Yesterday the Department of Justice announced that it had entered into two agreements with the University of Montana to ensure that the University responds swiftly and effectively to sexual assault and harassment on campus. Information about the investigations and agreements can be found on Justice News. The investigations at the University of Montana, which make clear that improper handling of sexual violence investigations on campus may constitute sex-based discrimination prohibited by federal civil rights laws and the Equal Protection guarantee of the United States Constitution, complement an on-going effort by the Administration to address the devastatingly high rate of sexual assault on campus.

Young women aged 16-24 experience the highest rates of rape and sexual assault, and as many as 1 in 5 have been victims of sexual assault during college. These crimes on campuses raise unique issues and challenges. For example, a victim of sexual assault may continue to live in the same dormitory or attend the same classes as the perpetrator. On smaller campuses, a victim may wish to remain anonymous but may find this to be virtually impossible in such an insular environment. Victims may find it difficult to escape their rapists because the individual may have a seemingly “legitimate” reason for remaining in contact with or in proximity to the victim (e.g., studying in the library). In other cases, a victim may be harassed by classmates or by a perpetrator’s friends who claim that the victim “asked for it” or “provoked” the crime. Recognizing these challenges, Congress created the Grants to Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking on Campus Program (Campus Program), which is administered by OVW.

OVW’s Campus Program is designed to encourage colleges and universities to adopt comprehensive, coordinated responses to violent crimes against women on campuses. Recipients of funds through the Campus Program, are required to provide prevention education on violence against women for all incoming students, train campus law enforcement or security staff on appropriate responses to violence against women, train members of campus judicial or disciplinary boards on the unique dynamics of violence against women, and create a coordinated community response to violence against women.

Since Fiscal Year 1999, OVW has awarded 321 grants directly to institutions of higher education to implement the Campus Program requirements and guidelines. Currently the Campus Program has 89 active awards supporting 150 institutions —including the University of Montana, which received an award in 2012.

As an extension of our work in the Campus Program, in October 2011, OVW hosted a 2-day National Summit on Campus Safety for College and University Presidents. The purpose of the Summit was to strengthen partnerships between the federal government and concerned college and university presidents and regents and elevate the national dialogue about sexual assault, dating violence and domestic violence on campus. In addition, to assist educators with their sexual assault prevention efforts, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights issued a “Dear Colleague Letter” and guidance on sexual harassment in 2011, which outlines a school’s responsibilities under Title IX, a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities of recipients of federal financial assistance.

The University of Montana is not alone in its need to improve its response to violence against women on campus. But today, the University is poised to stand as a model of how campus officials can step up and make our nation’s colleges safe for all students. I commend the University of Montana for its commitment to reform. I look forward to partnering with the University as they work to address the issues identified in the Civil Rights Division’s investigation and create a campus environment where students are safe from violence and able to access help when needed. I hope colleges across the country will follow their lead.

Today, I was fortunate to join Attorney General Eric Holder, Acting Associate Attorney General Tony West, OVC Principal Deputy Director Joye Frost and OJP Acting Assistant Attorney General MaryLou Leary in honoring 12 extraordinary individuals at the Office for Victims of Crime’s National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony for demonstrating outstanding service in supporting crime victims and victim services. The ceremony also provided an opportunity to gather together and commemorate National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAM) and Denim Day. And we celebrated a long-awaited accomplishment – the release of the updated National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations, Adult/Adolescent (SAFE Protocol, 2d.). The Attorney General’s announcement of the revised protocol is a tribute to victims of crime and to all of our partners working tirelessly on the front lines to support survivors.

In the nine years since the protocol was initially released, there have been marked improvements in the “state of the art” for forensic medical examinations. The revised edition maintains the same traditions of standardization, quality, and best practice as the first SAFE Protocol. Like the first edition, this newest version is an indispensable resource, updated with improvements to reflect current technology and practice.

“The SAFE protocol is crucial to our efforts to end sexual violence,” said Attorney General Holder. “It is our responsibility to ensure that victims feel comfortable coming forward. The SAFE Protocol helps us coordinate and improve our response when these courageous individuals do seek help from first responders including nurses, doctors, advocates, law enforcement, and prosecutors.”

The revised SAFE Protocol reflects the many important improvements that can help increase the quality of the services victims receive. There is information on populations with special needs, such as victims with limited English proficiency, victims with disabilities, American Indian and Alaska Native victims, victims in the Military, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender victims. The new version also provides more information on topics such as drug and alcohol facilitated sexual assault, pregnancy, confidentiality, and alternative reporting procedures. The revised version also increases the emphasis on victim-centered care and collaboration, including offering victims an informed choice about participating in the criminal justice system.

