Kate Bouwkamp

Kate Bouwkamp is a Program Coordinator under Victim Services for OVSJG. She began working for OVSJG in July 2020 and was hired to work directly with the public with survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking as well as with the district agencies that interact with those survivors. In addition to her regular responsibilities, Kate is providing interim program coordination for the District’s Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board (DVFRB). This board reviews fatalities that occur involving individuals in a domestic or intimate partner relationship. Kate consistently seeks out opportunities to research and learn more about trends and ways to address the cycle of violence individually and systemically. Kate works with an innovative approach that balances victim safety and autonomy with the high standards of OVSJG and within the parameters of District law.

The mission of the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG) is to develop, fund, and coordinate programs that improve public safety; enhance the administration of justice; and create systems of care for crime victims, youth, and their families in the District.

In order to accomplish its mission, OVSJG coordinates and funds community-based and District agency services for victims of crime and returning citizens. Additionally, OVSJG manages efforts that aim to reduce truancy in the District's public and charter schools, and supports juvenile diversion, mentoring, and gang intervention efforts. OVSJG is the State-Administering Agency (SAA) responsible for the direction of systemic criminal justice planning, coordination, management, research, training, and technical assistance. OVSJG also provides policy making expertise, advice, and counsel to the Executive on the role of victims and offenders in the criminal justice system, and evidence-based practices to respond to, intervene in, and prevent violence.