This publication serves as a handbook for prosecutors working with medical evidence and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) in cases of violence against adult victims of sexual assault. This monograph provides prosecutors with an understanding of how SANEs focused on patient care and appropriate support services and referrals, rather than a specific investigative agenda can positively impact victim engagement in the criminal prosecution of their perpetrator. A glossary of commonly used terms used in medical examination reports is also included.
Advocating for Victims of Sex Crimes During the Police Investigation
"No other serious crime is treated more poorly by the criminal justice system than rape and other sex crimes. As the victim's advocate, friend, or family member, you may to be all that stands between police disregard and the victims' urgent need for protection and justice. This guide can help you monitor and evaluate the police response, prevent abusive police behavior, and help you intervene effectively when things aren't going as they should." The guide is in English and Spanish.
"You were raped? How could you be so stupid?": Start by Believing (pdf)
This resource is an article from End Violence Against Women International that speaks to the importance of believing and supporting victims of sexual violence. The goal of the Start by Believing campaign is to end the cycle of repeat offenses and assure that sex offenders are held accountable for their crimes. With a positive response, victims are more likely to seek help. Changing how the public responds to stories of sexual violence will then impact the criminal justice system and outcomes will begin to improve.
A Development Approach to Working with Teen Victims (pdf)
This issue brief discusses the need for service providers to understand adolescent development in order to effectively provide interventions for teen victims of abuse.
Law review article on the use of expert testimony in adult victim sexual assault cases.
An online bilingual guide in English and Spanish for helping a girl caught in prostitution or sex trafficking. The guide includes warning signs, resources, how to get help from the justice system, what to do if the girl is arrested, what to do if the girl is found deceased and more. The guide is based on the view that mothers, grandmothers, and others close to prostituted girls have been a neglected, yet powerful resource in the fight to end sexual exploitation. The guide seeks to give them the tools they need.
This resource was designed to highlight and explore effective trauma-informed conditions or core values that victims, survivors and people with disabilities are finding essential for safety and healing. This document is a guide, not a manual. It is designed to lead readers on a journey of exploration into the context of these conditions to promote dialogue and understanding, and spur implementation of strategies for domestic violence, sexual assault and disability organizations to become more trauma-informed.
Additional Scripts for Clinic Assessment (pdf)
This document is created for healthcare professionals and provides a series of scripted questions and responses when working with victims of violence. The information is intended to help communicate all the information needed to give to a patient as well as responding to immediate safety issues and making referrals.
Addressing Gender-based Violence: UNFPA Strategy and Framework for Action (pdf)
This report, grounded in UNFPA's overarching goal of eliminating violence against women and girls, identifies particular areas where action is most urgently needed and proposes general policy frameworks for combating gender-based violence.
The handbook consisits of various practical forms which were developed by advocates to evaluate criminal justice services for women in cases of rape, domestic violence and child abuse. It also has theoretical chapters on understanding how criminal justice systems can help and harm women.
Alcohol and Sexual Violence Perpetration
This Applied Research paper examines the frequent co-occurrence of alcohol and sexual violence perpetration. Identifying the different ways alcohol relates to perpetration can aid in the development of effective sexual violence prevention strategies. The authors off suggestions for practitioners based on available scientific knowledge.
Assault Advocacy Guide: An Advocate's Guide to Sexual Assault Policy
"This manual contains a variety of information around understanding the federal legislative process, including action tools such as tips for meeting with your legislator."
Balancing Obligations: Serving Teen Victims and Mandated Reporting of Statutory Rape (pdf)
This issue brief addresses the importance of preserving confidentiality while working with teen victims of abuse, at the same time fulfilling the service provider's legal duties.
"This manual is dedicated to answering a simple question: What do you do when a sexual assault victim walks through your door and asks for legal help?"
Changing Perceptions of Sexual Violence Over Time (pdf)
This VAWnet Applied Research Paper begins by providing a historical overview of societal perceptions of sexual violence. The author then reviews available research on perceptions held by the general public about sexual violence and how they have changed over time. She concludes with implications and recommendations for advocates future practice and future directions. *Applied Research papers synthesize and interpret current research on violence against women, offering a review of the literature and implications for policy and practice.
"Child and Family Service Reviews (CFSRs) evaluate public child welfare systems to determine how well they achieve safety, permanency, and well-being in difficult situations of neglect, physical and sexual abuse, and co-existing domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health issues, poverty, and community violence. This guide can help stakeholders develop effective (Program Improvement Plans) PIPs for achieving safety, permanency, and well-being in domestic violence cases, and to identify or anticipate related technical assistance needs."
Child Protection Information Sheets (pdf)
"This booklet comprises 14 information sheets which highlight how child protection is crucial to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Covering different forms of abuse, these sheets also outline how to build a protective environment for children and what UNICEF is doing on the ground to protect children."
Children’s and Adolescents’ Participation and Protection from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (pdf)
"A paper reviewing government commitments to strengthen participation by children and adolescents to protect them from sexual abuse and exploitation. The paper provides recommendations for further research, policy development, and programming to support advocacy and practice with and by children and adolescents. "
Chinese Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence (pdf)
"Chinese translation of the Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence. The spiral implicitly locates a range of abuses in the lives of girls and women, revealing patterns of victimization and perpetration. The Lifetime Spiral is designed to be used by everyone to identify histories of violence in their own lives or in the lives of family and friends."