Advocates and practitioners who work with sexual assault survivors have a firsthand understanding of the importance of high-quality forensic evidence collection as specified in the SAFE Protocol. When these procedures are used, they make a difference. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) and Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) programs have been found to improve the quality of forensic evidence, improve law enforcement’s ability to collect information and to file charges, and increase the likelihood of successful prosecution. The updated SAFE Protocol is a tremendous victory for victims of sexual assault and the dedicated SAFEs, SANEs, advocates, law enforcement, and prosecutors that support victims and hold offenders accountable.

We know that SAFE and SANE programs positively impact the experience of victims. SAFEs and SANEs are specially trained to provide compassionate care for victims while collecting evidence that improves outcomes for victims, police, and prosecutors. One study found that sexual assault victims are more likely to engage in investigation and prosecution if they receive care at SANE programs.

As we recognize SAAM, OVW is honored to share this new protocol with all of you as we work together to hold offenders accountable through improved evidence collection and prosecutions. Along with our grantee, the International Association of Forensic Nurses, OVW will be hosting a webinar on Tuesday, May 21 to present additional details on the revised protocol and answer any questions about the update. You can register for the webinar here. I am pleased to share two fact sheets OVW developed highlighting the major updates in the revised SAFE Protocol. The short fact sheet provides a brief summary of the major updates and the long fact sheet has additional detail about the major updates. Download the full SAFE Protocol, 2d at http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/ovw/241903.pdf.

On March 15^th, the final day of its 57^th session, and after long hours of productive negotiations, the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) adopted Agreed Conclusions on the theme of the elimination of violence against women and girls. The CSW is a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council and is dedicated exclusively to the promotion of gender equality and the advancement of women worldwide. From March 4 to 15, 2013, representatives from Member States, United Nations entities, and non-governmental organizations gathered in New York City from around world to attend this year’s session, which included high-level round tables, interactive dialogues and panels, and parallel events.

I was proud to join so many high level federal officials as part of the U.S. delegation, including Valarie Jarrett, Tina Tchen, James Cole, Lynn Rosenthal, and others from departments across the Federal Government. The participation of these U.S. government leaders in this year’s CSW reflects this Administration’s commitment to building a shared vision of a world free from all forms of violence against women and girls. I was honored to participate on a panel on Sexual Violence and share the United States Government’s experiences (successes and struggles) in serving victims of underserved and vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, American Indian and Alaska Native women, and people with disabilities.

After months of preparations, sharing ideas, experiences and expertise, gathering together to make a commitment to protecting women and girls from violence and discrimination in all forms was exhilarating and empowering. The Agreed Conclusions represent an important step toward ensuring that all women and girls around the world can live safe, healthy, and productive lives, free from the scourge of violence and abuse. The agreement provides the foundation to continue the unfinished work of empowering women and girls and reaffirms the critical role of women human rights defenders. These conclusions reinforce that States have a duty, regardless of their political, economic, and cultural systems, to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls.

I am particularly pleased that the Agreed Conclusions clearly acknowledge the importance of investing in and protecting sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights in connection with the prevention, mitigation, and elimination of violence against women and girls. It’s also critical that the Agreed Conclusions address trafficking in persons, women and girls with disabilities, and indigenous women and girls. As often is the case in extensive negotiations, agreement could not reached on every important issue. Notably, there was no consensus on explicit reference to the applicability of the Agreed Conclusions to all women regardless of  sexual orientation or/and gender identity nor on using the term intimate partner violence, which I believe more accurately captures the range of relationships where abuse happens.  I feel confident that we will continue to press for progress on these issues.

As Ambassador Susan Rice so eloquently said, “Ending this global scourge will require comprehensive support service for survivors, justice for perpetrators, redoubled efforts to prevent assault, and the common recognition that women and girls have fundamental and inalienable rights.” I could not agree more and the CSW’s Agreed Conclusions mark a milestone in our journey toward a world that honors the basic dignity and security of all women and girls. At OVW we frequently witness what can be accomplished when knowledge, skills, and successes are shared to further a common vision. It was wonderful to witness the CSW adopt such an important Agreed Conclusion through this same spirit of collaboration and through a shared goal of ending violence against women and girls around the world.

