OVW Affirms Year-Round Commitment to Protect LGBTQI2S+ Community Against Violence in the United States

As we continue to honor Pride Month, the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) wants to underscore our unwavering dedication to safeguarding the LGBTQI2S+ community’s safety, dignity, and well-being throughout the entire year.

At OVW, our commitment knows no bounds when it comes to preventing and addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

This commitment transcends sex, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

We proudly stand with advocates who tirelessly champion safer spaces for LGBTQI2S+ survivors, supporting their courageous efforts to advance equality, justice, and safety across the nation.

Despite progress, discrimination and violence against LGBTQI2S+ individuals remain prevalent issues.

Shockingly, statistics from the CDC reveal that over 45% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetimes.

Black transgender individuals face disproportionately high levels of violence, while online harassment is an escalating concern, especially for LGBTQI2S+ individuals.

The reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in 2013 marked a pivotal moment, explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.

This historic provision ensures that LGBTQI2S+ survivors have access to essential services funded by OVW.

We prioritize enhancing outreach, services, and justice responses for underserved communities, including LGBTQI2S+ survivors.

Ensuring justice and safety for LGBTQI2S+ individuals requires customized strategies.

Recent updates to VAWA have authorized specific programs aimed at supporting LGBTQI2S+ victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

OVW’s Grants for Outreach and Services to Underserved Populations and Training and Technical Assistance Initiative support numerous projects providing culturally specific advocacy, mental health services, and economic resources tailored to LGBTQI2S+ survivors.

Collaborative Efforts and Call to Action

OVW encourages LGBTQI2S+ organizations to apply for grants across our programs, including the STOP Formula Grant Program, which mandates addressing the needs of underserved populations.

While progress is celebrated, there’s recognition of the ongoing work needed to combat intersecting forms of discrimination and strengthen community responses to gender-based violence.

Resources and Immediate Assistance

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.

OVW provides resources through various channels, including our website.

Immediate support is also available through hotlines such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline and the National Domestic Violence Hotline, ensuring help is accessible 24/7.

OVW remains steadfast in its commitment to ending gender-based violence and ensuring that every individual, regardless of identity, has access to safety, justice, and healing.

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