Collaborating to Help Trafficking Survivors: Emerging Issues and Practice Pointers (pdf)
"This manual is for those committed to assisting trafficking survivors, especially sexual assault and domestic violence advocates and their allies in the criminal and legal systems who have basic knowledge of the trafficking assistance process. This manual examines issues and promising practices that have emerged during the six years since the federal government decided in 2000 to devote significant attention to trafficking and its victims."
Community Engagement Curriculum Guide (pdf)
This training curriculum is based on a report from the API Institute on Domestic Violence titled "The Community Engagement Continuum: Outreach, Mobilization, Organizing and Accountability to Address Violence Against Women in Asian & Pacific Islander Communities".
"This is a client-centered tool for civil attorneys new to representing victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking to provide comprehensive representation and advocacy for their clients."
Core Services and Characteristics of Rape Crisis Centers: A Review of State Service Standards (pdf)
This guide was produced to inform and inspire ongoing discussion in the field about what it is that defines a rape crisis center. Fifteen states are profiled, with analysis of philosophical approach, clients, advocacy, counseling, and organizational standards.
Culture Handbook for working with those who have experienced sexual or domestic violence (pdf)
"This handbook is designed to be used by advocates and professionals who work with those who are victims of domestic and sexual violence. It provides some basic information on how to understand culture and begin the process of challenging oneself to become more aware of the ways in which culture impacts our work and the lives of those who are victims."
Compiled by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this page offers answers to frequently asked questions on common date rape drugs, how to identify them and the effects of each. Also offers useful tips on how to protect yourself from being a victim, and what to do if you've been drugged.
Don't Turn Your Back On Girls: Sexual Violence Against Girls In Haiti (pdf)
A comprehensive report on sexual violence against girls in Haiti released by Amnesty International in late November of 2008. Over half of the 105 rapes reported in Haiti by the end of November were committed against girls under the age of 18, according to one of the few organizations in the country which collect rape statistics. The report includes findings on rape as a political weapon, the role of discrimination and poverty, and the state’s response.
Eliminating Barriers to Services for Latina/o Survivors of Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence (pdf)
This is the position statement by Latino advocates to address barriers to services for Latina/o survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence
Eliminating the Rape Kit Backlog
"This special online collection provides information to help victim service professionals engage in a multi-disciplinary dialogue about the issues and challenges involved with addressing the backlog of untested rape kits."
Eliminating Violence against Children (pdf)
"Jointly produced by UNICEF and the Inter-Parliamentary Union, this handbook describes measures parliamentarians can take to end violence against children: they can legislate, oversee government activities, allocate financial resources and, as leaders in their nations and communities, raise awareness of issues."
Employee Training on Addressing Sexual Harassment (word)
This module is intended to train in identifying the various forms of sexual harassment, encouraging employees to report it, and discussing options for addressing sexual harassment in the workplace.
Engaging Boys and Men in Gender Transformation: The Group Education Manual (pdf)
"This manual offers trainers an array of participatory experiential exercises to reach men (and their partners), exploring gender socialization and its impact on HIV prevention and care. Piloted in Ethiopia, Namibia, South Africa and Tanzania, the manual is designed to assist trainers in developing curricula to work with men and boys on gender, HIV and AIDS issues."
Engaging Bystanders in Sexual Violence Prevention (pdf)
This booklet reviews the concept of bystander intervention and some factors that lead people to act; it considers who bystanders are and some circumstances that would motivate people to get involved. The document also includes relevant research, future directions, helpful tools, resources, and training activities.
Evaluating Children’s Advocacy Centers’ Response to Child Sexual Abuse (pdf)
"With funding from OJJDP, researchers have now completed a four-site evaluation of CACs that, for the first time, contrasts them with comparison communities that did not have a CAC. This Bulletin presents an overview of the results. It examines how CACs affect forensic interviewing, child victim disclosures about abuse, children’s receipt of medical exams and mental health services, prosecution and conviction of offenders, removal of children from their homes, and family satisfaction with child abuse investigations."
Everything Left Behind: Internal Displacement in Colombia (pdf)
"According to a new report there are currently between 3 and 4 million internally displaced people in Colombia, among the highest in the world. Internal displacement disproportionately affects women who are indigenous, Afro-descendant, or peasant farmers. For displaced women and girls, sexual assault, exploitation, and abuse are constant threats from armed groups or people who believe the women and girls are involved with armed groups. Displaced women and girls face discrimination from the communities they move to, presenting a significant barrier to assistance for victims of violence."
Compiled by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this page offers answers to frequently asked questions on female genital cutting, the origin of its practices, current laws, and links to finding more information on the topic.
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: Data and Trends (pdf)
The Population Reference Bureau estimates that between 100 and 140 million girls and women worldwide have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) and more than 3 million girls are at risk for cutting each year on the African continent alone. Global and national efforts to end FGM and cutting have supported legislation targeting excisors, medical professionals, and families who perpetuate the practice, but political will and implementation remain an issue.
Girls Count: A Global Investment & Action Agenda (pdf)
"This report describes why and how to initiate effective investments that will give adolescent girls in developing countries a full and equal chance for rewarding lives and livelihoods."
