The purpose of TeenSource.org, an online resource developed by the California Family Health Council, is to improve the health and well being of young people in CA by providing non-judgmental, accurate, and reliable sexual and reproductive health information and resources. The website was launched in July 2001 as a resource for teens and young adults between the ages of 13 and 24. Although it is California-based, it is still a great resource for sexual health and teens.
http://www.teensource.org/ts/
Statewide Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Line
1.800.871.7741 TTY 1.888.458.5599
This is a confidential 24-hour toll-free hotline accessible from anywhere in Maine. Calls are automatically routed to the closest sexual assault support center.
| Resources & Research Topics |
Adolescent Relationship Violence (Teen Dating Violence)1 is 2 Many This initiative, launched by Vice President Joe Biden, focuses on sexual assault and dating violence regarding women ages 16-24. The campaign targets the importance of changing attitudes that lead to violence and educating the public on realities of abuse. Break the CycleBreak the Cycle is a leading, national nonprofit organization addressing teen dating violence. Break the Cycle's mission is to engage, educate, and empower youth to build lives and communities free from interpersonal violence. Love is Respect—National Teen Dating Abuse HelplineThis website offers the number to the national teen dating abuse helpline as well as other resources for teens, parents, concerned adults, and others. That's Not CoolThis website is a great tool to use when talking to young people about dating violence. It provides information on, and advice about, the various ways technology can be used in harassment and/or dating violence. There are videos, blog posts, and spaces for young people to talk about issues that impact them in relation to dating violence. VAWnet: Preventing and Responding to Teen Dating ViolenceThis collection emphasizes collaborative and multi-level approaches to the prevention of and response to teen dating violence (TDV). It draws on the work of many organizations and organizes the resources on TDV prevention and responses by different populations. The first section of this special collection provides general information about teen dating violence. The next six sections include TDV information related to: 1) young people; 2) parents and care takers; 3) men and boys; 4) teachers and school-based professionals; 5) health care professionals; and 6) domestic violence and sexual violence service providers. The final section presents documents on TDV-related laws and legislation. The collection concludes with examples of national programs that address TDV and a list of national organizations. Sexual Violence in Teen Dating RelationshipsThis publication, from the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, focuses on the latest research and resources relating to teen dating violence from a variety of perspectives. Teen Dating Violence FactsThis document is a list of facts and figures compiled by the American Bar Association regarding teen dating violence. Reproductive Coercion and Teen Dating Violence This podcast features Dr. Elizabeth Miller, who speaks about her article "Pregnancy coercion, intimate partner violence and unintended pregnancy" that appeared in the April 2010 issue of the journal Contraception. In this discussion, she explores reproductive coercion and the implications for primary prevention of teen dating violence and sexual violence. Access the 16 minute podcast here.
Adults Survivors of CSALiving WellThis resource is a Queensland, Australia resource which offers a range of services specifically designed to assist men who have experienced childhood sexual abuse or sexual assault, their partners, friends and family, and service providers. There is a wealth of information on this website and is useful for adult survivors in the United States despite the organization's location in Australia. We Are Adult Survivors of Child Abuse and NeglectThe purpose of this web site is to provide a national platform to discuss the core issues that impact the lives of adult survivors of child abuse and neglect and to develop appropriate action steps to address these issues. Working With the Victims: Adult Survivors of Child Sexual AbuseThis document provides information on adult survivors of child sexual abuse as therapy patients. It discusses starting therapy, the progression of therapy, group therapy, and specific concerns of working with this specific population of adults.
