DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE SUPPORT TO BINGHAMTON VICTIMS

WASHINGTON—In the aftermath of the tragedy in Binghamton, N.Y., the U.S. Department of Justice set up two toll-free telephone numbers and is providing funding to assist victims and their families.  Through the Department’s Office of Justice Program’s Office for Victims of Crime and the FBI’s Office of Victims Assistance, the Department is providing federal assistance to the New York Crime Victims Board and on-site assistance to the Binghamton Crime Victims Assistance Center.

The toll-free number for within the U.S. is 1-866-361-9056, and the international access number is 1-916-962-6285; the Department will accept the charges from collect international callers.  Both numbers are available on a 24-hour basis and are manned by operators with full translation support for at least the next two weeks.  The special numbers are designed to assist victims and their families with information about victim services, and provide a means for the general public to help with victim support or to contact law enforcement.

The following services are available through the toll-free number:

• Victim services available through the NY State Crime Victims Board, such as assistance with medical expenses, lost wages and mental health counseling services.
• Law enforcement contact information.
• How to make a donation to victim and family support services.
• Victim support events related to the shootings.

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