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Sexual assault

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...

Maya's Homes

Summary

Maya’s Homes—a companion piece to Brave Maya—tells the story of what happens to Maya after she is removed from her home and placed with another caregiver, her auntie.

To illustrate common occurrences in cases of child removal, the story follows Maya as she has questions about and adjusts to life in her new home; regularly...

Who Is Everybody? In Criminal Court

Summary

Who Is Everybody? In Criminal Court is a brief guide in the I Am Malik series that explains the different roles of people that a child may interact with or hear about throughout their criminal case and in criminal court. It includes practical tips for preparing for court and information on some rights to which children are entitled.

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OVC Acting Director Katherine Darke Schmitt Commemorates Sexual Assault Prevention & Awareness Month

April 2021
Every April, the Nation commemorates Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Month. OVC Acting Director Katherine Darke Schmitt discusses our office's support for projects that serve victims of sexual assault. She also pays tribute to the dedicated service providers working to support victims, including forensic nurse examiner Kim Day, who is retiring after decades in service to victims of sexual violence.

April 2021 Featured Resources

This featured news content includes information about the 2021 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Resource Guide, Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, and National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Charging and Certification of Sexual Assault Forensic Exams to Compensation Programs

February 19, 2021

A Copy of an Email Sent by Kathrina S. Peterson, OVC Deputy Director, on January 25, 2021

Good Afternoon Everyone,

We are providing the attached memorandum to provide clarification on the charging and certification of sexual assault forensic exams to the Crime Victims Fund Compensation Program. The Office of the Inspector General recommended that we provide clarification on this issue, particularly regarding...

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...

Video Message from Director Hart Commemorating National Campus Safety Awareness Month

September 2020

Office for Victims of Crime Director Jessica E. Hart highlights that during the pandemic it is more important than ever to raise awareness about safety on college and university campuses across the country. In this message, Director Hart provides an overview of an Office for Victims of Crime initiative to provide grant funding to sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) programs on college campuses to offer medical forensic care and other victim services to sexual assault survivors.