DHS Issues Guidance on Preventing and Addressing Gender-Based Violence Through a Victim-Centered Approach

The instruction includes:

• The development of a new mandatory training on gender-based violence (GBV) and the victim-centered approach for DHS personnel who interact with survivors of GBV.
• A new requirement that DHS components and offices that meet the definition of a T visa or U visa certifying agency provide copies of their certification policies to the CCGBV.
• Informational resources provided to DHS personnel on GBV and secondary (vicarious) trauma to equip them with the knowledge and resources to effectively serve survivors of gender-based violence.

DHS also launched a new page as the online hub for information and resources related to GBV and outlines what GBV is, where it can occur, who is affected, and how and where to seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing any form of GBV. The webpage houses public education materials and provides information on DHS resources for survivors of human trafficking and other forms of GBV. It also links to trainings for law enforcement and the public, and information on immigration options available to survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and other crimes.

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