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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...

OVC Acting Director Speaks at Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day Event

May 2021
OVC Acting Director Katherine Darke Schmitt gave remarks during a special event, hosted by the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, and Administration for Native Americans, to honor missing and murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives in commemoration of President Biden’s 2021 proclamation on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day.

Recording of Consultation on the FY 2021 Tribal Set-Aside from the Crime Victims Fund on 11/18/20

March 2021

The Office for Victims of Crime invited Tribal leaders, representatives, and stakeholders to participate in a Consultation on the Tribal Set-Aside from the Crime Victims Fund for Fiscal Year 2021. Attendees discussed the FY 2021 Crime Victims Fund Tribal Set-Aside and potential revisions to the interim formula and application process used in 2020.

Recording of Consultation on the FY 2021 Tribal Set-Aside from the Crime Victims Fund on 11/17/20

March 2021

The Office for Victims of Crime invited Tribal leaders, representatives, and stakeholders to participate in a Consultation on the Tribal Set-Aside from the Crime Victims Fund for Fiscal Year 2021. Attendees discussed the FY 2021 Crime Victims Fund Tribal Set-Aside and potential revisions to the interim formula and application process used in 2020.

OVC Tribal Financial Management Center: Supporting American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

November 2020

This video provides information about the Office for Victims of Crime Tribal Financial Management Center and how it supports American Indian and Alaska Native communities with financial management and reporting requirements of Office for Victims of Crime grant awards, individualized financial training and technical assistance, and financial needs assessments. The Office for Victims of Crime Tribal Financial Management Center also provides a variety of learning aids including Financial Policies and Procedures Guide Sheets.

Video Showcases Financial Management Services Available to Tribal Grantees

A new video highlights services available to Office for Victims of Crime Tribal grantees through the Office for Victims of Crime Tribal Financial Management Center.

In this video, learn how the Tribal Financial Management Center supports Tribal grantees in successfully managing the financial aspects and reporting requirements of their Office for Victims of Crime awards.

Highly trained specialists answer questions and provide individualized training and...

Register for Virtual Consultation on the Fiscal Year 2021 Crime Victims Fund Tribal Set-Aside Formula Program

The Office for Victims of Crime invites Tribal leaders, representatives, and stakeholders to participate in the Consultation on the Tribal Set-Aside from the Crime Victims Fund for Fiscal Year 2021. Attendees will discuss the FY 2021 Crime Victims Fund Tribal Set-Aside and potential revisions to the interim formula and application process used in 2020. The Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Program provides support to Tribal communities...

Attorney General Barr Announces Funding to Improve Public Safety and Serve Crime Victims in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

The Department of Justice has a long-standing commitment to improve public safety in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. During a visit to the Cherokee Nation on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, Attorney General Barr announced over $295 million in funding, of which approximately $118 million will be awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime.

“I am grateful to this Administration and the Department of...

Message from OVC Director Jessica E. Hart on New Tribal Division

August 2020

This Office for Victims of Crime video message from Director Jessica E. Hart describes efforts by the Office for Victims of Crime to support American Indian and Alaska Native communities, including the establishment of a new Tribal Division. The new division ensures the Office for Victims of Crime is appropriately staffed to serve Tribal communities by streamlining the distribution and management of the Tribal grant awards.

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.

Alcohol-Facilitated Sexual Assault in Indian Country: Services and Support for Victims

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 public awareness video addresses various types of support for sexual assault victims in Indian Country. 

A Healing Journey for Alaska Natives: Responding to Survivors of Violence

October 2016

This video provides an overview of the multiple challenges victims face when pursuing safety and justice in Alaska, including geographic, climate, and jurisdictional realities. Traditional values, local customs, cultural practices, and trauma-informed care help victims to heal and serve to promote the well-being of communities.