OVC News and Announcements
To help you stay up to date with the latest news about crime victim services and events, this section will notify you about current OVC-focused initiatives and relevant topics and events with a primary focus on best practices. You are also encouraged to check out What's New at OVC.
Use the links below to be taken to the News and Announcements Archives.
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005
FTC Cautions Consumers About Tax and Rebate Scams
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.S. Department of Justice are warning consumers about emails and phone calls from scammers claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA). The IRS does not gather information for rebates by telephone. Nor does it send unsolicited e-mail to taxpayers about tax account matters. Filing a tax return is the only way to apply for a tax refund; there is no separate application form.
Similarly, if you get an email out of the blue from someone claiming to be from the IRS that asks you to call a phone number or email back your personal information, don't click on any links. Forward it to phishing@irs.gov, and then delete it. Clicking on a link in an unsolicited email carries risks of spyware, pagejacking, and phishing—threats that can lead to the theft of your identity. The only official IRS Web site is located at www.irs.gov.
Visit OnGuardOnline.gov/phishing for more information about phishing scams.
## 05/01/08 ##
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Funding Available to Improve Outreach and Services to Crime Victims
 The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is seeking new applicants for funding assistance under the Helping Outreach Programs to Expand (HOPE) Grant Program!
Through its HOPE grant awards, OVC will provide up to $10,000 each to grassroots community- and faith-based victim service organizations and coalitions to help them improve their outreach and services to crime victims.
Funds may be used to—
- develop programs.
- aid networking.
- build coalitions.
- deliver services.
This work may include, but is not limited to, developing program literature, training advocates, producing a newsletter, supporting victim outreach efforts, and recruiting volunteers.
Download the HOPE brochure (PDF 335 kb) or order a copy online (BC 000742).
For details on how best to present the application requirements, consult the template for submitting a HOPE request (98 PDF kb).
If you have questions about the HOPE Grant Program, please call Kisha Green or Shadine Stultz at 202-307-5983. ## 04/17/08 ##
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OVC Announces the 2008 NCVRW Award Recipients
On Friday, April 11, 2008, the Attorney General's Crime Victims' Service Awards were presented at the NCVRW Awards Ceremony to honor individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding service for victims of crime. A reception was held immediately following the ceremony. View biographies and photos, and pictures from the ceremony.
## 04/14/08 ##
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Enroll Now for 2008 Training Workshops
OVC is pleased to offer specialized training workshops that are sure to enhance your capacity to better serve crime victims.
The 2008 Training Schedule features popular established workshops such as Compassion Fatigue/Vicarious Trauma and Sexual Assault Advocate/Counselor Training, as well as new workshops on Supporting Children Living with Grief and Trauma, Enforcing Victims' Rights, and Working with Victims with Disabilities.
Class size is limited to ensure an interactive learning environment and workshops are expected to fill quickly. Don't miss this excellent opportunity to build your practical technical skills and knowledge of victim service issues!
Visit the OVC Training Schedule to learn more about each of the workshops offered in 2008, register and pay online, or download the OVC Training Schedule Registration Form to enroll by mail.
OVC Professional Development Scholarships are now available for Training Schedule workshops. View the eligibility criteria for scholarship applications.
## 04/01/08 ##
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OVC Prepares to Commemorate NCVRW 2008
National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) is held each April to honor crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. Prior to the national commemoration held April 13–19, 2008, OVC will host two prelude events in the Nation's Capital.
The National Observance and Candlelight Ceremony will be held Thursday, April 10, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. (e.t.), at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to commemorate NCVRW and pay tribute to crime victims and survivors. The featured speaker will be Dominick Dunne, an accomplished author; investigative journalist; host of TruTV's Power, Privilege, and Justice; and covictim and homicide survivor of his beloved daughter, actress Dominique Dunne. No registration is required for this event.
On Friday, April 11, 2008, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. (e.t.), the Attorney General's Crime Victims' Service Awards will be presented at the NCVRW Awards Ceremony to honor individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding service for victims. A reception will be held immediately following the ceremony. An RSVP is required for this event; space is limited.
In honor of the 28th observance of NCVRW, download the 2008 NCVRW screensaver to promote awareness of crime victim issues and as a reminder that justice for victims means justice for all.
For more information about this year's prelude events, visit www.ovc.gov/ncvrw.
## 03/20/08 ##
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Helping Teen Victims of Dating Violence
In recognition of National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week (February 4–8), OVC will host a Web Forum discussion on best practices for responding to teen victims of dating violence. Join guest hosts Mitru Ciarlante, Director of the National Center for Victims of Crime's Teen Victim Initiative, and Barri Rosenbluth, Director of SafePlace's Expect Respect dating violence prevention program, on February 27, 2008, at 2 p.m. (eastern time) for the live discussion.
OVC also offers links to related organizations that assist teen dating violence victims, service providers, and allied professionals.
To learn more about this issue, visit the National Center for Victims of Crime's Teen Victim Project, which recently launched a new Web training series, and view past sessions online, including a Webinar on Teens and Stalking.
## 02/22/08 ##
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