Global Consultation on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (pdf)
A report on the prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM) and analyzes shifting global patterns of FGM and methods used to eliminate its occurrence. The report also illustrates the effects of FGM on maternal and infant health and notes law enforcement and non-profit agency efforts to combat FGM.
Good practices in legislation on violence against women (pdf)
This report comes from an expert group meeting organized by the United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The purpose of the expert group meeting was to analyze different legislative approaches for addressing violence against women; assess lessons learned and identify good practices in regard to legal reforms on violence against women; and develop a model framework for legislation on violence against women. The outcome of the meeting is intended to assist States and other stakeholders in enhancing existing, and developing new, legislation on violence against women.
Guatemala’s Femicide Law: Progress Against Impunity? (pdf)
This report places femicide within a particular historical, cultural and socio-political context describing the 36-year internal conflict that resulted in rape, torture and murder of tens of thousands of Guatemalan women and girls. Although the government has made some progress in implementing some aspects of the Law Against Femicide, the report also points out that the lack of understanding of the law, continued social unrest, poor media portrayal, and inadequate efforts to implement the law stand in the way of serious progress. The report concludes with recommendations for the government including improving investigation and prosecution of crimes of violence against women, and protection of the victims of violence and their children.
Handbook for legislation on violence against women (Russian) (pdf)
"A Russian translation of the 2009 Handbook for legislation on violence against women, a report of the expert group meeting organized by the United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The group studied different legislative approaches to violence against women and developed this handbook for legislation based upon best practices and lessons learned. The handbook also includes commentary on legislation on violence against women in a number of countries."
A new report from the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) contains case descriptions of each attack that includes sexual assault. The report notes that because crimes committed against homeless persons often go unreported, the actual numbers of non-lethal attacks is likely much higher. Rapes and sexual assaults also tend to go unreported. The report recommends that state legislatures add homeless persons as a “protected class” to hate crime legislation, and encourages police trainings so law enforcement officers will better understand homelessness and how to prevent hate crimes.
Healthcare Issues and Survivors of Sexual Violence
This bulletin speaks to the long-term consequences of sexual assault and the importance of the advocacy role that medical providers must take on when working with survivors of sexual violence.
Here's Where We Start (pdf)
This booklet informs men of the extent of sexual and domestic violence and provides them with concrete ideas on how they can become part of the solution for ending these crimes. It outlines steps men can take to change the social norms that support sexual and domestic assaults.
Housing and Sexual Violence Fact Sheet (pdf)
"Safe, affordable, and stable housing can be a protective factor against both sexual violence perpetration and victimization. This two page fact sheet offers information on the impact of housing costs, housing and various forms of oppression, and how advocates can help."
Housing and Sexual Violence Technical Assistance Bulletin (pdf)
"Sexual violence and housing are intricately linked by several factors including access to affordable housing, various forms of oppression and sex offender management. This four page document offers information on each of these topics as well as a section on how advocates can help survivors."
Housing and Sexual Violence: Overview of National Survey (pdf)
"This report provides a summary of key findings and policy recommendations from a national survey on housing and sexual violence. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center partnered with the Victims Rights Law Center, National Sexual Assault Coalition Resource Sharing Project, Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault, University of New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania Community Legal Services to develop and conduct this survey in 2008."
How to obtain U Interim Relief: A Brief Manual for Advocates Assisting Immigrant Victims of Crime (pdf)
This manual provides U Visa information for advocates who assist victims of crime, including domestic violence. The author outlines the definition, requirements, and application process for U Visa Interim relief and also offers information on obtaining permanent residency and derivative status for family members.
How to Write a Letter to the Judge for Victims of Rape, Domestic Violence and Child Abuse
Gives information that should help you write a more effective letter. Provides four examples of different kinds of letters you as a victim or victim advocate, may want to write to the judge in the criminal case. Also available in Spanish.
If He is Raped: A Guidebook for Parents, Partners, Spouses, and Friends (pdf)
"The focus of this book is on males who are raped by other males. It provides information about male rape and outlines the most important things you should know when confronted with an incident of male rape."
Immigrant Women and Sexual Violence
A collection of documents that highlight the common experiences of immigrant women who are victims of sexual violence, the legal protections and public benefits available, and practices and suggestions for increasing the effectiveness of services provided to immigrant women. Also included are resources and tools for immigrant women and service providers who assist them, such as advocates, lawyers, and medical professionals.
Improving Judicial Response to Sexual Harassment in the Courtroom (word)
This module is intended for judges, court personnel, and other legal professionals to strategize about improving the judicial response to sexual harassment in the courtroom and in their profession generally.
"This Trainer's Manual was developed to help health care providers and domestic violence advocates meet the challenge of training clinicians and other staff within the busy clinic or hospital setting. The Manual provides step-by-step instructions for teaching each section of the Resource Manual including the basics of domestic violence, clinical skills, legal issues, community resources, and role play scenarios. It also includes a special module on cultural diversity."
Impunity: Sexual Abuse in Women’s Prisons (pdf)
This article describes sexual abuse of female prisoners in the United States as ubiquitous and legal remedies as wholly inadequate, and emphasizes the racial dimensions of abuses perpetrated against female prisoners, the majority of whom are African-American and/or Latina.
Interpersonal Violence and Women With Disabilities: A Research Update
"This article provides an update on what researchers have learned during the past ten years about abuse and women with disabilities and offers some perspectives on the state of current research and its implications for future studies and advocacy efforts."
