Division of Sexual and Domestic Violence Prevention and Services (DSDVPS)

Central to our work is our commitment to racial equity and addressing health disparities. Sexual assault and domestic violence are inextricably linked to racism and other forms of oppression.

Data demonstrate that certain groups of people experience SDV at higher rates, have less access to appropriate services, and experience worse outcomes than the population as a whole. These same groups of people are regularly marginalized and are impacted by inequities in the social determinants of health. Sexual and domestic violence work is not effective if it focuses solely on meeting the specific needs of individual survivors. It must also dismantle the institutional and systemic practices that perpetuate these disparities and thus allow sexual and domestic violence to continue to happen in our communities.

Learn more about the Department of Public Health’s Strategic Plan to Advance Racial Equity.

Drink ​spiking happens when someone chooses to put a substance, such as drugs​ or ​alcohol​​, in someone else’s drink without them knowing. Make a plan, know the signs, intervene safely, and get help when you need it.