In a crisis, the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) is among the first to respond. But those reeling from the financial and emotional distress often left in the wake of an identity theft previously wouldn’t find any relief from the national organization. But now, thanks to an historic new partnership with identity theft protection leader LifeLock®, NOVA will be able to offer victims additional resources for support.

The corporate partnership marks NOVA’s first national partnership and will provide NOVA staff with training on the steps identity theft victims can take to protect themselves from becoming victims in the future. LifeLock staff will, in turn, be trained by NOVA experts in crisis intervention and victim response.

“We know that educating those who are on the front line in dealing with identity theft is a vital component to lessening the impact of this fast-growing crime,” says LifeLock CEO Todd Davis. “We are excited to team up with an organization that puts the needs of consumers first, and by educating each other we will build a stronger support system for victims that often feel violated and frustrated.”

Under this partnership, LifeLock and NOVA will offer the public multiple identity theft protection workshops, furthering awareness and education efforts. Future plans also include NOVA participation in FBI-LEEDA summits, of which LifeLock is already a partner.

“Getting people the help they need when they need it most is at the center of our mission,” says Will Marling, NOVA Executive Director. “By partnering with LifeLock, we are able to provide solutions to victims to help them take their lives back. We are excited to announce our first-ever corporate partnership with a company whose compassion for crime victims aligns so closely with our own.”

NOVA is a private, non-profit organization comprised of victim assistance programs and advocates with a focus on victim rights and available services. The organization has been at the forefront of first responders in national crises including the 9/11 tragedies, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the campus shootings at Virginia Tech. Founded in 1975, it is the oldest national group of its kind in the world.

The Federal Trade Commission reports that this fast-growing crime is costing Americans more than $1.8 billion annually, and that complaints have risen 50% from 2007 to 2008. Since 2000, identity theft complaints filed with the Federal Trade Commission have gone from 230,000 to 1.2 million, a 422% increase in nine years.

About LifeLock®

Founded in 2005, LifeLock is the industry leader in proactive identity theft protection. The organization has a strong focus on educating consumers and working with law enforcement and elected officials to better understand the increasing threats of identity theft. Serving as a voice for the consumer, LifeLock is currently lobbying federal officials for stronger penalties for identity thieves as well as harsher penalties for organizations that lose consumer data. A multiple award-winning organization, LifeLock has most recently been recognized as a Best Place to Work by the Phoenix Business Journal. LifeLock (www.lifelock.com) is a private company backed by Bessemer Venture Partners, Goldman Sachs and Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers.

About NOVA®

The National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization of victim and witness assistance programs and practitioners, criminal justice agencies and professionals, mental health professionals, researchers, former victims and survivors, and others committed to the recognition and implementation of victim rights and services. Founded in 1975, NOVA is the oldest national group of its kind in the worldwide victims’ movement. NOVA’s mission is to promote rights and services for victims of crime and crisis everywhere.