U.S. flag

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

Courts

Brave Maya

Summary

Brave Maya tells the story of what happens to a little girl named Maya after caseworkers visit her home.

To illustrate the common occurrences in child welfare cases, the story follows Maya as she meets with caseworkers, goes to court and meets her advocate, engages with a counselor, and receives support from external family members.

Throughout the...

Human Trafficking: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

These materials were designed for youth aged 12−18 who have experienced sex and labor trafficking, to help inform and empower them as they navigate through the justice system.

They were created with the input of those with similar lived experiences, and expert practitioners working in the anti-trafficking field.

While the materials are intended to be relatable to the broadest...

I Am Malik

Summary

I Am Malik tells the story of what happens to a young boy named Malik after he becomes a witness to and victim of a criminal incident involving his neighbor.

To illustrate common occurrences in criminal cases in which a child is a victim or witness, the story follows Malik as he talks to a counselor at school, goes...

About

About

Children are some of the most vulnerable members of our society and are widely held as needing greater care and protection. However, despite this, children are frequently victims of or witnesses to violence, abuse, and other crimes, including domestic violence, community violence, physical assault, sexual assault, commercial sexual exploitation, and child maltreatment.

Resulting from these high rates of exposure to violence, crime, and abuse...

Criminal Court Resources

Criminal Court Resources

Use these materials with children and youth who may have involvement with the justice system as the victim of or witness to a crime. The materials teach children about how the justice system works, what their rights are, and how they can cope with the difficult feelings they might have during the process.

Character booklets about criminal court roles and tips for coping are available...

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by OVC Director Jessica E. Hart During the Elder Justice Program Kickoff Training Webinar

Good afternoon, everyone! It’s my pleasure to join you all today.

I’d like to begin by thanking Silvia Torres on my team that is here with us today and a big thanks to Equal Justice Works and Justice in Aging for putting this together and inviting me to speak.

For more than three decades Equal Justice Works(link is external) has guided law students and lawyers into public...

Alcohol-Facilitated Sexual Assault in Indian Country: Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska (Case Study)

December 2016

OVC and the Office on Violence Against Women collaborated to produce this four-video series, designed for criminal justice personnel, victim advocates, and allied professionals who work with victims of sexual assault in Indian Country. This case study provides information about trial techniques for and multidisciplinary responses to cases of alcohol-facilitated sexual assault.