Director Rosie Hidalgo recently delivered remarks at the 24th Annual International Family Justice Center Conference, where she expressed gratitude to The Alliance for HOPE International for hosting the event. Hidalgo, serving as the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women, highlighted the importance of collective action in shaping policies to combat gender-based violence.
Hidalgo acknowledged the progress made in changing societal perceptions of gender-based violence but emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by survivors in accessing necessary resources and support. She stressed the need for a coordinated community response to ensure the safety, justice, and healing of survivors.
During her speech, Hidalgo commended the work of Family Justice Centers across the country and discussed the impact of VAWA funding in supporting initiatives aimed at assisting survivors and holding offenders accountable. She also mentioned recent visits to Family Justice Centers in various states, where successful partnerships with law enforcement agencies were observed.
The Director highlighted the significance of the VAWA 2022 reauthorization, which introduced new programs to address emerging issues like technological abuse and provide training for law enforcement on trauma-informed responses to gender-based violence. She emphasized the importance of listening to stakeholders and survivors to guide program development.
As the conference focused on "the Remarkable Power of We," Hidalgo emphasized the need for collaborative, survivor-centered approaches to combat gender-based violence effectively. She concluded by thanking attendees for their dedication to the cause and encouraged continued support for survivors and each other in the shared vision of a society free from violence.