September 2012: Commemorating National Campus Safety Awareness Month
August 2012: Support for Oak Creek, Wisconsin and Aurora, Colorado, Shooting Victims
July 2012: National Probation, Parole, and Community Supervision Week
June 2012: National Internet Safety Month. World Elder Abuse Day. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Month
May 2012: OVC’s Online Gallery Presents Portraits of the 2012 Awardees
April 2012: National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
March 2012: National Youth Violence Prevention Week
February 2012: Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
January 2012: National Stalking Awareness, Human Trafficking Awareness
Every year college students throughout the country become victims of stalking, sexual assault, robbery, homicide, and other crimes. The law enforcement, mental health, student affairs, and legal professionals charged with identifying, assessing, and managing violence risk at colleges and universities throughout the United States provide an incredible service under unique and often challenging circumstances. In order to bring attention to this issue, colleges and universities across the United States have recognized September as National Campus Safety Awareness Month.
For resources on promoting safety on campus and serving victims of campus crime, visit the Campus Crime section of our site and the National Criminal Justice Reference Service’s Campus Safety Awareness Special Feature.
Participate in a free OVC Web Forum session on September 26th, from 2:00 pm–3:00 pm Eastern, on Responding to Victims of Cyberbullying. Join guest hosts Jayne A. Hitchcock, President of Working to Halt Online Abuse (WHOA) and WHOA-Kid/Teen Division (KTD), and Hale Guyer, licensed private investigator and retired special investigator, for the discussion. New users can learn how to participate in OVC Web Forums.
In observance of the 11th anniversary of September 11, 2001, OVC has compiled a list of resources to help victim service professionals and the public find information about government and nonprofit organizations, programs, publications, and events, related to September 11th and victims of terrorism.
Included in this list of resources is information about the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), which was reinstated and will provide compensation for any individual (or a personal representative of a deceased individual) who suffered physical harm or was killed as a result of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes of September 11, 2001, or the debris removal efforts that took place in the immediate aftermath of those crashes.
OVC and the President remind individuals of the importance of being prepared for disaster emergencies. President Obama has proclaimed September as National Preparedness Month. The President states in his proclamation that “[e]ach of us has an important role to play in bolstering our preparedness for disasters of all types—from cyber incidents and acts of terrorism to tornadoes and flooding... Individuals and families can also take action by building a disaster supply kit with food, water, and essential supplies in case of emergency, and by developing and sharing an emergency plan with their loved ones.” Learn more about how to prepare for a disaster by visiting www.Ready.gov (www.Listo.gov para información en español) and the National Criminal Justice Reference Service’s (NCJRS) Safety and Preparedness Special Feature.
Support for Oak Creek, Wisconsin, Shooting VictimsWe at OVC convey our deepest sympathies to the victims of the Oak Creek shootings, their families and friends, the people of Wisconsin, and the Sikh community worldwide. Through the various OVC and OVC-funded resources, victims and their families, and the victim service providers that are assisting them, can receive information about victim compensation, victim assistance, and crisis intervention. Please visit the list of resources to help Oak Creek heal to find more information.
Support for Aurora, Colorado, Shooting VictimsAll of us at OVC offer our deepest sympathies to the victims of the Aurora theater shootings, their families and friends, and the people of Colorado. We compiled a list of resources to help Aurora heal. The list contains information about victim compensation, victim assistance, and crisis intervention for victims and their families, as well as the victim service providers that are available to assist them right now.
Supporting Crime Victims With Disabilities is a new online training tool that focuses on recognizing and addressing challenges faced by victims with disabilities, such as the ability to access services or communicate with advocates, so that all victims receive appropriate support and assistance.
This 3-day training is designed for victim service providers, advocates for people with disabilities, self-advocates, and allied professionals. Using case studies and small group discussions, participants will examine the prevalence of crime against people with disabilities, perceptions of the criminal justice system, tenets of the disabilities movement, and the impact of disabilities on daily life. Through collaborative activities, participants will identify ways the various agencies, organizations, and systems can work together to better serve crime victims with disabilities. This training is available in both English and Spanish.
