Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)
The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) provides federal leadership in developing the national capacity to reduce violence against women and administer justice for and strengthen services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
We have two community-based teams that include law enforcement, victim advocates, and legal services providers. All services are free. Victims can access all services in either location and receive services dependent on their specific needs. The victim advocate is the bridge between law enforcement, support services, legal services, and provides support and assistance throughout the process regardless of whether a criminal case is pursued. Victims receive services such as referrals to counseling, court accompaniment, relief through immigration legal assistance, legal assistance with restraining orders, relocation, and more. Bringing all of these providers together creates a seamless system of care for victims. This program empowers victims to exercise their right to protection through community-based support series, including the justice system. Law enforcement and the partner agencies are key elements in holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring the safety of the victim.
Partnering agencies include Start Off Smart, Homestead Police Department and the City of Homestead, MUJER, Legal Aid, and VIDA.
OUR PROGRAMS
Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Assistance Grants
The federal VOCA assistance grant program offers funding to local community providers for use in responding to the emotional and physical needs of crime victims, assisting victims in stabilizing their lives after their victimization, helping victims to understand and participate in the criminal justice system, and providing victims with a measure of safety and security.
Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPST)
CPS technicians do so much to help keep kids safe, from car seat checks to helping parents and caregivers understand all they can do to prevent unintentional injuries in and around cars. As a CPS technician, we share our knowledge to work through a variety of activities, including community presentations and/or child safety seat checks where parents and caregivers receive education and hands-on assistance with the proper use of child restraint systems and seat belts.
College Preparation Academy
This grant is funded by the Children’s’ Trust of Miami Dade County. The City of Homestead College Preparation Academy is a partnership between the City of Homestead, Homestead Police Athletic League, Homestead Police Explorers and Project Start Off Smart (SOS) The eight (8) week summer program prepares the youth and their families for what to expect during the college application, admission and acceptance process.
The Safe Families Partnership Network (SFPN)
The Safe Families Partnership Network (SFPN) provides care coordination to children and families who are victims of violence. Other risk factors include child abuse or neglect, child chronic absenteeism, and child disruptive behaviors. The referrals are accepted from Law Enforcement, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, DCF, Court system, and self-referrals (walk-ins).
Educational Civic Engagement Projects
The Ocean Reef Community Foundation (ORCF) has provided SOS a grant in order to work in collaboration with the Homestead Police Department community policing unit to conduct educational civic engagement projects. It takes law enforcement and residents working together in order to improve the quality of life for all through a reduction of crime and disorder. SOS has joined with the Homestead Police Department in a communitywide “See Something, Say Something” campaign.