Child Pornography Victim Assistance (CPVA)
The FBI’s Child Pornography Victim Assistance (CPVA) program serves as the central repository for information on identified victims depicted in distributed child sexual abuse material. Pursuant to federal statutes, law enforcement may be required to notify victims each time images of their victimization are seized as part of an investigation. The amount and frequency of notifications can be overwhelming, especially as victims may have difficulty coping with the impact of the crime and its ongoing aftermath.
To help streamline the notification process, CPVA attempts to minimize any additional trauma by limiting unnecessary contact with victims through utilization of the centralized and automated DOJ Victim Notification System. Through this system, CPVA continues to ensure victims are advised of the rights and services they may be entitled to as a result of any federal cases opened against offenders found in possession of their images, regardless of how much time has passed since the original exploitation took place.
CPVA is a joint initiative and coordinates directly with law enforcement or victim/witness personnel at various federal agencies, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
How to Change Your Contact Information or Notification Preference
For victims who have already been in contact with an FBI victim specialist or other federal victim advocate regarding case notifications, please update your contact information and/or preferences through one of the following:
- Log into your user account on the Victim Notification System
- Contact an FBI victim specialist at your local FBI field office
Where to Go for Help
Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)
OVC is a federal office that provides funding to support victim assistance and compensation programs. OVC’s website provides victims with information, resources, and a directory of crime victim services.
- Call 1-800-851-3420
- Visit www.ovc.gov
Child Help USA Hotline
This 24-hour hotline is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. It offers crisis intervention, information, literature, and referrals to local emergency, social service, and support resources.
- Call 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
- Visit www.childhelp.org/hotline
National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC)
NCVC works with local, state, and federal partners to provide support to crime victims, and also advocates for laws and public policies to secure rights, resources, and protections. The National Crime Victim Bar Association, a program of NCVC, also provides information on civil lawsuits against a perpetrator or other responsible party, as well as referrals for attorneys specializing in victim-related litigation.
- Call 1-800-394-2255
- Visit victimsofcrime.org
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)
Family Advocacy Division
Mental health and child welfare professionals provide a support network for child victims and their families, to include crisis intervention, referrals, and other assistance.
- Call 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-394-2255)
- Visit www.missingkids.org/support
Team HOPE
Volunteers are parents of children who were once missing or have been sexually exploited. With this knowledge and experience, they are able to offer peer and emotional support to families.
- Call 1-866-305-HOPE (1-866-305-4673)
- Visit www.missingkids.org/TeamHOPE
Cyber TipLine
Members of the public are encouraged to report information regarding possible child sexual exploitation to the CyberTipline.