On August 22, OVC and BJA will host a Web Forum on Implementing the Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force Model from 2:00–3:00 p.m. eastern time. Join guest hosts Ari B. Redbord, Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia/Coordinator of the Washington, D.C., Human Trafficking Task Force, and Lieutenant Derek Marsh, Westminster (Calif.) Police Department/Co-chair of the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force, for this free online event. New users can learn how to participate in OVC Web Forums.
Learn More About OVC Programs, Activities, and AccomplishmentsThe recently released OVC Report to the Nation 2011 Fast Facts summarizes the progress made in upholding victims’ rights and providing assistance to victims of crime during Fiscal Years 2009–10. The Report to the Nation explains how the $1.2 billion OVC provides to all U.S. states and territories supports compensation and assistance to 7 million victims and how that funding makes a crucial difference in the lives of crime victims.
Across the United States and Canada, July 15-21 is National Probation, Parole, and Community Supervision Week—a time to recognize the work these professionals do for our public safety. To help improve the services community corrections personnel provide to crime victims, OVC provides training and reports for Probation & Parole, such as:
Visit the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) Community Corrections Resources Special Feature for additional resources.
Nominations are being accepted for the 2013 National Crime Victims’ Service Awards. Each year, OVC recognizes extraordinary individuals, organizations, teams, and programs that demonstrate outstanding achievements in supporting victims and victim services. The recipients are announced just before National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) commences and honored at the National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony.
In 2013, NCVRW will be observed April 21–27, and the Awards Ceremony will be held the week prior, in Washington, DC. Visit the NCVRW Web site for details as they become available. The deadline to submit nominations is September 5, 2012.
The National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators, through a grant from OVC, is seeking proposals for projects to raise public awareness of victims’ rights and services in communities during NCVRW. For more information and an application, visit the NCVRW Community Awareness Projects Web site. The deadline to apply is July 18, 2012.
The OVC HELP Series for Crime Victims is a brochure series featuring resources and information for victims of crime and victim service professionals on the topics of assault, child abuse, domestic violence, homicide, impaired driving, robbery, sexual violence, and stalking. Each brochure defines a type of victimization; discusses what to do if you are a victim of this crime and where to go for help; and provides resources for more information and assistance.
The series was originally created by the National Center for Victims of Crime with OVC funding support in 1997 and they partnered with OVC on this revised and updated edition.
The June edition of OVC News & Program Updates is now available. Articles in this issue highlight—
Outreach to Underserved Teen Victims of Crime
Project highlights and resources developed for local communities in conducting outreach to underserved teen victims of crime. Produced by the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) and the National Center for Victims of Crime (National Center).
Violence is Preventable: A Best Practices Guide for Launching & Sustaining a Hospital-based Program to Break the Cycle of Violence
Replication guide by the National Network of Hospital-based Violence Intervention Programs (NNHVIP) designed to support the development of programs in medical facilities across the country to engage patients in targeted services during their recovery to interrupt the cycle of violence.
Free Online Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) Trainings
Online trainings from Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International that cover terminology, drugs, consent, evidence collection, and the laboratory process related to victim-centered care in drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) cases.
More details can be found on our Training and Technical Assistance page.
Each year, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month is commemorated in June. OVC encourages victim service providers to rededicate themselves to serving LGBT victims who often do not have consistent access to services to help them recover in the aftermath of a crime. As a result, LGBT victims suffer disproportionately from violence and its effects.
To assist the field, OVC will be hosting a Web Forum on Understanding Violence Against Transgender Individuals on June, 6 at 2:00 pm. Join Michael Munson, cofounder and Executive Director of FORGE, and Rebecca Waggoner, Director of OutFront Minnesota’s Anti-Violence Program for the discussion.
Visit the LGBTQ section of our site for additional resources.
