USDOJ Sets Up Two Toll-Free Telephone Numbers,

Providing Funding to Assist Victims and Their Families

In the aftermath of the tragedy at the American Civic Association., the U.S. Department of Justice has set up two toll-free telephone numbers and is providing funding to assist victims and their families.

Through the Department’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 will be 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 New York 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.
The City also strongly encourages the following steps for victims assistance, if those in need have access to them.

Holiday Inn Arena: Here, the Crime Victims Assistance Center is providing immediate access to the full complement of crime victims resources, as well as transportation.
Broome County victim’s assistance hotline: (607)778-3911. Access to all the above resources can begin here. For those who do not speak English, translators are available. Transportation to the Holiday Inn Arena is available through this phone number.