The past two weeks have been filled with excitement, energy, and momentum.  Last week we joined you in celebrating as we watched President Obama sign this historic Violence Against Women Act reauthorization into law. 

 The Obama Administration’s continued commitment to ending violence against women is needed now more than ever.  The week VAWA was reauthorized, at least 15 women and 4 men were killed by intimate partners.  A 9-year-old boy was killed with a hatchet by his father, who had previously served time in jail for domestic violence and fought for custody after his release.  A 17-year-old boy was arrested for stabbing his 16-year-old girlfriend to death. And a 22-year-old pregnant woman was shot in the head and her body burned – her boyfriend has been arrested.

 As we hear about these and other tragedies we find ourselves asking what we could have done to prevent these senseless tragedies.  Fortunately, we’re learning more and more about how we can save lives by reliably identifying women who may be in danger of being killed by their partners. Attempted strangulation, threats with weapons, stalking, sexual assault, and obsessively jealous and controlling behavior are among the markers of particularly lethal abusers.  

 We know that victims who interact with law enforcement, prosecution, courts, health care services, domestic violence programs, and other systems can be screened with a short list of questions.  Once at-risk victims or offenders are identified law enforcement, prosecution, courts, and service providers can take action to protect victims and their families.  This team of responders can search for open warrants, make arrests, connect victims with services, and use pretrial conditions to keep offenders in custody. 

 Homicide reduction strategies like these work.  That is why, yesterday I was so proud to join Vice President Biden and Attorney General Holder to announce the first-ever Domestic Violence Homicide Prevention Demonstration Initiative (DVHP Initiative) grant awards to 12 cities and counties totaling $2.3 million. 

 Speaking to a crowd of law enforcement and domestic violence advocates, the Attorney General said:  “beyond our traditional enforcement efforts – by supporting the development and evaluation of domestic violence homicide prevention models, and then adapting these models for different communities – this new Initiative will strengthen our ability to reduce these heinous crimes and help those who are at risk.” 

 The demonstration sites, each receiving one-year awards ranging from $100,658 to $200,000, are:  

• Contra Costa County, California;
• Miami-Dade County, Florida;
• Palm Beach County, Florida;
• Rockdale County, Georgia;
• Winnebago County, Illinois;
• City of Boston, Massachusetts;
• Borough of Brooklyn, New York;
• Westchester County, New York;
• Pitt County, North Carolina;
• Cuyahoga County, Ohio;
• City of North Charleston, South Carolina; and
• City of Rutland, Vermont. 

 OVW is partnering with the National Institute of Justice to rigorously evaluate the implementation and outcomes of the DVHP Initiative, which is based on the successful homicide reduction models from Newburyport, Massachusetts and the Maryland Lethality Assessment Program.  We will identify the key components of these models, and the steps necessary to adapt and successfully replicate them in different communities. 

 We look forward to working with the selected communities and building our collective understanding of how to reduce domestic violence homicides.  To ensure that grantees are able to implement the models with fidelity, the department is collaborating with the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center, and the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing to provide technical assistance to the demonstration sites. 

 I know that much of the work you every day is sobering, and domestic violence homicides can break the heart and challenge the soul.  We are honored to stand with you in the face of these tragedies, and will continue to fight alongside you to prevent and reduce domestic violence homicides.

 For more information, visit www.ovw.usdoj.gov. 

 The press release announcing the grants can be found here:  Vice President Biden and Attorney General Holder Announce Grants to Help Reduce Domestic Violence Homicides

 The Attorney General’s remarks can be found here:  Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the Domestic Violence Homicide Prevention Initiative Announcement

Today President Obama signed the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) of 2013, marking an historic day in our nation’s effort to reduce domestic and sexual violence. A week ago today Congress reauthorized this landmark bill, which maintains proven successful programs and includes significant new provisions that expand and improve the federal government’s response to violence against women.

OVW is proud to have been part of the tremendous effort to reauthorize VAWA. I am honored to have stood with you in the fight for legislation that defends the rights of all victims and survivors. The new tribal provisions are of particular importance to all of us at the Department of Justice. VAWA 2013 closes jurisdictional gaps that had long compromised American Indian and Alaska Native women’s safety and access to justice. This change supports the sovereignty of tribes and holds perpetrators accountable – a necessary step to reducing violence against Native women.