While computers and mobile devices bring enormous benefits, they can also enable criminal activity that exploits this interconnectivity. National Internet Safety Month serves as a reminder of these risks and encourages the public to learn more about computer security, how to minimize the potential risks of Internet activities, and how to keep children safe online. Visit the Computer/Internet Crimes section of our site and the National Criminal Justice Reference Service’s Internet Safety Special Feature for prevention resources along with information about what you can do if you become the victim of cybercrime.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, recognized on June 15, 2012, is a call-to-action for individuals, organizations, and communities to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. In commemoration of the 7th annual World Elder Abuse Day, learn how you can take a stand in the fight against elder abuse by visiting the National Center on Elder Abuse, U.S. Administration on Aging, Take A Stand Campaign Web site. Additional resources are available on the Elder Abuse/Mistreatment section of our site and the Elder Abuse Special Feature section of the National Criminal Justice Reference Service site.
The CrimeSolutions.gov Web site, sponsored by the Office of Justice Program (OJP), uses rigorous research to inform practitioners and policy makers about what works in the fields of crime victim services, criminal justice, and juvenile justice. The site currently features more than 50 evaluations of programs related to victims and victimization including:
One of the reasons that the OJP created CrimeSolutions.gov is to encourage justice practitioners to replicate programs with a track record of success. Replicating programs that have been shown to work and that fit a community’s needs has the potential to save valuable time and resources compared to implementing untested programs that may or may not address the same problems as effectively.
During the April 20th National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony, OVC and Attorney General Eric Holder paid tribute to crime victims and survivors and honored individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding service to crime victims. The Attorney General and Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary Lou Leary addressed attendees at the award ceremony and were on hand to help present the awards. Details about this event and the awardees can be found in these online resources:
This year marks the 29th annual observance of National Missing Children’s Day. In remembrance of the victims and in recognition of the ongoing efforts to keep our children safe, OVC offers links to available resources on Missing & Exploited Children for victim service providers, allied professionals, and families.
To commemorate this event, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention will host its will hold its annual National Missing Children’s Day Ceremony in Washington, DC on May 23rd. Guests will include families of missing children, child advocates, and federal, state, local, and tribal agency representatives who have supported programs to locate and recover missing children.
For additional resources, visit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children site and the National Criminal Justice Reference Service’s Missing Kids Special Feature.
The Crime Victims Fund is a major funding source for victim services throughout the Nation. Revenue for the Fund has always come from offenders convicted of federal crimes or gifts, donations, and bequests by private parties, not from taxpayers. This 2012 fact sheet edition of the Crime Victims Fund provides information about the Fund, established by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), and the various grant programs (formula and discretionary) funded using VOCA dollars.
State crime victim compensation program formula grants supplement state funds for reimbursing victims of violent crimes for out-of-pocket expenses that result from the crime. All states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands receive VOCA compensation grants.
Learn more about how the Crime Victims Fund supports victim service programs throughout the country, its primary revenue sources, and the deposits made in fiscal year 2010. The fact sheet includes figures with information on Crime Victims Fund deposits from 1985 to 2010 and a description of the Fund’s allocation process. Also available in Spanish.
The National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) is the Nation’s primary source of information on criminal victimization. Each year, data are obtained from a nationally representative sample of households on the frequency, characteristics, and consequences of criminal victimization in the United States. BJS has recently released the following NCVS resources:
The BJS NCVS Victimization Analysis Tool allows users to examine NCVS data on both violent and property victimization by select victim, household, and incident characteristics from 1993 to the most recent year that NCVS data are available. Visit the Crime Victimization section our site to find additional resources and data on victimization.
The BJS Report, Methods for Counting High-Frequency Repeat Victimizations in the National Crime Victimization Survey examines the nature and extent of series victimization (also known as polyvictimization). Learn more about how OVC is working to strengthen the capacity of the victim services field to serve and support victims who experience polyvictimization. Examples include the release of the following funding opportunities:
Join OVC in commemorating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), April 22–April 28, 2012. OVC will open NCVRW with the National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Friday, April 20, 2012. During this annual ceremony, OVC recognizes individuals, teams, programs, and organizations that demonstrate outstanding service in supporting victims and victim services. Register online by April 17, 2012 to attend. This event is free and open to the public.
To learn about other NCVRW events across the nation visit OVC’s National Calendar of Crime Victim Assisted-Related Events. If you’re planning our own event, view the 2012 NCVRW Resource Guide for tips on working with the media, customizable public awareness posters, campaign materials, a theme DVD, a Spanish version, and more!
