June 28, 2023

In This Issue...

2023 BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit

July Is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, also Known as BIPOC Mental Health Month. From Mental Health America 2023 BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit provides free, practical resources, including information about how an individual's culture and community impact their mental health, tips for community advocacy, and ways to build connections with others. In this toolkit, you can find factsheets, worksheets, resources, sample messages, sample images, posters, and more.

Implementing Outreach-Based Community

For decades, grassroots groups around the country have been developing a method to reduce gun violence that relies not on heavy police presence but on intensive, empathetic outreach to community members most at risk of becoming involved in violence as both perpetrators and victims. Today this approach, known as community violence intervention (CVI), is the focus of unprecedented investment thanks to support from the Biden-Harris administration.

In this LISC research paper, based on candid interviews with 15 CVI leaders and analysis of existing literature, Dr. Shani Buggs, a national expert on CVI approaches social determinants of gun violence, and colleagues examine program strengths and challenges, and lay out detailed recommendations for supporting and enhancing the field.

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Update On VOCA Crime Victim Compensation Guidelines

From OVC Director Kristina Rose an update on VOCA Crime Victim Compensation Guidelines.

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About Us: National Center For Victims Of Crime

After more than 35 years, we remain the most comprehensive national resource committed to advancing victims’ rights and helping victims of crime rebuild their lives. Watch this video to learn more about what we do!

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Update On Justice Department's Ongoing Efforts To Tackle Gun Violence

On June 14, 2023, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco convened a meeting with the Criminal Division, FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshals Service, and all 93 U.S. Attorneys to discuss ongoing efforts to reduce violent crime and combat the gun violence that fuels it.

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SOSA (Safe from Online Sex Abuse) is a nonprofit that raises awareness about and combats online child sex abuse and exploitation. We prevent harm by educating communities and advocating for effective legislation, intervene in active abuse by working with law enforcement, and support survivors by connecting them with essential resources.

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Prejudice Against LGBTQ People A Serious Problem

Around 6 in 10 U.S. adults say prejudice against LGBTQ people in the country is a serious problem today, according to a recent survey.

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Battered Women’s Justice Project - National Center on Gun Violence in Relationships

The National Center on Gun Violence in Relationships works to prevent domestic violence-related homicides involving firearms. We know protecting domestic violence victims from homicide isn’t as simple as just prohibiting access to guns, so our mission is to go beyond just policy improvement. We work with communities to identify the root causes of violence and develop victim-centered intervention strategies that create lasting change.

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Reflections on the Intersection of Mental Health, Human Trafficking and Unjust Criminalization

Last month was Mental Health Awareness month and as annual attention to this issue prompted introspection about my own personal experiences, I began to think about how the mental health needs of trafficking survivors so often intertwine with the need for federal vacatur and post-conviction relief for trafficking victims.

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Upcoming Trainings & Events

Supporting LGBTQ+ Stalking Victims

July 31, 2023 - 12:00 p.m.

When responding to and supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) stalking victims, most of the same stalking information, behaviors, risks, and safety planning considerations apply as when working with the general population. In addition, it is critical to consider specific issues that may affect LGBTQ+ stalking victims.

Please click here to register.

Victims Compensation Assistance Program Online Trainings

The following trainings will be held on July 7, 2023.

Loss of Support Clinic - 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Medical Expenses Clinic – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

The following training will be held on July 17, 2023.

Basic Compensation - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

All trainings count towards 1 hour of the required RASA/VOCA/VOJO training hours, except Basic Compensation which counts towards 2 and DAVE training which counts towards 2.25.

Please click here to register.

Employment Opportunities

Please click here to view current employment opportunities.

The next OVS Newsletter will be published on July 12, 2023. If you would like any training events, fundraisers, or notable news published in this newsletter, please submit them to Lea Dorsey at ledorsey@pa.gov by Wednesday, July 5, 2023.