The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is committed to combatting gender-based violence and integrating protections for all individuals in our policies, programs, and activities across the Department. Gender-based violence (GBV) is defined as any harmful threat or act directed at an individual or group based on their actual or perceived:
- Biological sex;
- Gender identity;
- Gender expression;
- Sexual orientation; or
- Difference from social norms related to masculinity or femininity
GBV can include physical, sexual, psychological, technological, economic, and emotional abuse. It is rooted in structural gender inequalities, coercive control, and power imbalances.
The Department addresses GBV though the DHS Council on Combating Gender-Based Violence (formerly the Council on Combatting Violence Against Women), which works with DHS Components to ensure that policies to combat GBV are consistent across the Department. The CRCL Officer is a permanent co-chair of the Council, along with two-chairs appointed by the Secretary (the Chief of USCIS’ Office of Policy and Strategy and the DHS Assistant Secretary for Partnership and Engagement).
The following resources and materials are available to assist the public in identifying, addressing, and preventing GBV in their communities and interactions with others.
- DHS Gender-Based Violence Pamphlets and Flyers
These pamphlets and flyers describe what gender-based violence is, who is affected by it, and how and where to seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing any form of GBV. These materials are available in English, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Traditional), French, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Urdu. - DHS Gender-Based Violence Awareness Course
This training was developed for airport and private aviation industry personnel. This course is designed to help you define the concept of gender-based violence, identify various forms of gender-based violence, and describe ways to support gender-based violence victims and survivors. (Video by Blue Campaign/Released) - DHS Blue Campaign
The DHS Blue Campaign is a national public awareness campaign designed to educate the public, law enforcement, and other industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking, and how to appropriately respond to possible cases. Blue Campaign works closely with DHS Components to develop general awareness trainings, as well as specific educational resources to help reduce victimization within vulnerable populations. - DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking
This DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT)'s mission is to advance counter human trafficking law enforcement operations, protect victims, and enhance prevention efforts by aligning the Department's capabilities and expertise. CCHT uses a victim-centered approach to minimize additional trauma, mitigate undue penalization, and stabilize and support victims. - DHS T and U Visa Resource Guides
These resource guides educate state and local law enforcement on tools to
support investigations and prosecutions involving immigrant victims of crimes. - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Information and resources on Forced Marriage
- Information and brochure on Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting
(brochure available in multiple languages)
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- The Victims Engagement and Services Line (VESL) serves as a comprehensive and inclusive support system for all victims, regardless of immigration status or the immigration status of the perpetrator.
To contact VESL, call 1-833-383-1465. - ICE Tip Line: Individuals across the world can report suspicious criminal activity to the ICE Tip Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Highly trained specialists take reports from both the public and law enforcement agencies on more than 400 laws enforced by ICE.
Call: 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423, from U.S. and Canada)
Call: 802-872-6199 (from other locations around the globe)
- The Victims Engagement and Services Line (VESL) serves as a comprehensive and inclusive support system for all victims, regardless of immigration status or the immigration status of the perpetrator.