Child Sexual Abuse and MaltreatmentUnderstanding Child Sexual Abuse Definitions and RatesThere is hopeful evidence that rates of child sexual abuse, as well as other forms of child maltreatment, are declining. However, there is equally concerning evidence that the actual rates of child sexual abuse may not be fully known because of significant barriers victims and community leaders face in reporting crimes. The following talking points provide information on definitions and rates of child sexual abuse. Disclosure of Child Sexual Abuse: What Does the Research Tell Us About the Ways Children Tell?Given the variety of ways children may disclose or exhibit signs of sexual abuse, this article discusses various studies done on the subject, and what the research means when viewed as a whole. The Impact of Sexual Abuse on Female Development: Lessons from a Multigenerational, Longitudinal Research StudyThis report is on the research design and findings of a 23-year longitudinal study of the impact of intrafamilial sexual abuse on female development. Office of Justice Programs: Children’s Exposure to Violence: A Comprehensive National SurveyJuveniles in crisis—from serious, violent, and chronic offenders to victims of abuse and neglect—pose a challenge to the nation. Charged by Congress to meet this challenge, OJJDP collaborates with professionals from diverse disciplines to improve juvenile justice policies and practices. Preventing Child MaltreatmentContributors to this publication describe research on policies and programs designed to prevent child abuse and neglect, and examine the gradual shift in the field of child maltreatment toward prevention. Prevent Child Sexual Abuse: Facts about Sexual Abuse and How to Prevent ItThis document briefly defines child sexual abuse, possible behavioral symptoms of a child who may be experiencing sexual abuse, tries to answers questions of why people sexually abuse children and if they can stop, discusses age-appropriate sexual behavior and the development of a family safety plan, and prevention, treatment, and recovery resources. Preventing Childhood Sexual Abuse Within Youth-Serving Organizations: Getting Started on Policies and ProceduresThis report is designed for representatives of youth-serving organizations who are interested in adopting strategies to prevent child sexual abuse. Included in this report are six key components for child abuse prevention within organizations as organized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; also included in the report are suggestions for addressing challenges to developing and implementing a strategy to prevent child sexual abuse and tools to help organizations move forward. The Prevention of Childhood Sexual AbuseDavid Finkelhor examines initiatives to prevent child sexual abuse, which have focused on two primary strategies—offender management and school-based educational programs. Finkelhor also points to evidence that supports counseling strategies both for offenders, particularly juveniles, to reduce re-offending, and for victims, to prevent negative mental health and life course outcomes associated with abuse. Stop It Now!Stop It Now! prevents the sexual abuse of children by mobilizing adults, families, and communities to take actions that protect children before they are harmed. Stop It Now! relies on the public health model to create programming. Using a combination of research-based public education materials and social marketing campaigns, they seek to change the social climate and foster the prevention of child sexual abuse. Stop the SilenceStop the Silence seeks to expose and stop childhood sexual abuse and help survivors heal worldwide. Their goals are to: 1) to promote healing of victims and survivors; and 2) to celebrate the lives of those healed. Through their work, they aim to address the relationships between CSA and the broader issues of overall family and community violence, and violence within and between communities. Transforming Communities to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation: A Primary Prevention ApproachThis brief focuses especially on primary prevention strategies that build on previous successes within the anti sexual violence field and hold the greatest promise for transforming communities and preventing child abuse and exploitation. The authors developed and prioritized primary prevention strategies, analyzed environmental factors and norms that perpetuate these problems, and outlined policies and practices for transforming our communities. What Do U.S. Adults Think About Child Sexual Abuse? Measures of Knowledge and Attitudes Among Six StatesStop It Now! surveyed adults in six states over a period of ten years to learn what adults in the United States think about child sexual abuse. This report summarizes and interprets key findings from their analysis, and points to the main program and policy implications. Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Information PacketThis information packet was developed for sexual violence prevention educators, advocates, and their allied partners in public health and other disciplines. This packet contains resources to support the prevention of child sexual abuse and draws from research on child sexual abuse prevention programming, child sexual abuse risk and protective factors, and the public health model of prevention. Each of the following links will enable you to download specific parts of the packet: overview, technical assistance bulletin, technical assistance guide on programs for adults, technical assistance guide on programs for children, resource list, and annotated bibliography. Preventing Child Maltreatment: A Guide to Taking Action and Generating EvidenceThis guide combines the accumulated expertise of both the World Health Organization and the International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect and provides the necessary tools and information to governments, civil society, and international organizations in their efforts to prevent and respond to violence against children. Case by Case: News Coverage of Child Sexual Abuse, 2007-2009 This report, developed by the Berkeley Media Studies Group, examines the treatment of child sexual abuse in the news media.
