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"Domestic violence is not only a personal tragedy, it is a serious crime that negatively affects women, men, children, neighborhoods, and communities. We must join together to address the causes of this crime so that each and every home can be a place of peace and safety." -- Mary Beth Buchanan, Acting Director
Office on Violence Against Women
United States Department of Justice
During October, designated as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, It is a good time to renew community and neighborhood commitment to raising awareness and preventing this serious crime.
Domestic violence continues to impact women, children, families and communities across the country and around the globe. The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) is dedicated to formulating national policy and sharing promising practices as we work together to address this serious crime. In 1994, Congress passed the Violence Against Women Act to address violence against women. Subsequent reauthorizations of the Act have enhanced its scope and we as a nation have learned more about effective intervention and prevention strategies. The expansion of the Act recognizes that the crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking impact the lives of women, and their children and families, throughout a woman's life span. We have also confirmed that specific groups—such as teens, those with disabilities, and women later in life—may be more vulnerable than others.
