DHS Announces New Resources to Combat Gender-Based Violence

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Council on Combating Gender-Based Violence (CCGBV) has launched a Combating Gender-Based Violence webpage. This new page is an online hub for information and resources related to gender-based violence (GBV). The site provides an overview of GBV, as well as 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. 

Addressing GBV is a priority of the Department. Recent initiatives to prevent and address GBV in the United States include the CCGBV Directive 002-03 and Instruction 002-03-001, finalized in November 2023, to advance DHS’s efforts to address gender-based violence by using a victim-centered approach. The instruction includes:  

• The development of a new mandatory training on GBV and the victim-centered approach for employees and contractors 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 is committed to combating all forms of GBV, including domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, forced marriage, female genital mutilation or cutting, and more. Through the CCGBV, DHS ensures that policies combating gender-based violence are consistent Department-wide and that the Department takes a victim-centered approach to implementing all its programs and policies. Visit the Combating Gender-Based Violence webpage and follow DHS on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter) for updates on our work on GBV and other important issues.