Getting Ready for National Crime Victims' Rights Week
Every year, OVC leads the nation in the observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW).
OVC is pleased to announce the 2020 NCVRW theme: Seek Justice | Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope. NCVRW, which will be held April 19–25, 2020, brings communities together and educates the public about these rights, protections, and services.
OVC also encourages communities to apply for funding to raise public awareness of victims' rights and services in communities during NCVRW.
The NCVRW Community Awareness Projects grants reimburse up to $5,000 in costs associated with conducting public awareness activities during NCVRW, including–
- public events (including candlelight vigils, information/resource fairs, 5k walk/runs);
- mass media advertising; and
- production, publication, and distribution of printed materials.
NCVRW Community Awareness Projects grants are administered by the National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators, under a cooperative agreement with the Office for Victims of Crime.
Learn more and apply on the NCVRW Community Awareness Projects website. The site contains resources to assist prospective applications, including information about previously funded projects. Also view a recording of a pre-application webinar held on November 4, 2019 (registration required).
Apply by November 22, 2019.
Join the NCVRW Subscription List to receive a compliment copy of the 2020 NCVRW Theme Poster Kit and email notification about the release of the 2020 NCVRW Resource Guide.
National Native American Heritage Month
President Trump proclaimed November as National Native American Heritage Month. In his proclamation, the President states “During National Native American Heritage Month, we reaffirm our commitment to work with tribal communities to address serious issues affecting them and to help protect their rich and diverse heritage.”
OVC supports multiple efforts to enhance Tribal victim services and public safety. One is the Tribal Set-Aside Program created by the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 (P.L. 115-141) for the U.S. Department of Justice. This program is intended to help Tribes develop, expand, and improve services to victims of crime by providing funding, programming, and technical assistance. In FY 2019, OVC awarded more than $167.2 million to American Indian/Alaska Native communities under this program.
Additionally, through the FY 2019 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS), the U.S. Department of Justice awarded $118 million to American Indian/Alaska Native communities to enhance victim services, address violence against women, improve public safety, and support youth programs. This includes about $25.6 million from the Tribal set-aside program mentioned above.
Under two CTAS purpose areas, the Comprehensive Tribal Victim Assistance Program and Children's Justice Act Partnerships for Indian Communities Program, OVC made 61 awards to Tribes.
OVC has also produced Tribal Multimedia Resources which can be used throughout this commemorative month and beyond:
- A Healing Journey for Alaska Natives
- A Circle of Healing for Native Children Endangered by Drugs
- Partners in Justice—Bureau of Indian Affairs Victim Specialists
- Alcohol-Facilitated Sexual Assault in Indian Country
Visit the American Indians/Alaska Natives section of our site for additional resources.
Coping With the Holidays for Victims of Crime
For those who have recently experienced a tragedy or lost a family member or friend, the holiday season may seem too much to bear. The OVC publication, Coping With the Holidays After the Death of a Loved One or When You Are a Victim/Crime Survivor offers resources and suggestions to help support survivors.
Also view the Mothers Against Drunk Driving: Coping With the Holidays Tip Sheet for additional tips on coping during the holidays.