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Learn about OVC efforts to support for programs which help law enforcement officers compassionately and effectively meet the needs of crime victims.

Remarks by OVC Director Jessica Hart at the Texas Business Against Trafficking Conference

December 2020

Office for Victims of Crime Director Jessica E. Hart joined Texas Secretary of State Ruth R. Hughs at the 2020 Texas Business Against Trafficking Conference. Director Hart spoke about the instrumental role that the business community plays in combating human trafficking and the Department of Justice's commitment to investigating and prosecuting offenders and serving victims of this terrible crime.

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Message from OVC Director Jessica Hart: 20th Anniversary of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act

October 2020

Office for Victims of Crime Director Jessica E. Hart speaks about the Administration's commitment to combating human trafficking and providing services to victims as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. This landmark legislation identified a three-pronged approach to address this issue: protection, prevention, and prosecution.

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Just Launched: Human Trafficking Capacity Building Center Website


Twenty years ago, Congress passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. This landmark legislation provided a framework for protecting victims, holding traffickers criminally accountable, and preventing victimization from occurring in the first place.

As part of our commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, the Office for Victims of Crime is launching the Human Trafficking Capacity Building Center website.

The Center offers...

Twenty Years of Progress in the Anti-Trafficking Movement


This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. Prior to the passage of the Act, the United States relied on traditional laws prohibiting involuntary servitude; however, these laws often fell short of addressing modern day forms of human trafficking.

This landmark legislation recognized the importance of protecting victims, holding traffickers criminally accountable, and preventing victimization from occurring in the first...

October 2020 Featured Resources

Meet the 2020 National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Recipients

The Office for Victims of Crime annually recognizes individuals and organizations that demonstrate outstanding service in supporting victims.

The National Crime Victims’ Service Awards recipients are selected from nominations in a variety of categories for their vision, action, and leadership to improve the lives of victims in the aftermath of crime.

In a video message...

Attorney General Barr Announces Awards Over $1.8 Billion in Funding to Assist Victims

On Tuesday, October 6, 2020, Attorney General Barr announced the Office for Victims of Crime release of awards totaling more than $1.8 billion to state victim assistance and compensation programs to fund thousands of local victim assistance programs across the country and provide millions in compensation to victims of crime.

Supported by the Crime Victims Fund, this formula grant program supports a broad array of programs...

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by OVC Director Jessica E. Hart During a Human Trafficking Roundtable in Georgia

Good afternoon, everyone! Thank you all for being here today, and more importantly thank you for your continued efforts combating human trafficking.

Thank you especially to Governor Kemp for hosting this discussion. I greatly appreciate everything you have been doing to make combatting trafficking a top priority in Georgia.

Also, a special thank you to First Lady Marty Kemp who has been with us throughout...

Director Hart Visits OVC-Funded Wellspring Living in Atlanta

OVC Visit to Wellspring Living
During a visit to Wellspring Living, an OVC grantee, Director Jessica Hart and Georgia First Lady Marty Kemp met survivors of human trafficking and learned about their residential and independent living programs.

On Wednesday, September 30, 2020, Director Hart and First Lady Marty Kemp met with Wellspring Living staff to learn more about their comprehensive care model for serving victims of human trafficking. Wellspring Living, a recipient of the recently awarded Office for Victims of Crime Fiscal Year 2020 housing assistance grants, provides domestic sex trafficking victims and those at risk with specialized recovery services through residential...