College/UniversityChange Happens: A Guide to Reforming Your Campus Sexual Assault PolicyThis guide, created by SAFER (Students Active for Ending Rape), helps students to reform their campus sexual assault policy by providing step by step ideas and innovative ways for creating the change they seek. SAFER: Students Active for Ending RapeStarted by Columbia University students in 2000, Students Active for Ending Rape (SAFER) is an organization that fights sexual violence and rape culture by empowering student-led campaigns to reform college sexual assault policies. An all-volunteer collective, SAFER facilitates student organizing through a comprehensive training manual; in-person workshops and trainings; free follow-up mentoring; their Campus Sexual Assault Policies Database; and a growing online resource library and network for student organizers. SAFER firmly believes that sexual violence is both influenced by and contributes to multiple forms of oppression, including racism, sexism, and homo/transphobia, and view their anti-sexual violence work through a broader anti-oppression lens. Sexual Assault on Campus: A Frustrating Search for JusticeReporters Kristen Lombardi and Kristin Jones began by surveying crisis services programs and clinics on or near college campuses across the country; 152 of these facilities completed the survey. The Center’s team then interviewed nearly 50 current and former college students who say they were raped or sexually assaulted by other students and, in some cases, professors. The journalists also interviewed students accused of sexual assault, as well as dozens of student affairs administrators, judicial hearing officers, victim advocates, sexual assault scholars, and lawyers. These articles report their findings. Sexual Assault on Campus: What Colleges and Universities Are Doing About ItThis report provides a comprehensive benchmark of sexual assault policies on campuses around the United States. The findings demonstrate that schools need guidance in creating policies, and the researchers identify promising practices, recommend development of model policies and guidelines, and suggest more areas of research. The Sexual Victimization of College WomenThis Bureau of Justice Statistics report contributes valuable data to the understanding of the prevalence of sexual violence against women, particularly women in college. The findings have had serious policy implications for colleges across the United States, and provide an important in depth analysis of the sexual victimization of college women. Shifting the Paradigm: Primary Prevention of Sexual ViolenceThe purpose of this toolkit is to provide facts, ideas, strategies, conversation starters, and resources to everyone on campus who cares about the prevention of sexual violence. It discusses reframing the issue of sexual violence, engaging the campus community, and provides a series of recommended action steps in preventing sexual violence on campuses. Title IX Fact Sheet - Know Your Rights: Title IX Prohibits Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Where You Go To SchoolThis fact sheet, released by the White House in 2011, gives information on rights given to students on the basis of Title IX; and requirements of Title IX as they pertain to sexual harassment and sexual violence.
Communities of Color/Minority CommunitiesAlianza Latina en contra la Agresión SexualThe Alianza Latina en contra la Agresión Sexual (ALAS) is a national Latina-led membership network of victim advocates working to address and prevent sexual violence. Through collaborative efforts and cyber activism, ALAS promotes the leadership of Latina victim advocates and develops models, resources and policies to empower communities and eliminate access barriers for survivors. ALAS honors the diversity of the Latina culture by respecting the similarities and differences of our languages and histories. Arte SantaFounded in 2001, Arte Sana (art heals) is a national Latina-led nonprofit committed to ending sexual violence and other forms of gender-based aggressions and engaging marginalized communities as agents of change. Arte Sana promotes awareness, healing, and empowerment through bilingual professional training, community education, and the arts. INCITE! Women of Color Against ViolenceINCITE! Women of Color Against Violence is a national activist organization of radical feminists of color advancing a movement to end violence against women of color and our communities through direct action, critical dialogue, and grassroots organizing. Intimate Partner Violence in African-American CommunitiesThis fact sheet presents statistics, risk factors, impacts, and dynamics of abuse within the context of African American communities. Preventing Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence in Racial/Ethnic Minority CommunitiesThe primary goal in assembling this document was to discuss approaches, challenges, and solutions faced in developing, implementing, and evaluating culturally competent IPV/SV intervention for racial/ethnic minority populations. The papers in this volume are descriptive reports that focus on implementation