Survivor Review

Victims and survivors can find resources by clicking here.
OVW does not provide direct services.

The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) is a grantmaking component of the U.S. Department of Justice. OVW provides grant funding to governments and nonprofits to prevent and respond to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. OVW is recruiting individuals who identify as victims/survivors of these crimes to review grant applications based on their personal experience with the victim services and justice solutions these grants support. 

Interested individuals should send an email with their name, contact information, and a brief statement of interest, including any prior experience reviewing grant applications or providing input on victim services and/or justice responses, to OVW.SurvivorReview@usdoj.gov. A resume may be included but is not required. 

Note: In 2026, OVW will accept applications until August 3. Applications received after that date will be considered for future survivor review opportunities. 

What to expect:

Reviewers will be assigned up to 10 applications to read, score, and provide comments on and receive $200 per application reviewed. The notice of funding opportunity contains the information that reviewers evaluate through numeric scores and written comments. Before reviewers begin, they will receive detailed instructions, watch a brief orientation, and complete and return basic administrative paperwork (e.g., payment information, conflict of interest form). More details on the review process and guidelines are available on OVW’s website.

For 2026, reviewers with the experience described above will specifically review applications for OVW’s Abby Honold Program and Transitional Housing Program. Note that although applications do not typically include graphic or detailed information about domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, links to community resources will be available to reviewers who feel distressed while reviewing applications. 

Reviewers' role:

The information below helps potential reviewers decide if they are interested in this role.

Note: Participation is entirely optional, and reviewers can choose to withdraw from the process at any time. 

Factors to consider:

• Reviewers must be 18 years of age or older. 
• Areas of experience that may be helpful in reviewing applications: 
  • Experience using victim services in the past, including but not limited to advocacy, therapy or counseling, transitional housing or shelters, economic or material assistance, law enforcement, legal services, medical forensic care (also known as a rape kit), and crisis services.
  • Experience addressing responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. This will look different for each person but might include: a speaking engagement, serving on a nonprofit board or an advisory group for a government agency, engaging in policy advocacy, supporting a friend or family member, and/or volunteering. 
• Reviewers should feel ready to assess applications from their own perspective, as well as use information they have learned about the experiences of other victims/survivors. Readiness to review grant applications proposing to address these crimes is a personal decision, but reviewers should not have active criminal or civil cases pending related to their victimization. 
• To participate, reviewers will need access to an email, computer, and other forms of safe communication and technology to receive instructions and documents, and access to a safe bank account to receive payment for applications reviewed. 
• Reviewing applications also requires:
  • The time and space necessary to spend 10-20 hours reviewing complex written materials in English. 
  • Keeping all materials confidential. 
  • Providing clear written feedback on applications.
  • Receiving and responding to follow-up communication if OVW has questions about the reviewer’s scores or comments.  

OVW's role in the review process:

OVW can provide the following: 

• Links to resources that can provide support if reviewers find applications distressing.
• Payment for review of applications. 
  • Note, please do not rely on this payment to meet immediate needs. Payment is provided after reviews are complete and may take time to process. 
• Clear expectations on reviewer roles and responsibilities.
• Information about the review process.
• The application(s) and all documents needed to review them (provided digitally unless reasonable accommodation is requested). 

OVW cannot provide: 

• Legal support or documentation for any litigation or court cases 
• Legal advice
• Emotional support or victim advocacy (click here for information on locating these types of resources) 
• Printed applications materials unless reasonable accommodation is requested.

OVW does not provide direct services and cannot assist with individual matters.