Clery Center Calls for the Office on Violence Against Women to Remain Independent 

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has outlined plans to consolidate the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) into a larger grantmaking component—the Bureau of Justice Grants (BJG). If implemented, this proposal would remove OVW’s status as an independent office and dilute their role in leading the nation’s response to dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

The DOJ has indicated that they will seek Office on Management and Budget (OMB) approval for this process of consolidation and keep Congress informed. This proposal appears inconsistent with the statutory requirement that OVW remain a "separate and distinct" office, and undermines the creation and purpose of the Office on Violence Against Women as outlined in the Violence Against Women Act. 

The DOJ Office on Violence Against Women website directly states: 

“OVW was established as an independent office on January 30, 2004, pursuant to the Violence Against Women Office Act, Pub. L. No. 107-273, tit. iv. (2002) (codified as amended at 34 U.S.C. §§ 10442-10445). The Act directs that there shall be a “separate and distinct” OVW within the Department of Justice, “not subsumed by any other office[.]” 

The law establishes OVW as an independent office, reflecting Congress’s intent to ensure dedicated and consistent expertise and leadership on issues of gender-based violence. This proposed consolidation appears inconsistent with that statutory framework and risks diminishing OVW’s effectiveness in providing services and protections for survivors of dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. 

The Office on Violence Against Women administers the Campus Grant Program, for which Clery Center has proudly served as the federal technical assistance provider for Clery Act compliance since 2009. Through nearly two decades of supporting Campus Grantees, we have seen firsthand the value of OVW’s specialized expertise and dedicated leadership, and we are  opposed to any effort that would weaken the independence and stature of OVW. 

Clery Center has the privilege of working with colleges and universities nationwide to create safer campus communities for all. As part of fulfilling our mission, we rely on our partnership with OVW to support institutions participating in the Campus Grant Program. A stable and independent Office on Violence Against Women helps ensure continuity in the administration of the program consistent with Congressional intent. OVW must continue to operate as an independent office within the DOJ, and maintain its Congressionally authorized ability to administer funds. 

Clery Center has submitted comments to the OMB expressing concern that any proposals inconsistent with the statutory independence of the Office on Violence Against Women and Congressional authority over federal grant programs could undermine the long-term stability and effectiveness of these important programs. 

You can view Clery Center’s full public comment here.