The OVC's mission is to provide aid and promote justice for crime victims.

The office was created in 1988 in an amendment to the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) of 1984.

Jessica E. Hart was appointed to the role of Director by President Donald Trump and sworn in on March 31, 2020.

Between January and July 2021, the office was led by Acting Director Katherine Darke Schmitt.

[2] Kristina Rose is the current Director, appointed by President Joe Biden and sworn into the position on July 12, 2021.