The Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma (IVAT) aims to improve the quality of life for individuals by sharing and disseminating information; improving networking among professionals; and assisting with program evaluation, consultation, and training that promote violence-free living. IVAT maintains a center to assist professionals in obtaining information on the treatment of batterers; therapy for children; education on the need for research and evaluation; and training, consultation, and professional networking among the researchers and treatment providers in the field of family violence and sexual assault. IVAT also serves as a consultant to organizations and agencies, providing program development, evaluation, research, and technical assistance in family violence and sexual assault. In addition, the IVAT, in cooperation with crisis centers, agencies, universities, organizations, and clinics, is involved in developing treatment and prevention programs for spouse/partner and child maltreatment.

The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) handles the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) legal and policy issues regarding violence against women, coordinates departmental efforts, provides national and international leadership, receives international visitors interested in learning about the federal government’s role in addressing violence against women, and responds to requests for information regarding violence against women. The office works closely with components of the Office of Justice Programs, the Office of Legal Policy, the Office of Legislative Affairs, the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and local, state, and tribal jurisdictions to implement the mandates of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation.