What's New at OVC brings together the headlines, announcements, and noteworthy updates to OVC Web sites and resources in the past 90 days. Special attention is given to funding application deadlines, registration dates, and time-sensitive information.

Webinar: Needs Assessment and Program Evaluations

OVC is hosting a free Evaluation Webinar to discuss needs assessment and program evaluation principles and practices on August 21, 2009, 1:00–5:00 p.m. e.t. Register by August 14th.

OVC is also launching a National Needs Assessment Survey to help you and your organization assess and meet your training and technical assistance needs. Notify Me When It Goes Live.

September-October 2009 Training Conferences

At the National Professional Training Conference on Responding to Crime Victims with Disabilities (September 30–October 2, 2009), the Bureau of Justice Statistics will present the first findings about nonfatal violent and property crime experienced by persons with disabilities drawn from the National Crime Victimization Survey, one of one of the two measures of crime produced by the Department of Justice. Register now to attend!

OVC announces the conference on Mass Casualty and Violence at Home and Abroad—OVC Assisting Victims of Crime, to be held October 19-21, 2009, in Arlington, Virginia. The conference will bring together first responders, victim service professionals, policymakers, and experts in mass violence. Register by September 28, 2009.

Visit the National Calendar of Events to find more events taking place this summer and fall. Notify Me of New Events.

Announcements

OVC is now accepting nominations for the National Crime Victims’ Service Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations that demonstrate outstanding service in supporting victims and victim services. Award recipients will be selected from nominations in eight categories and honored at the 2010 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. Award nominations are due Wednesday, September 30, 2009.

Web Forum: Topics in Crime Victims' Services

July-August Q&A Pick: Are TTYs outmoded? What is the best technology to make sure everyone has access to crisis hotlines?

• Answer: While many Deaf individuals use newer technology like videophones, some prefer to use TTY.
• Answer: The primary technology/resource that most Deaf individuals may choose to use to contact a hearing agency is V(ideo) R(elay) S(ervice).
• Answer: Younger folks who are Deaf seem to be opting for telephone texting.

Excerpted from posts to the OVC Web Forum between July 22 and August 3, 2009.

Read more best practices offered by the field in previous OVC Web Forum discussions:

• Addressing Sexual Violence Against Individuals with Disabilities—held July 22, 2009
• Providing Services for Child Victims of Identity Theft—held July 8, 2009.
• Working with LGBTIQ Survivors of Violence—held June 24, 2009.

The Office for Victims of Crime is a component of
the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.