http://ovc.ncjrs.govOVC RSS60http://www.justice.gov/defendingchildhood/ http://www.justice.gov/defendingchildhood/ The Defending Childhood Task Force's final hearing focuses on how to protect children, help them heal from violence, and create the safety that allows them to thrive. You can participate in this hearing in multiple ways--attend in person; register to view the hearing via webinar; provide oral testimony; or submit written testimony by April 24th. Visit the Justice Department’s Defending Childhood Web site for registration details. 2012-04-11T16:28:09-04:00http://www.ovc.gov/news/featuredres.html http://www.ovc.gov/news/featuredres.html Find the latest releases and resources for the victims services field by visiting the Featured Resources showcase on www.ovc.gov. This monthly showcase provides short descriptions and links to publications, materials, and other online sources to raise awareness and promote National Crime Victims' Rights Week, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and National Child Abuse Prevention Month.2012-04-11T16:25:40-04:00http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/index.asphttp://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/index.aspIn commemoration of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, OVC hosted a Web Forum discussion on analyzing the impact of sexual assault protection orders. Guest hosts, Laura Jones and DeAnn Yamamoto, from King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, were available to answer questions from the public. If you missed the guest hosts on April 11, 2012, you can download a transcript of the session and return to the Web Forum to continue the discussion with your colleagues.2012-04-11T16:11:29-04:00http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/Solicitation.aspxhttp://ovc.ncjrs.gov/Solicitation.aspxOne cooperative agreement of up to $750,000 will be awarded to provide resources and coordination to increase the ability of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribal communities to provide comprehensive and culturally appropriate services to crime victims, their families, and the community. Using a victim-centered approach, the award recipient will assist OVC in supporting the training and technical assistance needs of AI/AN communities that receive grant funds under Purpose Area 7 (Children's Justice Act Partnerships for Indian Communities) and Purpose Area 8 (Comprehensive Tribal Victim Assistance Program) of the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation, as well as other AI/AN communities. Eligible applicants are limited to nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher learning, and consortiums with demonstrated experience working with AI/AN communities. Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the application process well in advance of the May 8, 2012, deadline.2012-03-13T11:44:29-04:00http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/Solicitation.aspxhttp://ovc.ncjrs.gov/Solicitation.aspxTwo discretionary grants of $750,000 each will be awarded to enhance the capacity of the crime victims field to provide trauma-informed, culturally competent, comprehensive services and support to both adult and child crime victims who experience polyvictimization (also known as multiple victimization or multi-victimization). Applicants must propose to provide enhanced or improved services for these victims through implementation or continuation of a demonstration project developed from a promising practice, model, or program. Eligible applicants must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of polyvictimization, the capacity to partner with other organizations and key stakeholders to deliver comprehensive victim services, and the staff resources and capability to develop or enhance a model for delivery of these services. Those applying are strongly advised to begin the application process well in advance of the May 15, 2012, deadline.2012-03-13T11:45:31-04:00http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/asp/Transcript.asp?Topic_ID=169http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/asp/Transcript.asp?Topic_ID=169A transcript is now available of the March 21st Web Forum discussion on best practices for responding to survivors of clergy abuse.2012-04-04T17:50:31-04:00http://www.ovc.gov/pubs/reporttonation2011/index.htmlhttp://www.ovc.gov/pubs/reporttonation2011/index.htmlThis biennial report summarizes the programs, activities, and accomplishments of the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and their impact on victims, survivors, and communities. It discusses the Crime Victims Fund-a significant resource for supporting services to victims; enduring and emerging challenges in victim services; and public awareness, education, and outreach endeavors. Includes videos and a wealth of charts and figures with data on victim