challenges and lessons learned. The goal of publishing this report was to share the work of specific projects, specifically with regard to the approaches taken, and the successes, challenges, and lessons learned during implementation. Sexual Violence in Communities of ColorThis fact sheet provides an overview of why people of color experience sexual violence differently, and how those differences operate in the context of sexual violence. SCESA – National Organization of Sisters of Color Ending Sexual ViolenceSCESA was born out of a desire for Women of Color in the anti-sexual assault movement across the country to reclaim their leadership and ensure inclusion of their experiences in ending sexual assault. SCESA’s fundamental principal is to work with their communities to give voice and develop action strategies that incorporate and address the multiple layers of discrimination that are faced by Women of Color. Existe Ayuda (Help Exists) ToolkitAs the U.S. Spanish-speaking population continues to grow, so does the need for outreach materials in Spanish. Sexual violence continues to be a taboo topic among many communities. Without linguistically appropriate information regarding sexual violence and victims’ rights and services, those who are not proficient in English may remain silent and invisible victims. Enter the Existe Ayuda Toolkit, where you’ll find replicable Spanish-language tools and resources to help improve the cultural competence of service providers and the accessibility of services for Spanish-speaking victims of sexual violence.
Data and StatisticsUsing DataUnderstanding Evidence Part 1: Best Available Research EvidenceIn this guidance document, the CDC aims to explain the purpose and meaning of the Continuum of Evidence of Effectiveness, a tool that was developed to facilitate a common understanding of what the Best Available Research Evidence means in the field of violence prevention. This Continuum also serves to provide common language for researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers in discussing evidence-based decision making. VAWNet: Understanding National Rape StatisticsThe primary purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of how estimates of sexual violence in the United States are produced, with particular emphasis on major sources of rape statistics at the national level. The Use (and Misuse) of Data on Rape: Restoring Sexual Assault to the National AgendaThis report discusses the question of “how big of a problem is rape?” Beginning with the thesis that rape prevalence denial is a calculated strategy aimed at silencing rape victims and preventing successful rape prosecutions, the authors examine different ways of surveying the population for prevalence data, what populations experience higher rates of sexual violence, what strong trends develop when analyzing rape prevalence data, and what can be done to fight back against what the authors call the “Rape Denial Campaign” in order to return the issue of combating rape, rather than combating the existence of rape, to the national agenda.
Maine StatisticsMaine Crime Victimization SurveyIn 2006, the Muskie School of Public Service conducted the very first Maine Crime Victimization Survey. The purpose of this survey is to better understand the extent of crime in Maine. This survey helps fill in the gap by providing information about unreported domestic and sexual violence incidents, as well as characteristics about the victims and offenders. Crime in Maine 2009Every year, Maine’s Department of Public Safety releases its Crime in Maine report. This annual report reflects the different crimes reported to law enforcement in any given year. The data is collected through the Uniform Crime Reporting Program, a national data collection program for law enforcement agencies. Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey – High School 2009The purpose of the Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS) is to assess the health status of Maine’s youth, as well as the positive and negative attitudes and behaviors that influence healthy development. Topics include: substance use, bullying and violence, unintentional injuries, sexual behavior, health status (including oral health) and disabilities, physical activity, weight control and nutrition, suicide/depression, and developmental assets. Data from the MIYHS can be used to plan and evaluate prevention programs, and to provide the basis for grant applications. Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey – Middle School 2009The purpose of the Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS) is to assess the health status of Maine’s youth, as well as the positive and negative attitudes and behaviors that influence healthy development. Topics include: substance use, bullying and violence, unintentional injuries, sexual behavior, health status (including oral health) and disabilities, physical activity, weight control and nutrition, suicide/depression, and developmental assets. Data from the MIYHS can be used to plan and evaluate prevention programs, and to provide the basis for grant applications.
