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One cooperative agreement of $225,000 will be awarded to a private nonprofit organization or public agency to develop the 2010 NCVRW Resource Guide, which is used by the victims' field to heighten awareness of crime victim issues. Apply by January 12, 2009.

OVC is offering $150,000 to a private nonprofit organization or public agency to plan a national public awareness and educational forum that coincides with the 2009 National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. Apply by December 30, 2008.

OVC is offering $300,000 to integrate crime victims’ issues into postsecondary curricula to private nonprofit, faith-based, or state consortiums of accredited universities and colleges, or associations affiliated with higher education. Apply by December 18, 2008.

On December 10, 2008, at 2 p.m. ET, OVC is sponsoring a Web Forum Guest Host Session on enforcing victims’ rights in court with Carol Dorris, J.D., National Center for Victims of Crime Public Policy Senior Staff Attorney, and Meg Garvin, J.D., Executive Director of the National Crime Victim Law Institute.

Enroll now for the National Victim Assistance Academy (NVAA). The next NVAA will be held March 1–6, 2009 at the American Airlines Training and Conference Center in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area. Continuing Education Units will be awarded to all participants who complete the Foundation-Level Training, Professional Skill-Building Institute, or Leadership Institute and pre-Academy assignments. Sign up for the mailing list to receive more information.

OVC announces the release of its 2007 report to Congress, Rebuilding Lives, Restoring Hope, which outlines the achievements of the Office for Victims of Crime during Fiscal Years 2005 and 2006. Specific grantee initiatives are profiled in the companion Focus On series.

OVC announces the release of the International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program 2007 Report to Congress (PDF 669 kb), which outlines the program’s activities and accomplishments during Fiscal Years 2006 and 2007, and discusses future needs and goals.

Program funding from OVC continues with funding support for HOPE for victim service expansion efforts and ITVERP, the International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program.

December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month (December 2008)

In honor of National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) will be holding an online candlelight vigil during this upcoming Holiday Season.  On the Online Candlelight Vigil section of their Web site you can light a 'virtual candle' and submit a tribute message to a loved one or friend affected by drunk driving. You may also have the tribute emailed to the person or family you wish to honor.

Related publications and additional resources are available to assist drunk driving victims, service providers, and allied professionals, such as the Impaired Driving (Drugs and Alcohol) Safety Program by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Help with Handling the Holidays (December 2008)

The holiday season can be stressful for many people, especially when dealing with loss of a friend or family member.

Coping With the Holidays, an OVC Web resource, has suggestions from survivors for getting through the holiday season.

Calendar of Crime Victim-Related Events (December 2008)

More than 100 upcoming events are readily accessible in the OVC National Calendar of Events. Join the hundreds who have already discovered this essential online tool. It allows you to locate, plan, and promote victim assistance-related events nationwide. The Calendar of Events is an excellent means to advertise your event!  Visit the Add Events section for additional information.