U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

Sexual assault

Who's That? In Family or Dependency Court

Summary

Who’s That? In Family or Dependency Court—a complementary piece to It’s Not Just You—is a brief guide that explains the different roles of people that a teenager may interact with or hear about throughout their child welfare case and in family or dependency court. It includes practical tips for preparing for court and information on some...

What Is Your Job? In Criminal Court

Summary

What Is Your Job? In Criminal Court—a companion piece to Brave Oscar—is a picture book that explains the different roles of people that a child may interact with or hear about throughout a criminal case and in criminal court. It includes information on the role of the child in court and an illustration of a courtroom.

Downloads

View

...

I Am Still Isabella

Summary

I Am Still Isabella tells the story of what happens to Isabella after she is removed from her home and placed with another caregiver, her auntie.

To illustrate common occurrences in cases of child removal, the story follows Isabella as she adjusts to life in her new home, regularly meets with her caseworker and counselor and discusses...

It's Not Just You

Summary

It’s Not Just You tells the story of two youth—Nishan and his family, when caseworkers visit their home; and Lila, when she is placed at her grandmother’s home by caseworkers after an incident.

To illustrate the common occurrences in child welfare cases, both stories showcase Nishan and Lila interacting with caseworkers, advocates, and counselors. Lila’s story also...

OVC Acting Director Katherine Darke Schmitt Commemorates Sexual Assault Prevention & Awareness Month

April 2021
Every April, the Nation commemorates Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Month. OVC Acting Director Katherine Darke Schmitt discusses our office's support for projects that serve victims of sexual assault. She also pays tribute to the dedicated service providers working to support victims, including forensic nurse examiner Kim Day, who is retiring after decades in service to victims of sexual violence.

April 2021 Featured Resources

This featured news content includes information about the 2021 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Resource Guide, Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, and National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Charging and Certification of Sexual Assault Forensic Exams to Compensation Programs

February 19, 2021

A Copy of an Email Sent by Kathrina S. Peterson, OVC Deputy Director, on January 25, 2021

Good Afternoon Everyone,

We are providing the attached memorandum to provide clarification on the charging and certification of sexual assault forensic exams to the Crime Victims Fund Compensation Program. The Office of the Inspector General recommended that we provide clarification on this issue, particularly regarding...

October 2020 Featured Resources

Meet the 2020 National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Recipients

The Office for Victims of Crime annually recognizes individuals and organizations that demonstrate outstanding service in supporting victims.

The National Crime Victims’ Service Awards recipients are selected from nominations in a variety of categories for their vision, action, and leadership to improve the lives of victims in the aftermath of crime.

In a video message...

Video Message from Director Hart Commemorating National Campus Safety Awareness Month

September 2020

Office for Victims of Crime Director Jessica E. Hart highlights that during the pandemic it is more important than ever to raise awareness about safety on college and university campuses across the country. In this message, Director Hart provides an overview of an Office for Victims of Crime initiative to provide grant funding to sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) programs on college campuses to offer medical forensic care and other victim services to sexual assault survivors.