Justice Department Cracks Down on Domestic Violence with New Framework

SCRANTON, PA – In a major breakthrough in the fight against domestic violence, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has released a new framework for prosecutors to strengthen their national response to sexual assault and domestic violence. The framework was announced by OVW Director Rosemarie Hidalgo at the Conference on Crimes Against Women in Dallas, TX, on May 20, 2024.

The guide, written by prosecutors for prosecutors, sets out five principles that, if implemented, will lead to better outcomes for victims, safer communities, and greater accountability for perpetrators of sexual assault and domestic violence. These principles include taking a trauma-informed approach, thoroughly investigating and prosecuting crimes, and expanding access to justice for all survivors.

“Our office remains steadfast in strengthening our commitment to support victims and pursue criminals who commit crimes of sexual assault and domestic violence,” said U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam of the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “The new framework released yesterday will allow our prosecutors and victim specialists to take a more trauma-informed approach and thoroughly investigate and prosecute such heinous crimes.”

The framework is designed to equip prosecutors to build provable cases by relying on the evidentiary value of the victim’s account, meeting with victims and working with investigators and victim specialists, using the law and evidentiary rules effectively, being thoughtful about what justice and accountability look like, and sustaining a productive, healthy, and committed workforce.

More than 120 state, Tribal, military, and federal prosecutors, as well as advocates, academics, and investigators from an array of jurisdictions, were consulted in developing this guide. The framework is designed to encourage prosecutors with all levels of experience to implement its principles when evaluating, investigating, and prosecuting allegations involving sexual assault and domestic violence.

OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo emphasized the importance of the framework in ending gender-based violence, stating, “The framework reaffirms our commitment to expanding access to justice for all survivors, who deserve respect and the right to be heard.” The guide further serves as a complement to the Justice Department’s 2022 updated guidance on Improving Law Enforcement Response to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence by Identifying and Preventing Gender Bias.

OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. The new framework is a significant step forward in this effort, and Grimy Times will continue to monitor its implementation and impact.