The Office of Victim Support and Assistance (OVSA) provides centralized leadership for creating and implementing survivor-centered policy and training across the Department of Law and Public Safety. Using a trauma-informed approach in its work, OVSA is committed to prioritizing the autonomy and agency of survivors in addition to their physical and emotional safety. OVSA serves as a resource center for stakeholders and their communities for technical assistance and training to help improve access to available services, with a focus on historically underserved and marginalized populations. Using a public health approach, OVSA works with partners and stakeholders to identify and uplift innovative programming that helps to promote public safety across the state.

OVSA is committed to:

• strengthening the relationship between the Department, victim service providers, and their stakeholders.
• providing programmatic support and guidance to recipients of VAWA and VOCA Victim Assistance Grants (VAGs) administered by the Department to ensure programmatic alignment and provide technical assistance for data reporting.
• providing support and assistance to communities and organizations that promote access to services and support, particularly for underserved communities and historically marginalized populations.
• creating opportunities for input and feedback from those most impacted by violence to create equity and remove barriers.