Justice Denied: The experiences of 100 torture surviving women of seeking justice and rehabilitation (pdf)
"This report analyzed the experiences of 100 women from 24 countries who settled in the United Kingdom after surviving torture. The report stated that almost all of the women studied had experienced at least one incident of rape or sexual assault. The vast majority were unable to find help when they sought redress and could not access legal aid or the necessary healthcare. "
Korean Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence (pdf)
"Korean translation of the Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence. The spiral implicitly locates a range of abuses in the lives of girls and women, revealing patterns of victimization and perpetration. The Lifetime Spiral is designed to be used by everyone to identify histories of violence in their own lives or in the lives of family and friends."
This resource addresses commonly asked questions related to language used when working with, reaching out to, and establishing affirming spaces for individuals who identify as LGBTQ. Responses and guidance were provided by practitioners working to further the LGBQT movements.
Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence
"The Lifetime Spiral implicitly locates a range of abuses in the lives of girls and women, revealing patterns of victimization and perpetration. The Lifetime Spiral is designed to be used by everyone to identify histories of violence in their own lives or in the lives of family and friends."
Make it Matter: 10 Key Advocacy Messages to Prevent HIV in Girls and Young Women (pdf)
"The aim of this guide is to equip its users with key messages, evidence and actions that can be used to advocate effectively to prevent HIV in girls and young women. It focuses on three goals as a response to the epidemic: improving the accessibility of sexual and reproductive health services for girls and young women; expanding socio-economic opportunities; and ending child marriage."
"This report provides extensive research of the mail-order bride industry in the United Kingdom. The industry is linked to the promotion of trafficking, prostitution, pornography and slavery. The report suggests that this industry not only exploits vulnerable groups of women but also reinforces racial and ethnic stereotypes. Recommendations are given on what the government can do to further protect women."
Media Packet: Information on Sexual Violence (pdf)
The information in this packet from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center offers concise, accurate information regarding sexual violence to the reporters and journalists on the frontlines of news media.
Meeting the Needs of Prison Rape Victims (pdf)
This guide is intended to support rape crisis counselors and advocates in providing services to victims of prison rape. To that end, the guide includes an overview of the problem of prison rape, outreach strategies, ethical discussions, and things to keep in mind when working in a prison setting.
Migrant Workers and Prevention (pdf)
This issue of their Partners in Social Change newsletter examines in-depth primary prevention of sexual violence with migrant workers.
Mobilizing Religious Communities to Respond to Gender-based Violence and HIV: A Training Manual (pdf)
The first in a series of two manuals aimed at raising awareness and educating religious leaders and communities about gender-based violence. The training manual equips religious communities with tools to deepen their awareness and understanding of gender-based violence and its link to HIV and proposes faith-based activities on the subject.
National Prison Rape Elimination Commission Report (pdf)
"This report discusses the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission's nine findings on sexual abuse in correctional facilities as well as policies and practices that must be mandatory in remedying these problems; recommendations address what leaders in government outside the corrections profession can do to support solutions."
Not a Minute More: Ending Violence Against Women (pdf)
This report highlights many of the achievements towards the empowerment of women and indicates what must be done to build on them. It provides examples of practices as well as efforts that did not meet the goals set out for them — and explores why. It looks at the challenges ahead and asks what the most fruitful next steps might be.
Online Learning Tools on Violence Against Women
"This collection provides a sampling of available Online Learning Tools with subject matter related to violence against women prevention and intervention. The resources listed here can be used for the purposes of staff development (by individuals), or as tools for trainers (in groups).Many of the tools in this list offer Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) to fulfill licensure requirements for professionals in certain disciplines."
Opening the Door: An Advocate's Guide to Housing and Sexual Violence (pdf)
This guide is intended to equip advocates with information and resources to support their housing advocacy efforts in helping victims and survivors of sexual violence.
Platform for Action: Towards the Abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) (pdf)
This Platform for Action summarizes the key elements on the programmatic approach to support the abandonment of the FGM/C practice and make a major difference for girls and women worldwide.
Positively Informed: Lesson Plans and Guidance for Sexuality Educators and Advocates
A resource kit of lesson plans and guidance for comprehensive sexuality educators. Positively Informed provides a handpicked selection of some of the best English-language sexuality education materials out there. Intended to serve as a source of ideas, examples, and inspiration for educators developing their own sexuality education curricula, the lesson plans use creative, interactive, learner-centered teaching strategies, and are adaptable to diverse cultural settings. They address gender issues, challenge discriminatory attitudes and behaviors, and present sexuality as a positive part of life rather than something to be feared and shrouded in taboos. These lessons are appropriate for 10- to 19-year-olds and are classroom ready.
"This guide includes definitions and discussion of terms, a review of current literature showing the links between sexual violence and poverty, a philosophical framework for economic advocacy, strategies for application of the framework, conclusions and recommendations, as well as tools and resources."
Preventing and Responding to Domestic & Sexual Violence in Later Life
"This special collection brings together selected materials related to preventing and responding to elder abuse, specifically domestic and sexual violence. It highlights the complexities of older people's DV/SV experiences and emphasizes collaborative and multi-pronged approaches to addressing DV/SV in later life."
