National Youth Education Project

OVC recognizes the importance of developing a national public awareness and education initiative that focuses on victimization among adolescents, an age group at risk for myriad forms of violence, including child abuse, dating violence, sexual victimization, school bullying, and gang-related violence. Recent research also indicates that witnessing violence has a long-lasting impact on children and adolescents. These children are at higher risk for behavioral problems such as chronic delinquency and academic failure. They are more likely to become involved in adult criminal behavior and drug-related offenses later in life than children who grow up in nonviolent surroundings.

In this light, OVC competitively awarded funding to the National Crime Prevention Council, a youth organization, to work with 20 schools and community-based youth organizations to develop victimization awareness initiatives in the school and community. Youth organizations, especially those in school settings, can play a central role in educating adolescents about the dynamics of victimization by giving them information on where to find help and support if they are victimized.

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