October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
President Trump proclaimed that October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In his proclamation, the President states "We strive to eliminate domestic violence in all its horrific forms in order to sustain the hope of a better life for victims and to foster safer homes and relationships for all Americans."
The proclamation also highlights "in fiscal years 2018 and 2019, approximately $8 billion — a historic amount — has been made available for victim services through the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, funding more than 3,000 domestic violence local service providers and national domestic violence hotlines."
Visit the Domestic Violence Awareness Month Project section of the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence website for customizable materials, training resources, and other tools to enhance your efforts to prevent and raise awareness of domestic violence.
Domestic violence not only causes emotional and physical harm to victims, but it is also a major cause of homelessness. During the month of October, OVC highlights the Domestic Violence and Housing Technical Assistance Consortium, which supports survivors experiencing homelessness. Submit a technical assistance request to the Consortium for assistance to address the intersection of domestic violence and homelessness in your community.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also offers a number of valuable tools and resources on their Intimate Partner Violence page, including Preventing Intimate Partner Violence Across the Lifespan: A Technical Package of Programs, Policies, and Practices and the new released Dating Matters® Toolkit.
Additional materials are available on the—
- Domestic and Family Violence section of our site,
- Family Violence Special Feature section of the Office of Justice Programs site,
- Futures Without Violence Resources & Events page,
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network fact sheets, and
- National Domestic Violence Awareness Month section of the OVC Training and Technical Assistance Center site,
- National Network to End Domestic Violence Resources page.
National Cyber Security Awareness Month Observed in October
October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. In his proclamation, President Trump states "I urge all citizens to spread awareness on ways they can mitigate risks, safeguard personal and professional data, and contribute to the safety and prosperity of our Nation."
To help commemorate National Cyber Security Awareness Month, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Stop.Think.Connect. campaign and the National Cyber Security Alliance websites. OVC is a federal partner in this public awareness campaign effort, which seeks to increase the understanding of cyber threats and empower the American public to be safer and more secure online.
View the Securing the Internet is Our Shared Responsibility infographic that highlights 2019 weekly themes and shares easy ways to get involved and learn about cybersecurity.
Also download the Tech Safety App, an OVC-funded app created by the National Network to End Domestic Violence. This app offers resources for victims of technology-facilitated stalking or abuse and walks users through how a particular technology could be misused, what they can do about it, and offers users safety tips on how to increase their safety and privacy.
Finally, visit the Internet Safety Special Feature section of the Office of Justice Programs site for additional materials on how to stay safe online.
Last Chance to Submit Your Nominations for the 2020 National Crime Victims' Service Awards
Do you know an individual, organization, team, or program that you would like to see recognized for their work? If so, please submit nominations for the 2020 National Crime Victims' Service Awards by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on October 9, 2019.
These prestigious awards recognize extraordinary individuals, organizations, teams, and programs that demonstrate outstanding achievements in supporting victims and victim services.
New this year is the Victim Rights Legend Award increasing the award categories to twelve for the 2020 nomination period. Last year, Edwin Meese III, the 75th Attorney General of the United States, was recognized during the Awards Ceremony with the inaugural Victim Rights Legend Award in recognition of his significant role for many decades in securing vital services and funding for victims of crime, and assuring the victim's voice is heard in the criminal justice system and in public policy.
The recipients will be honored at the annual National Crime Victims' Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C.