In the US the Victim Support counterpart NOVA (National Organisation for Victim Awareness) was established in 1975
. It's a non-profit making umbrella organisation which comprises victim and witness assistance programs, criminal justice agencies and professionals, mental health professionals, researchers, former victims and survivors and its committed to the recognition and implementation of victims rights and services (www.trynova.org/) Unlike the system in the UK, legislation has been passed which protects victims' rights, the 1984 Victims of Crime Act established a fund of compensation.