As Gov. Jay Inslee shared in a recent statement, “The tragedy that unfolded in Georgia was another escalation in the disturbing trend of anti-Asian violence in this country. These shootings reflect hate against Asians, against women, and against immigrants. We all have a role in denouncing hatred wherever it reveals itself. We stand in solidarity with all those impacted, including our Asian community members who are suffering in the rise of anti-Asian…
National Crime Victims Rights Week – Zoom Event 10 a.m., April 22 In celebration of National Crime Victims Rights Week, the Department of Commerce’s Office of Crime Victims Advocacy, Labor and Industries’ Crime Victims Compensation Program and the Department of Corrections’ Victim Services Program invite you to attend a National Crime Victims Rights Week Zoom Event at 10 a.m., April 22. OCVA’s Managing Director, Rick Torrance, will be emceeing the…
Black women are disproportionately impacted by all forms of violence. In a study conducted by the Black Women’s Blueprint, 40-60% of Black women report being subjected to coercive sexual contact by age 18. 40% of confirmed sex trafficking survivors in the United States are Black. Domestic violence is related to an estimated 51.3% of Black adult female homicides. Black women, particularly Black women survivors of violence, have been at the…
OCVA is providing an update on federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding, as we know many of you may be hearing about reductions in federal VOCA funds through the media and through victim service coalitions. Please keep in mind that there are still many unknowns, but we can share the information we have that may be helpful in your planning. Washington state has experienced three years of significant decreases…
Stop Violence sign and purple ribbon By the OFFICE OF CRIME VICTIMS ADVOCACY U.S. victims of intimate partner domestic violence collectively lose 8 million days of paid work each year — the equivalent of more than 32,000 jobs, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report. What exactly is domestic violence? Domestic violence isn’t just physical abuse. It also includes emotional abuse, economic abuse, psychological abuse, digital abuse…
While the 2020-2021 school year looks really different, sexual violence primary prevention in K-12 schools must remain a priority for school staff, advocates, parents, caregivers, and all community members. Over the past couple of years, the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy has supported the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) as they implement Erin’s Law (House Bill 1539). Erin’s Law was passed unanimously in both the House and…
OCVA has been thinking about the ways in which the resources that we distribute and manage can be used to help address racism and the ongoing violence against Black people.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Limitations on in-person events doesn’t mean you can’t continue with your community.
As programs move towards alternate forms of service, the following resources may be helpful in addressing concerns related to providing victim services during this time.
These working dogs provide support by sitting or lying next to victims and witnesses. They are socialized to be able to provide calm companionship in legal settings.