National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children) – Hotline for crisis counseling and referrals available Monday-Friday, 8-5 PM EST: 1-888-818-POMC.

Victims and Families of Drunk Driving Crashes: 

• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – Information about local resources for victims and family members.

General Victim Assistance: 

• U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime – Contact information for non-emergency services in communities throughout U.S.
• National Crime Victim Center – Information for crime victims on the impact of crime, safety planning, legal rights and civil legal remedies, and options for assistance and referrals to local programs.
• National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) – Toll-free hotline available Monday-Friday 9am-5pm EST for information and referral to victim assistance programs: 1-800-TRY-NOVA

Overseas Resources:

• Victim Assistance On-line – Information about victim assistance programs in approximately 20 countries.
• International Directory of Domestic Violence Agencies – Global list of abuse hotlines, shelters, refuges, crisis centers and women’s organizations, plus domestic violence information in over 90 languages.

NOTE: The agencies and organizations listed on this international directory have not been vetted by the U.S. Department of State or other federal agency.

Local Resources and Information for Crime Victims.

• SOS Violência Doméstica – Phone line to assist victims of domestic violence 15020
• Policia Nacional – Emergency number 113; other emergency numbers: Unitel – 9312699999, 931838383, 93694444444 e 937747474. Movicel – 91813131, 918141414, 918151515 e 918161616

If you have been a victim of crime, it is very important that you report it to the authorities. If you do so, it is more likely that the person who committed the crime is caught, made accountable and prevented from doing it again, either to you or to others. Besides, reporting it may be essential for you to be able to exercise some rights related to insurance and compensation claims, for example.

Reports can be made to the following authorities:

• General Command of the National Police (CGPN)
• Provincial Commands
• Stations
• Police stations
• National Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DNIC)

These authorities have the duty to receive any report presented to them, even if the crime has not been committed in their territory.

Reporting the crime or complaint is free-of-charge and can be made verbally or in writing, not requiring any formal process. It should include as many details as possible to make the investigation easier: day, time, place and circumstances in which the crime was committed, who is (are) the suspect(s), if known, who are the witnesses and any other evidence.

The victim reporting a crime has the right to receive a statement showing that the complaint was registered, that is, a document confirming that the complaint was made, the type of crime, the date and place of the crime and what was the harm caused. If the victims do not speak Portuguese, they have the right to receive this statement in their language or in one they can understand.

When you report the crime, you should provide an address in your country of residence where you can receive mail, which ensures that the Court can communicate with you.

Contact the Embassy

Consular Section
U.S. Embassy Luanda
Rua Houari Boumedienne, 32
Miramar
Luanda, Angola
C.P. 6468

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