The reauthorization of VAWA also ensures that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender survivors have access to the services they need and deserve, enables victims in publicly subsidized housing to stay safe by transferring to a different unit or location, and adds protections for college students, who have some of the highest rates of rape in the nation. I could not agree more with Attorney General Eric Holder, who said, “I applaud Congress for passing a bipartisan reauthorization that protects everyone – women and men, gay and straight, children and adults of all races, ethnicities, countries of origin, and tribal affiliations”

The OVW staff and I are excited to work with all of you in the coming months to turn this legislation into reality. And it’s not just our office – the whole Department is engaged. As the Attorney General said, “The Department of Justice looks forward to implementing this historic legislation.”

Most of the changes to VAWA don’t take effect until FY 2014, but we’re starting work on them now. A big part of that will be hearing from you. We want to hear from survivors, advocates, law enforcement, and all our grantees and other stakeholders across the country. In fact, one of the new VAWA provisions requires us to consult with stakeholders within six months.

Over the next several months, we will be communicating with you about the new VAWA provisions in multiple ways – webinars, conference calls, new grantee orientations, TA provider meetings, fact sheets and more. OVW has always welcomed your input, and we need it now more than ever. Together we can strengthen the safety of our communities and ensure hope and healing is a reality for all survivors.

The full text of VAWA 2013 can be found at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113s47enr/pdf/BILLS-113s47enr.pdf  .

For more information, please visit www.ovw.usdoj.gov .

Research and evaluation play significant roles in preventing and responding to violence against women.  It is critical to the life-saving work OVW grantees do every day.  Because victim services providers, law enforcement, the criminal justice system, and other first responders are often overwhelmed and under-resourced, it is vital that research is conducted and disseminated in a way that facilitates their work and improves survivors’ lives.  And, it is important for us to understand the most effective ways we can support survivors and hold offenders accountable. 

The June 2012 report of the National Advisory Committee on Violence Against Women includes a recommendation that federal agencies support further research on violence against women.  It urges the government to commit more resources to building the evidence base, promoting partnerships among researchers and practitioners, and accounting for the contexts of victimization of marginalized and vulnerable people.  I am enthusiastic to report that we are putting this recommendation into action.

OVW has prioritized funding for programs that are working toward evidence-based interventions by supporting organizations that ground their proposals in the best available research.  We must identify the strategies that are effective in combating violence against women, promoting victim safety and recovery, and bringing offenders to justice.  As such, I am pleased to announce a new opportunity to help OVW in this effort:

OVW is currently seeking a research and evaluation expert to help us identify and prioritize promising and evidence-based programs and practices, and determine where research gaps exist. With involvement from other researchers and experts in the field, this person will work with OVW to develop a plan to evaluate OVW-administered grant programs and Violence Against Women Act-funded interventions to strengthen evidence-based grantmaking. This assignment is made available through the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Mobility Program, which allows eligible applicants to work for the federal government for up to two years, with their salary being reimbursed to their employer. For a full description of the position, qualifications, and how to apply, please see OVW’s Careers page. The deadline to apply for this position is March 15, 2013. 

Additionally, I want to alert researchers to two current funding opportunities through NIJ.  Evaluating the Effectiveness of State, Local and Tribal Responses to Violence Committed Against Indian Women Living in Tribal Communities invites proposals to evaluate interventions addressing violence against women in Indian Country.  OVW strongly encourages applicants to consider an evaluation of a new OVW special initiative to cross-designate tribal prosecutors to pursue violence against women cases in both tribal and federal courts. The Tribal Special U.S. Attorneys (SAUSA) program enables tribal prosecutors to bring violence against women cases in federal court and to serve as co-counsel with federal prosecutors on investigations and prosecutions of felony offenses in tribal communities.  We are excited to launch this initiative, and to test its effectiveness in promoting justice for victims of domestic and sexual violence on tribal land.  Applicants for the evaluation of this initiative should have experience working with the criminal justice system and in tribal communities, and the team should include researchers and practitioners who are committed to a collaborative, participatory approach to evaluation.  Please refer to the solicitation for details and application instructions, and note that applications are due on April 22, 2013.  Additional information can also be located on OVW’s Tribal Communities page. 

NIJ is also inviting applications under their fiscal year 2013 Research and Evaluation on Violence Against Women: Teen Dating Violence, Sexual Violence, and Intimate Partner Violence solicitation.  NIJ is particularly interested in proposals that help to understand the context within which teen dating violence (also known as adolescent relationship abuse) occurs, and in research supporting the effectiveness of policies and programs that are either intended to prevent or respond to adolescent relationship abuse/teen dating violence.  The application deadline is also April 22, 2013.  Please visit NIJ’s website for information on these and other NIJ funding opportunities.