The FBI Citizens Academy Victim Assistance Project is a program run by the FBI San Diego Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBISDCAAA) that provides discretionary funding and services to bridge gaps in support for victims of FBI-investigated crimes.

Launched in 2019

The project aims to provide crucial assistance like emergency funds, crisis intervention, and referrals to help victims and their families cope with the trauma of crimes such as human trafficking, violent crimes, and cybercrimes. This local initiative complements the broader FBI victim assistance program. 

FBI Victim Assistance agent walking a service dog in front of a memorial park, where a woman and a man are in a moment of mourning or reflection.
Two people holding hands on a wooden table, one person's hand gently resting on top of the other's.
A woman covering her face with her hands, appearing distressed, in black and white.

What the project does

  • Provides discretionary funding: The project offers flexible funding to help meet the critical needs of victims, especially when other resources are not immediately available.

  • Offers support services: It connects victims and their families to support services for trauma resulting from crimes investigated by the FBI.

  • Bridges gaps in care: The project addresses the gap in timely and comprehensive support that can exist after a crime occurs.

  • Supports victims of various crimes: Assistance is available for victims of a wide range of crimes, including violent crimes, human trafficking, hate crimes, white-collar crimes, and cybercrimes. 

How it works

  • Run by an alumni association: The program is managed and sponsored by the FBISDCAAA.

  • Local focus: It is a community-based initiative focused on the San Diego area.

  • Partners with other providers: The FBISDCAAA works with a network of local non-profits and other service providers to assist victims.

  • Complements the FBI program: It supplements the services offered by the official FBI victim services program by providing additional, often immediate, resources.