compensation claims paid and VOCA state allocations. An informative document for learning how OVC helps support victim services nationwide.2012-04-04T17:47:47-04:00http://www.ovc.gov/news/programupdates.htmlhttp://www.ovc.gov/news/programupdates.htmlOVC releases February edition of OVC News and Program Updates about elder abuse and exploitation. These crimes are complex and can be extremely difficult to recognize and resolve. Articles in this issue cover topics that include elder financial exploitation and identity theft, with a personal account from entertainer Mickey Rooney; resources addressing victims of late-life domestic violence and elder abuse; and more!2012-03-06T15:10:25-04:00http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/asp/sub.asp?Topic_ID=160http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/asp/sub.asp?Topic_ID=160On September 21, 2011, OVC held a Web Forum discussion with guest hosts Dr. Rupaleem Bhuyan and Patricia Ice on Victim Assistance for Undocumented/ Temporary Immigrants. A transcript of the session is available for download. Visit the OVC Web Forum today and join an ongoing discussion or start one of your own.2011-09-30T15:18:03-04:00http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/Solicitation.aspxhttp://ovc.ncjrs.gov/Solicitation.aspxOVC will award up to six cooperative agreements of up to $250,000 each to national organizations to identify and address gaps in services to or awareness of victims who suffer from polyvictimization, and to propose to remedy those gaps through training and/or technical assistance. Also known as multiple victimization or multi-victimization, polyvictimization occurs when an individual experiences multiple kinds of victimization and requires a holistic response. This solicitation will serve as a training and technical assistance companion to the FY 12 National Field-Generated Training, Technical Assistance, and Demonstration Projects competitive solicitation. Applicants are limited to national nonprofit membership, professional affiliation, and community service organizations, and must demonstrate the financial and organizational capacity to manage this cooperative agreement. Those applying are encouraged to begin the application process well in advance of the May 15, 2012 deadline.2012-03-06T15:09:17-04:00http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/topic.aspx?topicid=11http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/topic.aspx?topicid=11OVC is pleased to announce the release of Service, Support and Justice: Law Enforcement Response to Crime Victims. With funding from and in collaboration with OVC, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has designed a national strategy that guides policies, procedures, and training in state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to substantially enhance the culture and practice of serving crime victims. This DVD presents the benefits, challenges, methods, and responsibilities for placing a high priority on crime victims' interests and meeting their needs, and for enhancing law enforcement agencies' response to victims of crime across the Nation.2012-03-06T15:42:02-04:00http://blogs.usdoj.gov/blog/archives/1589http://blogs.usdoj.gov/blog/archives/1589On September 14, 2011, Mary Lou Leary, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, testified before the Committee on the Judiciary United States Senate about the reauthorization of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. As part of her testimony, Ms. Leary provided an overview of OVC efforts to provide services to victims of trafficking and assist the 42 human trafficking task forces across the country.2011-09-30T16:26:30-04:00http://www.ovc.gov/news/index.htmlhttp://www.ovc.gov/news/index.htmlIn 2012, NCVRW will be observed April 22-28 and "Extending the Vision: Reaching Every Victim" is the theme. The chosen colors are blue (PMS 541C) and black (PMS Black). Visit OVC's news page for more details.2011-09-30T15:19:16-04:00http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/On September 13, 2011, OVC held a Web Forum discussion with guest hosts Bette Stebbins, MSCP, CA, and Jennifer Wilson on Using Online Communications to Assist Crime Victims in the Military. If you missed it, you can download a transcript of the session from the OVC Web Forum.2011-09-29T10:27:54-04:00http://www.ovc.gov/library/videoclips.html#scvhttp://www.ovc.gov/library/videoclips.html#scvOVC is pleased to announce the release of the Gaining Insight, Taking Action: Basic Skills for Serving Victims DVD and companion Guidebook. The 55-minute DVD comprises three videos: (1) Listen to My Story: Communicating With Victims of Crime; (2) Meeting the Needs of Underserved Victims; and (3) Substance Abuse and Victimization.2011-06-27T14:09:18-04:00http://www.ovc.gov/pubs/existeayuda/index.htmlhttp://www.ovc.gov/pubs/existeayuda/index.htmlNew electronic