DHS Announces New Resources to Combat Gender-Based Violence

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Council on Combating Gender-Based Violence (CCGBV) has two announcements to share with you. Building on DHS’s commitment to improving how we support survivors of gender-based violence, DHS has issued a Directive and Instruction that address gender-based violence through a victim-centered approach. We have also launched a Combating Gender-Based Violence web page.

Resources for DHS Employees on Combating Gender-Based Violence

In November 2023, DHS issued Directive 002-03, Preventing and Addressing Gender-Based Violence through a Victim-Centered Approach (PDF), and Instruction 002-03-001, Implementation of Preventing and Addressing Gender-Based Violence through a Victim-Centered Approach 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 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.

Combating Gender-Based Violence Web Page

This new page is an 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.

More Information

DHS is committed to combating all forms of GBV, including domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, forced marriage, and female genital mutilation or cutting. 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 page and follow DHS on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter) for updates on our work on GBV and other important issues.