Prevention is for Life HIV/AIDS: Dispatches from the Field (pdf)
"This advocacy booklet uses real-life examples to explain how HIV prevention can save lives in diverse cultural and geographical settings. It includes chapters on youth and HIV, condom programming, protecting women and girls, linking HIV prevention with other sexual and reproductive health care, and empowering populations who are at particular risk."
Programming to Address Violence against Women (pdf)
"This is the second volume in a series that focuses on prevention and response tools for violence against women. The publication features eight case studies that highlight initiatives that have proven successful in combating violence against women: Algeria, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The UNFPA hopes to support current efforts in the eight case study countries and encourage other countries to take steps toward ending violence against women."
This document provides local and community-based organizations with strategies for preventing the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children during natural disasters and other emergencies.
Punjabi Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence (pdf)
"Punjabi translation of the Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence. The spiral implicitly locates a range of abuses in the lives of girls and women, revealing patterns of victimization and perpetration. The Lifetime Spiral is designed to be used by everyone to identify histories of violence in their own lives or in the lives of family and friends."
Rape Myths (pdf)
This document looks at several articles that examine widely held prejudicial beliefs about rape, rape victims, and perpetrators and the role these myths play in justifying and perpetuating sexual violence.
"This bulletin provides information to help professionals understand the connections between literacy and sexual violence"
"Focused on the farming industry, the bulletin describes the risk factors for sexual violence for migrant workers, barriers to reporting, legal rights and advocacy strategies."
Registering Harm: How Sex Offense Registries Fail Youth Communities (pdf)
"This report published by the Justice Policy Institute explores the negative impact that state compliance with the Adam Walsh Act will have on youth, communities, and states. "
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants (pdf)
The author points out that female children are extremely vulnerable to gender-based violence during migration. Migration is often difficult and dangerous for female children due to “additional restrictions on travel” girls may face due to “male guardianships.” Female children are also vulnerable to human trafficking for sexual exploitation or forced labor during migration. The report concludes with recommendations for policy improvements on migration legislation.
Researcher Trauma, Safety and Sexual Violence (pdf)
"This briefing paper provides a thematic analysis of of the Sexual Violence Research Initiative Forum discussion related to researchers experiencing trauma while undertaking sexual violence research. Strategies and resources for dealing with trauma are discussed."
Resource Guide for Advocates & Attorneys on Interpretation Services for Domestic Violence Victims (pdf)
This document provides guidelines from the Interpretation Technical Assistance and Resource Center that focus on court interpretation for domestic and sexual violence victims with limited English proficiency. These guidelines inform how advocacy, interpretation, and language access can be integrated.
Resources Addressing the Perpetration of Sexual Violence
"This special collection provides resources that address the topics of sex offender risk, assessment, management, treatment, and supervision. In addition, there is a special focus on the policies that have been created in the past decade to help keep our communities safer."
Ruling Offers a New Protection to Victims of Assault in Minnesota (USA)
The Minnesota Supreme Court published a ruling that an individual may now be charged with the serious crime of burglary if they enter their former partner's home to commit a crime, even if they have an ownership interest in the home. This ruling provides a new type of protection for victims who do not have an active order for protection against former partners.
San Diego County Sexual Assault Response Team Standards of Practice (pdf)
"This manual provides extensive standards of practice for members of interdisciplinary sexual assault response teams. "
Security Begins at Home (pdf)
The Kosova Women’s Network released the country’s first study on domestic violence, called Security Begins at Home. The report highlights key points such as: what the citizens of Kosovo perceive as domestic violence, the forms and consequences of domestic violence, citizens' response to ending it, and the legal and institutional gaps in addressing it.
Self Assessment Form for Forensic Compliance (word)
A self-assessment tool for communities to evaluate their current practices with respect to medical forensic examinations.
Sex Trafficking Needs Assessment for the State of Minnesota
This 2008 report, focuses on trafficking for commercial sex exploitation and prostitution, highlights successes in combating sex trafficking and suggests ways to improve responses to this complex problem in Minnesota.
Sex work, violence and HIV - A guide for programmes with sex workers (pdf)
"This guide discusses the challenges involved in ensuring that violence is addressed in HIV programmes, gives a detailed understanding of violence in relation to sex work and challenges some common assumptions. The guide also provides examples from real programmes that illustrate ways in which HIV and AIDS projects can help reduce the incidence of violence against sex workers and provide support to those who experience violence. "
Sexual Abuse in Later Life (pdf)
"This article addresses sexual assault in later life and specifically focuses on victimization of elders that occurs in the context of intimate partner violence, incest, and care facilities."
"This publication addresses the specific sexual and reproductive health needs of women living with HIV/AIDS and contains recommendations for counseling, anti-retroviral therapy, care and other interventions."
Sexual Assault and the Body (pdf)
This article explores the multifaceted effects of sexual assault on the victim’s body through articles on such diverse topics as negative self image, impaired sexual function, compulsive weightlifting and dental fear.
Sexual Assault Civil Protection Orders by State (pdf)
A chart that lists sexual assault civil protection orders (CPOs) by state.
Compiled by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this page offers useful information on sexual assault, what to do if you've been sexually assaulted, and offers a list of resources for more information on this topic.
Sexual Assault Risk Reduction Curriculum
The curriculum was specifically developed to reduce the incidence of adolescent sexual assault through risk-reduction educational strategies. It is a powerful tool to assist school personnel, police, and community agency staff in their efforts to implement high-quality educational programs. The curriculum includes lessons for high school and middle school aged youth and can be used in either school or non-school settings.
