Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center (AODVC): Using Technology to Expand International Access to Domestic Violence Services for Victims Abroad (US Citizens and Legal Permanent Residents)

The Vision 21: Using Technology to Expand National and International Access to Victim Services initiative supports projects using technology to interact directly with crime victims, providing support for improved assistance to victims, including information, referrals, and online and hotline services.

Through this project, the American Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center (AODVC) will sustain their comprehensive array of timely, high-quality, victim-centered services through technology to American victims of domestic violence (and stalking related to domestic violence) who are residing permanently or temporarily overseas, including cruise ships, study abroad programs and military bases. They will also expand visibility of AODVC programs through the Global Safety Net Program to reach victims in the globally underserved population of American victims of domestic violence and stalking abroad.

nca/ncf

This program will provide continuation funding to eligible invited nonprofit organizations that propose to use technology creatively to interact directly with crime victims and provide information, referral, crisis assistance, and longer term help. This continuation funding is for the eight successful applications funded through the competitive FY 2014 Vision 21: Using Technology to Expand National and International Access to Victim Services solicitation, under the three following categories of victim service projects:

I. National scope initiatives for all crime victims, or specifically focusing on sexual violence, domestic violence (including stalking associated with domestic violence), and/or child and/or youth victimization;
II. National scope initiatives for underserved victims; and
III. Initiatives for American victims of domestic violence (including stalking associated with domestic violence) and/or sexual assault, abroad (including on cruise ships).

With initial V21 funding, the Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center (AODVC) have expanded their services to American Victims of domestic violence and stalking related to domestic violence abroad by operating a 24-hour international toll free hotline, website, live chat, and crisis email line. AODVC provides case management, crisis intervention, safety planning, victim advocacy services, and free legal consultations via the staff attorney and their pro-bono legal network or paid legal consultations when pro-bono services are unavailable. They also provide counseling and support services for victims abroad experiencing domestic violence through pro-bono consultants or paid counselors, cover costs associated with international relocation when necessary, and provide funds for victims’ emergency assistance and basic needs including discretionary cash assistance, rent, utilities, and other self-sufficiency needs overseas.

With this award, AODVC will continue these services, expand their digital presence, and expand the visibility of AODVC programs through the Global Safety Net Program by distributing posters and brochures nationally and internationally, conducting awareness.

NCA/NCF

With OVC's Vision 21 funding, the Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center (AODVC) have expanded their services to American Victims of domestic violence and stalking related to domestic violence abroad by operating a 24-hour international toll free hotline, website, live chat, and crisis email line. AODVC provides case management, crisis intervention, safety planning, victim advocacy services, and free legal consultations via the staff attorney and their pro-bono legal network or paid legal consultations when pro-bono services are unavailable. They also provide counseling and support services for victims abroad experiencing domestic violence through pro-bono consultants or paid counselors, cover costs associated with international relocation when necessary, and provide funds for victims' emergency assistance and basic needs including discretionary cash assistance, rent, utilities, and other self-sufficiency needs overseas. With this award, AODVC will continue these services, expand their digital presence, and expand the visibility of AODVC programs through the Global Safety Net Program by distributing posters and brochures nationally and internationally, conducting awareness. NCA/NCF