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Our Focus Areas

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) authorizes OVW to issue grant funds to provide financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies, and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Here, you can learn more about these crimes, learn how they harm individuals and communities, and find out how to get help.

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Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in a relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.

Dating Violence

Dating violence is committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is any nonconsensual sexual act proscribed by Federal, tribal, or State law, including when the victim lacks the capacity to consent.

Stalking

Stalking is engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety.

Find Your Local Resources

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. The Office on Violence Against Women does not provide services directly to the general public. To find help, see our state-by-state guide to see who serves your area, or you can find the number to a national hotline.

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