Help raise awareness about sexual violence during April by visiting the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s 2012 National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) Web site. This year’s campaign centers on promoting healthy sexuality to prevent sexual violence. The SAAM site features resources in English and Spanish. Visit the Sexual Abuse or Violence section of our site and review the announcements below for additional resources:
FBI Updates Definition of Rape
The Attorney General recently announced a newly revised definition of rape for nationwide data collection, ensuring that rape will be more accurately reported nationwide by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Report (UCR) Summary Reporting System, which annually captures the rate of crime offenses and arrests for the nation.
The Department of Justice Press Release states that "[t]he new definition is more inclusive, better reflects state criminal codes and focuses on the various forms of sexual penetration understood to be rape. The new definition of rape is: ‘The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.’" The previous definition defined rape as "the carnal knowledge of a female, forcibly and against her will."
OVC Web Forums on Serving Sexual Assault Victims
OVC remains committed to improving services for sexual assault victims. During April, OVC will be hosting two Web Forum Guest Host Sessions on sexual assault:
FY 2012 Sexual Assault Forensic Medical Examination Telemedicine Center Soliciation
During FY 2012, OVC will make one award of up to $3.5 million to develop a national telemedicine center (including subawards for pilot sites) to administer sexual assault forensic medical exam services to four pilot sites and test their viability. Apply by May 8, 2012.
OVC Funded Projects to Assist Sexual Assault Victims
During FY 2011, OVC made numerous discretionary funding awards to organizations to enhance services to victims of sexual assault. Examples of funded projects are provided below:
During the month of April and throughout the year, communities are encouraged to raise awareness and promote strategies that address the risk factors surrounding child abuse. For resources related to ensuring child safety and welfare view the Preventing Child Maltreatment and Promoting Well-Being: Network for Action 2012 Resource Guide, the Child Abuse section of our site, and the National Criminal Justice Reference Service’s Child Abuse Special Feature.
This report summarizes the progress made in Fiscal Years 2009–2010 in upholding victims’ rights and supporting programs and services to assist victims, survivors, and communities in the aftermath of crime. View the report to learn about OVC’s research-informed, evidence-based practices; dynamic multidisciplinary partnerships; and effective strategies for addressing the challenges of the 21st century.
March 19-23, 2012, Is National Youth Violence Prevention WeekHelp raise awareness of effective ways to prevent and reduce youth violence by visiting the National Youth Violence Prevention Campaign Web site to find ways to get involved, view their Action Kit, and learn steps to prevent youth violence. View the Teen and Youth Violence section of our site and the National Criminal Justice Reference Service’s Youth Violence Special Feature for additional resources.
Are you hosting events during the 2012 commemoration of NCVRW? Publicize your event with the OVC National Calendar of Crime Victim Assistance-Related Events. The OVC Calendar offers a comprehensive list of events to help victims and victim service providers, allied professionals, and other interested individuals plan, promote, and locate events of interest to the victim service community in their area.
OVC is pleased to announce the release of Service, Support & Justice: Law Enforcement Response to Crime Victims. This 15-minute DVD presents the benefits, challenges, and methods of placing a high priority on crime victims’ interests and meeting their needs and of enhancing law enforcement agencies’ response to victims of crime across the Nation.
The DVD highlights Enhancing Law Enforcement Response to Victims, a national strategy presented in a four-volume package designed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) with funding from and in collaboration with OVC.
To access the 4-volume strategy for Enhancing Law Enforcement Response to Victims, visit www.responsetovictims.org.
OVC News & Program Updates—The March 2012 edition offers a wealth of information about elder abuse and exploitation, complex crimes that can be extremely difficult to recognize and resolve. Articles in this issue highlight—
OVC Fellowship Solicitation (PDF 240 kb)—OVC will award one fellowship of up to $135,000 to an individual to examine financial exploitation and abuse, with a focus on victims of elder financial exploitation as well as other victims of financial abuse who may be experiencing other types of abuse simultaneously. The deadline to apply is May 1, 2012.
Visit OVC’s current funding opportunities for more details about this fellowship and grants available from OVC.
