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Child exploitation

Child and Youth Victimization

young child being comforted by three adults

Childhood exposure to violence, crime, and abuse can lead to serious consequences for the health and well-being of children that can last long into adulthood.

Understanding the nature and extent of a child’s exposure to violence is essential in combating its effects. Research shows that early identification, intervention, and continued follow up are valuable strategies for preventing and decreasing the potential negative effects of...

Register for National Listening Sessions on Child Exploitation During COVID-19


Every April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. During this month, communities are encouraged to raise awareness and promote strategies that address the risk factors surrounding child abuse.

As part of our commemoration of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, OVC and the Office on Trafficking in Persons at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are hosting four virtual listening sessions about child trafficking...

Human Trafficking

View available OVC resources, awareness materials, and services for victims of labor and sex trafficking and victim service providers.

The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit

The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit (VTT) was developed on the premise that exposure to the traumatic experiences of other people—known as vicarious trauma—is an inevitable occupational challenge for the fields of victim services, emergency medical services, fire services, law enforcement, and other allied professionals; however, organizations can mitigate the potentially negative effects of trauma exposure by becoming vicarious trauma-informed.