Gender-based violence (GBV) generally refers to any harmful threat or act directed at an individual or group based on actual or perceived sex, gender, gender identity, sex characteristics, or sexual orientation. This week, the U.S. Department of Justice highlighted initiatives aimed at preventing and addressing sexual violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, and other forms of GBV and lauded the recent release of the White House’s National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.
“Gender-based violence violates fundamental human rights, destroys communities, and fosters social inequities,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “Identifying and preventing these crimes is a top department priority, underscored by this first-ever national plan and the government’s collective commitment to this cause. The Justice Department, with our federal partners, will continue to spotlight the repercussions of these crimes on society and applauds those who support survivors in restoring their sense of safety and well-being.”
The Department’s unwavering commitment to addressing GBV spans across funding, research, policy, technical assistance, training, and guidance. Read about OVC and U.S. Department of Justice whole-of-agency efforts to address GBV and support victims.