To raise awareness of and solutions to teen dating violence, President Obama has proclaimed that February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. As we commemorate this month, visit the following Web sites which provide comprehensive information about preventing dating violence and assisting victims:
Communities around the nation are hosting events to raise awareness, teach teens about healthy relationships, and provide assistance to victims of teen dating violence. Interested in hosting your own event or campaign? Learn about what OVC grantees are doing:
Futures without Violence, formerly the Family Violence Prevention Fund, will be hosting a Capitol Hill Breakfast Briefing titled Prevent Teen Dating Violence: Stop Violence Against Women Before it Begins (PDF 345 kb) on February 28th in Washington, DC. You are invited to participate in this even which will feature a panel of speakers that will discuss promising initiatives that communities, schools, and parents can use to address this issue and the federal policy implications of the work from the field.
Additional events are listed in our National Calendar of Crime Victim Assistance-Related Events. Promote your organization’s event for free by adding it to our Calendar!
One such initiative is the Safe Dates program; a school-based prevention program for middle and high school students designed to stop or prevent the initiation of dating violence victimization and perpetration. Read an evaluation of this program on the Office of Justice Program’s CrimeSolutions.gov Web site.
2012 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) Online Resource Guide AvailableThe 2012 NCVRW Resource Guide is available online. Designed to help communities and victim assistance providers promote awareness of crime victim issues, the Guide includes educational content, campaign materials, artwork, and a theme DVD.
For the first year, the entire Resource Guide will also be available in Spanish!
The 2012 NCVRW Resource Guide (NCJ 235596) and Poster (PS000024) are also available to order through the Publications and Products section of the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) Web site. For additional information pertaining to NCVRW, visit our NCVRW Web site.
Attorney General Holder recently announced a newly revised definition of rape for nationwide data collection as part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Report (UCR) Summary Reporting System which annually captures the rate of crime offenses and arrests for the nation.
The Department of Justice Press Release states that "[t]he new definition is more inclusive, better reflects state criminal codes and focuses on the various forms of sexual penetration understood to be rape. The new definition of rape is: ‘The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.’" The previous definition defined rape as "the carnal knowledge of a female, forcibly and against her will."
This update will help to ensure that rape will be more accurately reported nationwide, thus providing a greater understanding of the scope of sexual violence in the U.S.
Gather a group of allied professionals serving crime victims in your area, arrange a meeting space, and select a training of your choice from a wide array of topics. The trainers and materials come directly to you at no cost. Visit OVC TTAC’s Training by Request Web page to learn more.
President Barack Obama has proclaimed January 2012 National Stalking Awareness Month, encouraging everyone to "come together to prevent abuse, violence, and harassment in all their forms and renew our commitment to bring care and support to those in need."
Since 2004, January has served as the month for educating the public about the serious and at times deadly crime of stalking. During this time, communities help build awareness by sharing information and holding special events. To learn more, we encourage you to visit these sites—
Human trafficking dehumanizes and traumatizes victims while often shocking communities upon its discovery. Victims include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and foreign-born men, women, and children who are trafficked for sex and/or labor purposes in both large cities and small towns. On January 11th, Human Trafficking Awareness Day, help educate and drive public attention to this crime that violates our nation’s commitment to human rights and dignity.
View the Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force e-Guide, jointly produced by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), which provides direction to form new anti-human trafficking task forces and ideas to strengthen existing ones. This e-Guide can be a critical resource to help combat human trafficking.
Additional resources can be found on our site, OVC.gov’s Human Trafficking section, and in our library’s Spotlight on Trafficking in Persons (product of the National Criminal Justice Reference Service).
Our new searchable table offers visitors an easy-to-use, online location to learn about OVC’s FY 2011 Discretionary Grantees and the projects and services they will provide. OVC awarded these grants in support of its mission to enhance the Nation’s capacity to assist crime victims and to provide leadership in changing attitudes, policies, and practices regarding justice and healing for all victims of crime.
Visit FY 2011 OVC Discretionary Award Matrix for details. Information on the more than $23 million in discretionary grants can be found in two views:
Both views are searchable for easy reference by title, program description, award amount, etc.
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The Office for Victims of Crime is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
