October is National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
In his National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month proclamation, President Biden states, “While our Nation has made significant progress in addressing domestic violence by responding to the stories and leadership of courageous survivors, as well as through advocacy and legislative action, domestic violence nonetheless remains all too common in America.”
To enhance your efforts in raising awareness about services and support available for victims of domestic violence, visit the Domestic Violence Awareness Project website for customizable materials, training resources, and other tools.
Discover OVC-sponsored resources to help victims of domestic violence and the service providers and allied professionals who assist them.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
National Domestic Violence Hotline advocates are available 24/7 for victims experiencing intimate partner violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship. Support is also available for concerned loved ones. Contact the hotline 24/7 toll free at 800-799-7233, text “START” to 88788, or use their online chat. The hotline is funded in part by OVC.
Emergency Transitional Pet Shelter Housing and Assistance Grant Program
Many domestic violence shelters are not equipped to accommodate pets. This issue can potentially lead to victims delaying critical safety services because of concerns for their pet's welfare. To help address this gap, OVC supports a program to enhance shelter and transitional housing services to victims of domestic violence and their companion animals. In FY 2022, OVC made 12 awards of nearly $2.7 million under this program.
Domestic Violence and Housing Technical Assistance Consortium
Domestic and sexual violence not only causes emotional and physical harm to victims, but it is also a major cause of homelessness. The Domestic Violence and Housing Technical Assistance Consortium supports direct service providers that assist survivors experiencing homelessness. Submit a technical assistance request to the Consortium for help addressing the intersection of domestic violence, sexual assault, and homelessness in your community.
Safe Shelter Collaborative
The Safe Shelter Collaborative and SafeNight app provide support to victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault seeking urgent shelter. Direct service programs can connect with other local shelters to identify available beds, and private individuals can make tax-deductible donations to secure hotel rooms until shelter space is available. The OVC-funded SafeNight app was produced by Caravan Studios, a division of TechSoup.
Technology Safety & Privacy: A Toolkit for Survivors
This toolkit provides safety tips, helpful information, and privacy strategies for survivors on how to safely use technology, including the Internet, cell phones, social media, and other forms of technology. Content is available in both English and Spanish. This OVC-funded toolkit was created by the Safety Net Project at the National Network to End Domestic Violence.
Discover additional resources and information on the Intimate Partner Violence section of our site.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month Observed in October
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. In his proclamation, President Biden states, “As the threat of malicious cyber activities grows, we must all do our part to keep our Nation safe and secure.”
For resources to help your organization commemorate Cybersecurity Awareness Month, visit the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency website. Learn about this year’s theme—See Yourself in Cyber—and areas of focus throughout the month. Explore their site further to learn about the STOP.THINK.CONNECT.™ Campaign, a national public awareness campaign aimed at increasing the understanding of cyber threats and empowering the American public to be safer and more secure online.
During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we highlight the following OVC and OVC-sponsored resources.
National Elder Fraud Hotline
The U.S. Department of Justice’s National Elder Fraud Hotline, operated by OVC, provides services to adults ages 60 and older who may be victims of financial fraud. If you or someone you know is a victim of elder fraud, we encourage you to call the Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
Tech Safety App
The Tech Safety App offers resources for victims of technology-facilitated stalking or abuse and helps users understand how technology can be misused, what they can do about it, and provides safety and privacy tips. This OVC-funded app was created by National Network to End Domestic Violence.
Dial into “From the Director’s Desk” with OVC Director Rose
Every month, Director Kristina Rose updates the field about OVC programs and initiatives to improve options, access, and information for all crime victims and survivors.
Save the date for the next call, which will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at 3:00 p.m., eastern time.
Registration is not required. To join the Director’s call:
- Dial: 415-655-0003
- Access Code: 161 381 0700 #
- Attendee ID: Press #
Future calls are for scheduled for the second Thursday of each month at 3:00 p.m., eastern time.
If you missed last month’s call, listen to Director Rose’s update on the Crime Victims Fund, its current balance, and efforts to ensure the Fund's long-term solvency.