Sexual Violence against Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Women (pdf)
This document provides guidelines for advocates on various points of intersection of domestic and sexual violence in the API communities.
Sexual Violence and Adolescents
The paper offers a review of the current state of the science regarding sexual violence occurring in adolescent dating and acquaintance relationships and an analysis of the factors associated with sexual victimization in adolescence as well as the consequences. The limitations of current data as well as recommendations for future research, practice, policy, and advocacy is provided.
Sexual Violence and the Spectrum of Prevention Factsheet (pdf)
"This two-page fact sheet is based on the NSVRC’s publication, 'Sexual Violence and the Spectrum of Prevention: Towards a Community Solution'. It gives an overview of the Spectrum framework, developed by Larry Cohen of the Prevention Institute, and provides examples of interventions at the six Spectrum levels."
Sexual Violence in Disasters Factsheet (pdf)
"This two-page fact sheet is based on information from the NSVRC publication 'Sexual Violence in Disasters: A Planning Guide for Prevention and Response'. It provides basic information about the risk of sexual violence during and after times of disaster and some basic prevention strategies."
Sexual Violence in Later Life Information Packet
This information packet includes a fact sheet, technical assistance bulletin, technical assistance guide, resource list, annotated bibliography, and a research brief all related to sexual violence in later life.
Shattered Lives: Immediate medical care for victims of sexual violence (pdf)
A recently released report depicting the experiences of victims of sexual violence, as well as those who provide immediate care to victims. The report focuses on the individual stories of those who have been sexually assaulted, and those who provide medical, counseling, and other types of support services to victims. Through these stories,the organization hopes to convey the importance of making emergency medical and other services immediately and readily accessible to victims.
Silence is Violence: End the Abuse of Women in Afghanistan (pdf)
A new United Nations (UN) report on women in Afghanistan that focuses on the growing trend of violence and threats against women in public life and rape/sexual violence. The report concludes that these forms of violence are a huge occurrence in the everyday lives of Afghan women and the government has a crucial role in helping to eradicate these harmful practices towards women.
"These Standards are presented as aspirational guidelines for the operation of legal service providers, pro bono legal service providers, and individual lawyers representing victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking in civil protection order cases."
Sustainability 101: Creating A Business Plan For Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (pdf)
This guide reviews the basic steps of developing a business plan and explains the components needed for SANE services to be successful. It is identified as a critical tool for starting and sustaining existing healthcare services.
Sustainability 101: Fostering Collaboration Between SANE Program Coordinators and Medical Directors (pdf)
In addition to collaboration between Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs), community partners and other agencies, this document talks about the importance of collaboration between SANEs and physician colleagues to assist with the credibility and sustainability of a SANE Program.
Sustainability 101: Long Range Thinking for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program Managers (pdf)
"The first in a series of bulletins related to Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program sustainability, this publication provides information gathered from the NSVRC SANE Sustainability Technical Assistance Project. It discusses six key areas related to sustainability: investing in people, understanding budgeting, reframing education, mentoring future leaders, creating strategic alliances and program evaluation."
Tagalog Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence (pdf)
"Tagalog translation of the Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence. The spiral implicitly locates a range of abuses in the lives of girls and women, revealing patterns of victimization and perpetration. The Lifetime Spiral is designed to be used by everyone to identify histories of violence in their own lives or in the lives of family and friends."
Technology Safety & Advocacy Special Collection
This special collection includes a categorized and annotated listing of selected articles, fact sheets, papers, reports and other materials regarding the use of technology as it impacts and intersects with violence against women and children. It is offered as an additional tool to assist advocates working on and interested in the safe use of technology.
Template Materials for Anonymous Reporting Protocol
These template materials are designed to help communities implement a multidisciplinary protocol for victims to anonymously report their sexual assault to law enforcement.
The Basics About Sexual Abuse in U.S. Detention (pdf)
"This 2 page fact sheet talks about sexual abuse in prisons and jails across the U.S."
The Costs and Consequences of Sexual Violence and Cost-Effective Solutions (pdf)
This resource speaks to the costs and consequences of sexual violence. It includes a general overview of findings from research on the topic, the cost benefits of early intervention, costs for funding sexual assault services, and cost-effective solutions.
The Impact of Conflict on Women and Girls in West and Central Africa and the UNICEF response (pdf)
"This first-of-its-kind study by UNICEF on the situation of war-affected girls and women in the region highlights innovative programmes being implemented with partners to address the impact of conflict, and recommends how UNICEF can more proactively champion the rights of girls - particularly adolescent girls."
The Promise of Primary Prevention of Sexual Violence: Five Year Plan (pdf)
"This report is a framework for action and it reflects the thoughts and experiences of people who work to prevent sexual violence, who serve victims/survivors and/or work with perpetrators. It is a shared vision of how Minnesota can prevent sexual violence from happening. The report defines issues, sets goals, and establishes the infrastructure needed to achieve these goals."
The Runaway & Homeless Youth and Relationship Violence Toolkit
This toolkit was developed by and for advocates in the runaway and homeless youth and domestic violence and sexual assault fields. Includes up to date research and resources as well as evaluation tools for programs providing services to youth.