National StatisticsCrime Victimization 2010This report is designed to look at national crime rates not necessarily reported to law enforcement. KIDS COUNTKIDS COUNT is an initiative of the Annie E. Casey Foundation that provides access to hundreds of statistics regarding measures of child well-being. This data can be seen on a state-by-state basis, between different states, or the United States as a whole. Characteristics of Suspected Human Trafficking Incidents, 2007-2008This report resents findings from the Human Trafficking Reporting System (HTRS). The HTRS was developed in 2007 to collect data on alleged human trafficking incidents from state and local law enforcement agencies. As of September 30, 2008, it had collected information on incident, suspect, and victim characteristics from 38 human trafficking task forces, funded by the Department of Justice. Incident data include the number of suspects and victims, number of agencies involved in the incident, confirmation of incident as human trafficking, and type of lead agency. Victim data include demographic characteristics such as age, race, gender, and citizenship status. In addition to demographic characteristics, suspect data include available arrest, adjudication, and sentencing information. This report covers incidents reported by task forces from January 1, 2007, to September 30, 2008. Family Violence StatisticsThis report compares family and non-family violence statistics from victimization through the different stages of the justice system. Family violence is defined as all types of violent crime committed by an offender who is related to the victim and includes spouse abuse, parental violence against a child, and violence among other family members. Non-family relationships used for comparison include boyfriends and girlfriends, friends and acquaintances, and strangers. Data are drawn from victimization surveys, official police statistics, State and Federal court statistics, and surveys of inmates in State prisons and local jails. National Crime Victimization Survey 2009The National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) has been collecting data on personal and household victimization since 1973. An ongoing survey of a nationally representative sample of residential addresses, the NCVS is the primary source of information on the characteristics of criminal victimization and on the number and types of crimes not reported to law enforcement authorities. It provides the largest national forum for victims to describe the impact of crime and characteristics of violent offenders. The NCVS was designed with four primary objectives: (1) to develop detailed information about the victims and consequences of crime; (2) to estimate the number and types of crimes not reported to the police; (3) to provide uniform measures of selected types of crimes; and (4) to permit comparisons over time and types of areas. National Research on Sexual Violence: A Look to the FutureThe goal of this overview is to equip advocates with information about key studies on sexual violence, including the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS), as a way to help inform their sexual violence prevention and intervention efforts. This overview includes a brief discussion of the research studies currently available on sexual violence as well as information about NISVS.
Victims/Survivors with DisabilitiesBureau of Justice Statistics: Crime Against People with DisabilitiesThis report focuses on the victimization experiences of persons with disabilities, including comparisons to persons without disabilities, disability types, victim characteristics, and crime characteristics, such as reporting crime to the police and the presence of weapons during the crime. Violence Against Women with Physical DisabilitiesThis report, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is of a study done by the Center for Research on Women with Disabilities. It includes dynamics, demographics, and safety planning of violence against women with physical disabilities. VAWnet: Interpersonal Violence and Women With Disabilities: A Research UpdateThis article provides an update on what researchers have learned during the past ten years about the scope of the problem and women’s responses, and offers some perspectives on the state of current research and its implications for future studies and advocacy efforts. VAWnet: Violence in the Lives of Persons who are Deaf or Hard of HearingThis report 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 purpose of this collection is to: 1) increase knowledge and understanding of Deaf culture, 2) provide resources to assist service providers in direct service work with Deaf individuals; and 3) highlight best practices. Forging New Collaborations: A Guide for Rape Crisis, Domestic Violence, and Disability OrganizationsThis report is based upon Vera’s Center on Victimization and Safety work with and observations of collaborations between victims' services and disability organizations from 2006 through 2010, as well as in-depth interviews with representatives from 10 of the groups and an extensive literature review on effective collaboration. It is designed for policy makers, practitioners, and first responders interested in using collaboration to address violence against people with disabilities. It offers concrete recommendations for how to build effective collaboration between victim services and disability organizations, practical strategies for overcoming common obstacles, and steps to begin the collaboration process. Women, Disability, and Violence: Strategies to Increase Physical and Programmatic Access to Victims' Services for Women With DisabilitiesThis article strives to balance fairly and effectively the voices and needs of individuals with disabilities with those of service providers who provide either disability or domestic violence/sexual assault services. This balance throughout the article is important, given the importance of serving and supporting individuals with disabilities who are victims/survivors of violence and also the serious financial constraints placed upon domestic violence and sexual violence agencies.
