U.S. flag

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

February 2023 Featured Resources

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

In his Proclamation, President Biden states, “During National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, we bring this scourge out of the shadows, recommit to promoting healthy relationships, and join together with a clear message to survivors: You are not alone.”

Unhealthy, abusive, or violent relationships can have short- and long-term negative effects, including severe consequences, on a developing teen. Nearly 1 in 12 high school students report having experienced physical dating violence in the last year. And about 1 in 12 high school students report having experienced sexual dating violence in the last year according to the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Discover public awareness materials and access resources for victims of teen dating violence on the love is respect website, developed with funding from OVC.

Teens, young adults, and their loved ones can contact the 24/7 confidential love is respect helpline by phone, text, or online chat to receive support.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline, funded in part by OVC, also offers support for victims of intimate partner violence, including victims of teen dating violence. Victims of dating violence can contact this free and confidential hotline anytime to receive support.

Find additional information and resources on the following websites:

National Black History Month

National Black History Month

In his National Black History Month Proclamation, President Biden states, “On day one of my Presidency, I issued an Executive Order to advance equity and racial justice in every policy we pursue.”

OVC supports the Administration’s priorities in advancing equity and racial justice and is committed to ensuring access to culturally responsive victim services, services for multicultural communities, and non-traditional victim services. Visit our Serving Communities of Color topic page to view publications, videos, training and technical assistance opportunities, and more. Resources include—
 

OVC initiatives include—
 

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, February 6

Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

On February 6, 2023, we commemorate the annual International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

The STOP FGM Act of 2020 prohibits FGM from being performed on anyone under the age of 18. It is also a crime to transport a minor to another country for purposes of having FGM performed upon them.

The International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM is a time to raise awareness about this harmful practice.

OVC supports efforts to build or enhance community responses to address the needs of victims of female genital mutilation and identify at-risk girls through our Addressing Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting program.

OVC made 5 FGM awards totaling nearly $1.4 million in FY 2021 and 7 FGM awards totaling nearly $3 million in FY 2020.

For more information about FGM, visit the United Nations’ International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM site and join us as we raise awareness of this crime.

Date Published: February 3, 2023