OVW Blog

Every year, we set aside the month of January in support of the millions of people across the country who are survivors of stalking. Stalking is a form of gender-based violence that permeates every community and every neighborhood – statistics show that one in three women and one in six men face stalking in their lifetimes. Research shows that the majority of perpetrators of these crimes are people whom the survivors know – and in many cases, at one time trusted. Stalking is a crime of power...

Thirty-two years ago, Congress passed the Americans With Disabilities Act, which makes it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities. It’s an important law upholding our nation’s civil rights – and it is why we commemorate Disability Pride Month in July. This month is a powerful reminder about the importance of disability rights and why, as a federal partner of the anti-violence movement, we celebrate people with disabilities and honor all the achievements the community has...

Last month, we celebrated Women’s History Month and the reauthorization and modernization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). We honored the progress society has made since the original VAWA passed in 1994, and we also acknowledged the work ahead to make equality real for all. As I said then, “Preventing and ending violence creates a more equal and equitable world for women and girls, and people of all genders who experience harm.” April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month –...

“Along with the continued increase in women, male survivors, and children who have been victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, stalking and many other things, we have also seen high increase in sex trafficking victims.” Maria Guerra, Na'ini Family and Social Services Director, Kenaitze Indian Tribe (OVW 16th Annual Government to Government Tribal Consultation on Violence Against Native Indian and Alaska Native Women, August 2021) Traffickers prey on vulnerable people. A 15-year-old boy who...