publication from OVC offers Spanish-language tools and resources to help improve accessibility of services for Spanish-speaking victims of sexual violence. The Existe Ayuda Toolkit includes a glossary, presentations, handouts and fact sheets, PSA scripts, a pocket card and other tools.2011-06-08T15:03:09-04:00http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/asp/sub.asp?Topic_ID=153http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/asp/sub.asp?Topic_ID=153On May 24, OVC held a Web Forum on social media to assist crime victims hosted by Cindy Southworth. A transcript of the session is available for download. Visit the OVC Web Forum today and join an on-going discussion or start one of your own.2011-05-26T15:25:19-04:00http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/gallery/index.htmlhttp://ovc.ncjrs.gov/gallery/index.htmlThe OVC Gallery offers event photos from the Candlelight Observance and the National Crime Victim Service Awards Ceremony held on April 7 and 8 in the Nation's Capital. A dedicated Award Recipient Gallery allows you to browse or search for biographies, photos, and video clips of the award recipients. Visit the Gallery for a snapshot view of this year's NCVRW prelude events and share it with your colleagues.2011-04-29T08:59:32-04:00http://www.justice.gov/iso/opa/ag/speeches/2011/ag-speech-110407.htmlhttp://www.justice.gov/iso/opa/ag/speeches/2011/ag-speech-110407.htmlU.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr., speaks at the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week National Observance and Candlelight Ceremony, an annual event paying tribute to crime victims and survivors across the Nation. 2011-04-08T13:46:21-04:00https://ovcncvrw.ncjrs.gov/Awards/AwardGallery/gallerysearch.htmlhttps://ovcncvrw.ncjrs.gov/Awards/AwardGallery/gallerysearch.htmlOVC annually recognizes individuals and organizations that demonstrate outstanding service in supporting victims and victim services. The award recipients, who are selected from public nominations in eight categories, are extraordinary individuals and programs that provide services to victims of crime. View this year's award recipients' photos and biographies, and pictures from the awards ceremony.2011-04-08T14:29:12-04:00http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2011/April/11-ag-451.htmlhttp://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2011/April/11-ag-451.htmlU.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr., recognizes 10 individuals and programs for their service to crime victims during the April 8 National Crime Victims’ Rights Awards Recognition Ceremony, which is held each year to honor heroic and hard-working individuals for their extraordinary service to crime victims.2011-04-08T14:08:43-04:00http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/sartkit/index.htmlhttp://ovc.ncjrs.gov/sartkit/index.htmlFree online access to a compilation of resources for communities wanting to develop or improve Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs). Use it. Share it. Make it your own.2011-03-24T11:12:54-04:00http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/asp/news.asphttp://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/asp/news.aspVisit the OVC Web Forum and re-discover the range of fascinating and informative discussions led by experts in the crime victim services field in 2011. A Year in Review news announcement pulls it all together in one spot so you can easily navigate the topics of the past year and download the transcripts.2012-03-13T11:49:42-04:00http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovccalendarhttp://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovccalendarAre 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.2012-03-13T11:48:38-04:00http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/asp/sub.asp?Topic_ID=168http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/asp/sub.asp?Topic_ID=168Mr. Derene, Ms. Gleason Rappaport, and Ms. Seymour were on hand to host the March 7th Web Forum session on Making the Most of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, to share key resources and tips with participants. Questions ranged from how to educate and inspire a listening audience to what to do when you have a small print budget. Visit the OVC Web Forum to find the answer or to continue with the discussions.2012-03-13T11:47:35-04:00http://www.ovc.gov/grants/help.htmlhttp://www.ovc.gov/grants/help.htmlOVC pulled together resources of note for prospective grantees, including links to government tutorials and online applications for grants, links to nongovernmental resources, and samples of funded applications. You can access these resources and other insights on http://www.ovc.gov/grants/help.html under Grants and Funding.2012-03-13T11:43:36-04:00http://www.ovc.gov/grants/managinggrants.htmlhttp://www.ovc.gov/grants/managinggrants.htmlOVC's