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Victim services

Alcohol-Facilitated Sexual Assault in Indian Country: Navajo Nation (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.

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.

Alcohol-Facilitated Sexual Assault in Indian Country: An Introduction to the Issues

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 video provides an overview of alcohol-facilitated sexual assault in Indian Country, including prevalence, historical trauma, and responses.

A Healing Journey for Alaska Natives: Federal Responses to Sex Trafficking in Alaska

October 2016

This video introduces the issue of sex trafficking of Alaska Natives, especially adolescents and women who travel to urban areas from the villages and then lack the resources to return home. Awareness, outreach, safety, support, services, training, and enforcement are all critical elements discussed in the video. Each of these elements is key to successfully addressing sex trafficking.

A Healing Journey for Alaska Natives: Community Responses with Victims and Offenders

October 2016

This video highlights holistic and community-based approaches to victims and offenders. It also addresses the significant impact historical trauma has had on some Alaska Natives. Offenders often return to their homes and communities; therefore, communities must be actively involved in reentry efforts to ensure the safety of victims and community members.

A Healing Journey for Alaska Natives: Multidisciplinary Responses to Victims of Violence

October 2016

This video illustrates the multidisciplinary approach that brings together a range of professions to ensure timely, comprehensive, and victim-centered responses. Teams must be flexible and responsive to the range of short- and long-term needs of Alaska Native victims, including cultural, emotional, physical, and geographic needs.

A Healing Journey for Alaska Natives: First Responders to Victims of Violence

October 2016

This video focuses on community-driven responses to victims in Alaska villages. Although many challenges remain, well-coordinated responses that integrate tribal- and community-based approaches with other resources are changing outcomes for victims and communities.

Thank You for Joining Us for National Crime Victims' Rights Week 2020: A Message from the Director of the Office for Victims of Crime

Dear Colleague,

Thank you for joining us this week as we commemorate National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) and spread awareness of victims' rights, protections, and services.

I'm pleased to announce that the National Crime Victims' Service Awards Ceremony will be Friday, October 2, 2020. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on...

2020 National Crime Victims' Rights Week Message from the OVC Director

Dear Colleague,

Each April, we pause to celebrate the many advances in crime victim support in our nation: victim engagement in the criminal justice system, increasing availability of services, and recognition of rights for all victims and survivors. We also seek to ensure justice for those victims whose voices have yet to be heard.

At the end of March, I was sworn in as the...

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by OVC Director Jessica E. Hart During a Webinar Hosted by the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA)

Good afternoon! Thank you to the wonderful people at NOVA who worked hard to make today's webinar happen. And a special thanks to Claire Selib for offering me the opportunity to introduce myself to the NOVA community.

I was appointed the Director of OVC in late March, in the midst of the COVID spread, so this has been an unusual time to join OVC. But...

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by OVC Director Jessica E. Hart During a Webinar Hosted by the Ohio Attorney General's Office

Good morning! Thank you, Attorney General Yost, and all the staff in your office who worked hard to make today's webinar happen. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to introduce myself and share a bit about the Office for Victims of Crime.

As previously mentioned, I was appointed the Director of OVC, a component of the Office of Justice Programs at the Department of Justice, in...

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Message from OVC Director Jessica Hart

Today is the fifteenth anniversary of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. In the shadow of a pandemic that has disproportionately affected senior populations, we come together to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

For too long elder abuse—a term that encompasses physical abuse, financial fraud, scams and exploitation, caregiver neglect and abandonment, psychological abuse, and sexual abuse—was a hidden epidemic. But as the...