The Sexual Victimization of College Women (pdf)
Women attending colleges are at greater risk for rape and other forms of sexual assault than the general population or in another comparable age group. The study found that many women do not characterize their sexual victimization as a crime for a number of reasons including blaming themselves.The study reinforces the importance of many organizations’ efforts to improve education and knowledge about sexual assault.
The State of the World's Children 2009 Report
"The State of the World's Children 2009 examines critical issues in maternal and newborn health, underscoring the need to establish a comprehensive continuum of care for mothers, newborns and children. The report outlines the latest paradigms in health programming and policies for mothers and newborns, and explores policies, programmes and partnerships aimed at improving maternal and neonatal health. Africa and Asia are a key focus for this report, which complements the previous year's issue on child survival."
The Use of Truth-Telling Devices in Sexual Assault Investigations (pdf)
"This guide examines the use of polygraph tests and other truth-telling devices (sometimes called “lie-detector tests”) in sexual assault investigations. This guide examines special issues relevant to using truth-telling devices with sexual assault victims. Legislative and judicial actions that have been taken as a result of this debate will also be discussed. Victim advocates, law enforcement officers, and policy makers may use this guide to develop policies, practices, and procedures and to improve collaborations regarding the use of truth-telling devices as the VAWA 2005 provision is adopted across the United States."
The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants (pdf)
Manual on the preparation, filing and processing of applications pursuant to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Also includes detailed information on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for Children Under Juvenile Court Jurisdiction, and U and T Non-Immigrant Visas (Victims of Crime and Trafficking). A good resource for advocates and legal professionals working with these victims.
This document takes some time to download, especially with a slow connection.
The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants, Index of Appendices 1-100 (pdf)
Contains a list of appendices in connection with The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants.
The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants, Index of Appendices 101-200 (pdf)
Contains a list of appendices in connection with The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants.
The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants, Index of Appendices 201-300 (pdf)
Contains a list of appendices in connection with The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants.
The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants, Index of Appendices 301-380 (pdf)
Contains a list of appendices in connection with The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants.
This is a good introduction to advocacy concepts used when working with victims of intimate violence, rape and child abuse. It is designed for use both as a workshop outline and as a guide for direct interactions with individual clients.
Tools for Change: An Introduction to the Primary Prevention of Sexual Assault (pdf)
"This document will introduce readers to primary prevention and to the concepts, terms and models that comprise this approach. It will explore the movement’s history for lessons learned and talk about how the work of preventing sexual violence connects directly and indirectly to the work that each of us in the movement does. Finally, it will help you talk the talk. We will explore the public health model and associated terminology so that you can use it if you need it (e.g., when talking with funders), but it will not be a main focus."
Health care professionals and others have asked whether routine notification of advocates violates the privacy protections outlined in HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996). This bulletin seeks to respond to this important question with the input of experts, legal information and recommendations.
Transforming the National AIDS Response: Advancing Women’s Leadership and Participation (pdf)
"The second in a series of resource guides dedicated to highlighting strategies for incorporating gender equality and women’s rights into national HIV and AIDS responses. This publication discusses various approaches for advancing women’s leadership and meaningful participation of HIV-positive women in the AIDS response."
This paper describes results of phone interviews with twelve domestic violence transitional housing programs across the country. Key considerations for new and emerging programs are offered. Program profiles are also provided.
Truths About Sexual Abuse in U.S. Detention Facilities (pdf)
"This 2 page fact sheet talks about sexual violence in detention and how the general public knows so little about the reality of sexual abuse behind bars."
UN study on Violence Against Children
"A press release on a new effort to provide a detailed global picture of the nature, extent and causes of violence against children, and propose clear recommendations for action to prevent and reduce such violence. The study focuses on violence against children in five settings: the home and family, schools and educational settings, other institutional settings (orphanages, children in conflict with the law), the community and on the streets, and work situations. "
Understanding and Protecting Your Children from Child Molesters and Predators
"This packet provides information about child molesters and some of the things you, your family and community can do to help keep children safe."
Understanding DNA Evidence: A Guide for Victim Service Providers
"Forensic DNA technology is revolutionizing the way law enforcement officers investigate violent crimes, including crime scene investigation, counseling rape victims to not wash away critical evidence, accurate conviction of offenders, and connecting offenders to other brutal crimes. This 12-page document examines the uses of DNA, evidence collection and preservation, testing methods and interpretation of test results and post conviction for DNA testing. A glossary of terms and a reference / resource list are also included. "
"This bulletin provides information on violence in the lives of the transgender community and guidelines for outreach."
UNIFEM Annual Report 2004/2005 (pdf)
The Annual Report documents UNIFEM's work to foster women's empowerment and gender equality around the world. It highlights some of the organization's initiatives during the year 2004–2005, among which were initiatives in promoting women's political participation and leadership in post-conflict situations, easing the burden of HIV/AIDS on women, promoting women's right to own land, and supporting the creation and implementation of gender-responsive budgets.
UNiTE to End Violence against Women: The Framework for Action (pdf)
"The overall objective is raising public awareness and increasing political will and resources for preventing and responding to all forms of violence against women and girls – in all parts of the world. The Framework for Action provides an overall “umbrella” for the efforts to be undertaken at global, regional, national and local levels. It identifies five key outcomes as benchmarks for the Campaign, to be achieved in all countries by 2015, and outlines a UN Programme of Activities and expected Outputs."