Web page with "Tips for Managing Grants" pulls together many helpful resources and advice to help awardees avoid common pitfalls. Tips cover information on common requirements unmet by many grantees, post award instructions, helpful FAQs, and technical assistance. These tips can be found on http://www.ovc.gov/grants/managinggrants.html under Grants and Funding.2012-03-13T11:42:06-04:00http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/index.asphttp://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/index.aspJoin OVC on March 7, 2-3pm EST for a Web Forum discussion on making the most of National Crime Victims' Rights Week with guest hosts Steve Derene, Mary Gleason Rappaport and Anne Seymour. Submit questions now for answer during the discussion.2012-03-06T15:07:52-04:00http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/index.asphttp://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/index.aspJoin OVC on February 15, 2-3pm EST for a Web Forum discussion on assisting older victims of intimate partner sexual violence with guest hosts Jenifer Markowitz, Medical Advisor, and Jennifer Gentile Long, Director, both with AEquitas: The Prosecutor's Resource on Violence Against Women. Submit your questions now for discussion on February 15.2012-02-13T11:32:10-04:00http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/index.asphttp://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/index.aspOn January 27, 2012, OVC held a Web Forum discussion on building resiliency within victim service organizations. Karen Kalergis, an Associate Director of Education and Communications at the Institute on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, and Janice Harris Lord, a Fellow in Thanatology at the Association of Death Education and Counseling led the discussion. Visit the Web Forum to read about the questions and answers or post your own message. A transcript of the session is also available for download.2012-02-01T10:01:34-04:00http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2012/index.htmlhttp://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2012/index.htmlThe Guide includes educational content, campaign materials, artwork, and a theme video to help communities and victim assistance providers promote awareness of crime victim issues. Also available in Spanish.2012-02-01T09:38:14-04:00http://www.ovc.gov/news/index.htmlhttp://www.ovc.gov/news/index.htmlThe National Center for Victims of Crime announces the release of the OVC-funded Restitution Collection Toolkit. Learn what is working in other jurisdictions and access a wide range of practical resources designed to increase the collection of restitution.2011-11-14T14:44:57-04:00http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2011/October/11-opa-1427.htmlhttp://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2011/October/11-opa-1427.htmlSpecial Master Sheila L. Birnbaum announces that the September 11th Victims Compensation Fund (VCF) is now accepting claims applications on its Web site. Claimants who have registered for the fund can fill-out an online eligibility form that will be used to determine whether they are eligible for compensation through the VCF. Individuals who wish to learn more about the eligibility criteria or apply should visit www.vcf.gov or call 1-855-885-1555.2011-11-08T10:03:31-04:00http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2011/October/11-asg-1355.htmlhttp://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2011/October/11-asg-1355.htmlIn a recent press release, Associate Attorney General (AAG) Tom Perrelli announced the establishment of this task force which will examine and address the issue of children exposed to violence. The task force is part of the Attorney General's Defending Childhood initiative, a project arising from the need to respond to the epidemic levels of exposure to violence faced by our nation's children.2011-11-08T09:59:20-04:00http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/asp/sub.asp?Topic_ID=162http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/asp/sub.asp?Topic_ID=162On October 26, OVC held a Web Forum discussion on understanding firearms laws to assist domestic violence victims with guest hosts Rob Valente, J.D., General Counsel, National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and James P. Vann, J.D., Division Counsel, Washington Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. If you missed it, you can download a transcript of the session and return to the Web Forum to continue with the discussion.2011-11-08T09:53:41-04:00http://www.ojp.gov/newsroom/pressreleases/2011/OVC_PR-101311.pdfhttp://www.ojp.gov/newsroom/pressreleases/2011/OVC_PR-101311.pdfThe Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs (OJP) announced on October 13, 2011, more than $600 million in formula grants to support crime victims.2011-10-28T11:25:30-04:00