Unspoken Crimes: Sexual Assault in Rural America (pdf)
This booklet considers rural characteristics that deter reporting and helps explain why sexual assaults in rural areas are often unspoken crimes. It reviews some of the data on the prevalence of rural sexual assault because although rural sexual victimizations may be unspoken and unreported, it does not mean that they are not occurring. The booklet also reviews many of the difficulties encountered by advocates and offers insight and best practices of rural advocates.
VAWnet Mini-Special Collection: Supporting the Women of Haiti
"This collection includes initiatives supporting relief efforts in Haiti, especially those focused on delivering aid to women and responding to those at higher risk for sexual and/or domestic violence."
Victim Responses to Sexual Assault: Counterintuitive or Simply Adaptive?
"This resource provides information on the different responses that individuals who are sexually assaulted display as well as the different coping strategies of victims."
Vietnamese Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence (pdf)
Vietnamese translation of the Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence.
Violence Against Native Women: A Guide for Practitioner Action (pdf)
This paper is intended to serve as a guide to practitioners who represent Native women who are the victims of domestic and sexual violence. It is dedicated to the brave Native women whose faces are behind the horrifying statistics. Includes practice tips for law enforcement, tribal leaders, judges, advocates, attorneys, prosecutors, and probation/parole officers.
Violence Against Women and Girls: A Compendium of Monitoring and Evaluation Indicators (pdf)
"This compendium offers a set of monitoring and evaluation indicators for program managers, organizations, and policy makers working to address violence against women and girls at individual, community, district and national levels in developing countries."
Violence Against Women: Synthesis of Research for Advocacy Organizations (pdf)
This report synthesizes empirical research in the areas of domestic violence and sexual assault for advocacy organizations. It is organized into three sections; each also addresses gaps in research. The first section addresses domestic violence and summarizes the empirical research related to batterers and victims. The second section considers rape and sexual assault, examining the effectiveness of rape law reforms, treatment of offenders, and services to victims. The third section briefly examines emerging issues related to violence against women: stalking, violence against immigrant women, domestic violence in lesbian relationships, and the relationship between domestic violence and welfare.
Violence in the Lives of Persons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
"This Special Collection offers information regarding the experiences and needs of individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing and victims/survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence. The collection seeks to increase knowledge and understanding of deaf culture, provide resources to assist professionals working directly with deaf individuals, and highlight best practices."
This document provides detailed guidelines and tools to guide the integrated response to sexual assault by health care providers, law enforcement professionals, victim advocates, and others. The document is not intended to be state-specific therefore it provides an excellent model for other states to replicate.
"This bulletin provides information on how advocates can assist survivors of sexual violence to connect with larger communities and have a larger voice in the policy decisions that impact their lives. "
What College Men Should Know About Sexual Assault, Rape and Sexual Battery (pdf)
The San Diego Police Department created brochures for college men and women, in cooperation with Rana Sampson of Community Policing Associates. The brochures present various scenarios and then pose the question, "Is it rape?" Clear answers are provided for each scenario, based on California state laws. The brochure for men lists specific penalties they could face if they get one answer wrong. The materials can be useful in engaging students in dialogue, comparing their perceptions of what rape is against the legal system.
What College Women Should Know About Sexual Assault, Rape and Sexual Battery (pdf)
"The San Diego Police Department created brochures for college men and women, in cooperation with Rana Sampson of Community Policing Associates. The brochures present various scenarios and then pose the question, "Is it rape?" Clear answers are provided for each scenario, based on California state laws. The brochure for men lists specific penalties they could face if they get one answer wrong. The materials can be useful in engaging students in dialogue, comparing their perceptions of what rape is against the legal system. "
A supplement to existing ethical and safety guidelines for research and documentation involving human subjects. Recommendations addressing issues that arise in the context of research on sexual violence during emergencies are also provided.
Why Does Abuse Happen in Later Life?
"This forum explores the issue of elder abuse and is hosted by Diana Christen, Executive Director of the Family Life Center, a Certified Domestic/Sexual Violence Center and Emergency Shelter in Bunnell, Florida. Diana has specialized in the prevention of domestic/sexual violence for over 10 years."
/*Not available 7/17/12 "This report, the product of a 2009 survey of victim assistance providers and LGBTQ anti-violence programs throughout the United States, describes widespread gaps in victim services for LGBTQ victims of crime and recommends steps to improve both the services and their accessibility."
With an End in Sight (pdf)
"With an End in Sight" narrates inspiring stories showing how groups of people are moving ahead and creating new ideas to combat violence against women. It provides knowledge, insight and hope of how violence against women can be eliminated with combined effort, compelling advocacy, and wide-reaching education.
Women and Health: Today’s Evidence, Tomorrow’s Agenda (pdf)
"This report reviews evidence on the health issues that particularly affect girls and women throughout their life course. This report uses currently available data to draw attention to the consequences and costs of failing to address health issues at appropriate points in their lives."
Yaari Dosti: Young Men Redefine Masculinity (pdf)
"This training manual is a tool for those aiming to promote gender equity and address masculinity as a strategy for the prevention of HIV infection. The Manual is based on operations research that was undertaken in Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh to develop educational activities targeted to young men."
Youth Activism: Engaging Teens in the Sexual Violence Prevention Movement (pdf)
"This bulletin discusses how to engage youth as valued partners in sexual violence prevention work."