Economics of Violence: Costs, Housing, and HealthcareViolence & Health Equity - A Fact SheetThis fact sheet discusses health equity from a primary prevention standpoint. It notes that based on societal factors and public policy, poverty, racism, and lack of education and opportunity increase health inequities in the United States. Coupled with the increase of violence in areas where health equity is low, the case for primary prevention becomes even more important. Costs of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in the United StatesThis report presents findings for the estimated incidence, prevalence, and costs of nonfatal and fatal IPV; identifies future research needs; and highlights CDC’s research priorities for IPV prevention. Hidden Costs in Health Care: The Economic Impact of Violence and AbuseThis paper reviews a sampling of the literature that supports the claim that violence and abuse lead to a significant increase in health care utilization and costs. The Health Care Costs of Domestic and Sexual ViolenceThis fact sheet describes the issues associated with the economic costs of violence and abuse, as well as provides recommendations to help address the problem. Healthcare Issues and Survivors of Sexual ViolenceThis publication looks at the various healthcare issues that are often faced by survivors of sexual abuse and violence. Housing and Sexual ViolenceThis survey includes data that promotes further understanding of the intersections between sexual violence, housing, and homelessness; helps to identify the needs of victims and advocates around housing issues; and helps to inform policy and programmatic strategies. Violence & Chronic IllnessThis fact sheet, developed by the Prevention Institute, discusses the growing body of science that links violence and chronic illness. Violence & Mental HealthThis fact sheet, developed by the Prevention Institute, discusses the links between violence, fear of violence, and the resulting mental health consequences. National Survey of Advocates on Sexual Violence, Housing, and the Violence Against Women ActIn April 2010, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center partnered with the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, the Victim Rights Law Center, and the National Organization of Sisters of Color Ending Sexual Violence to conduct a national survey on housing and sexual violence. Housing Protections for Victims of Sexual ViolenceThis position statement, developed by the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, was developed as a result of a national survey conducted in partnership with the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, the Victim Rights Law Center, and the National Organization of Sisters of Color Ending Sexual Violence.
Education & School-Based IssuesThe Bully-Sexual Violence Pathway in Early AdolescenceThe focus of this research brief, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is to highlight the early findings from a three-year study aimed to examine the overlap between bullying and sexual violence victimization and perpetration in five middle schools in a Midwest state. The first two waves of the study have shown that bullying perpetration and homophobic teasing were significant predictors of sexual harassment perpetration over time. Suicide and Bullying IssuesThis issue brief examines the relationship between suicide and bullying among children and adolescents, with special attention to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth. It also explores strategies for preventing these problems. Bullying in SchoolsResearchers from the National Center for School Engagement conducted a series of studies to explore the connections between bullying in schools, school attendance and engagement, and academic achievement. This bulletin provides an overview of the OJJDP-funded studies, a summary of the researchers’ findings, and recommendations for policy and practice.
Elder JusticeMaine Guidelines for Screening In-Home Personal Caregivers: A Safety Resource for Individuals, Families, and AgenciesThese Guidelines are an updated and expanded version of Employer Screening Guidelines created through Project Advance, a project of Sexual Assault Services of Midcoast Maine in 2007. This project was made possible by a grant via the Office of Elder Services and is the result of the hard work and dedication of many people around Maine dedicated to quality and competent care for Maine's elders and individuals with disabilities who need additional care. National Center on Elder AbuseThe National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) serves as a national resource center dedicated to the prevention of elder mistreatment. First established by the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) in 1988 as a national elder abuse resource center, the NCEA was granted a permanent home at AoA in the 1992 amendments made to Title II of the Older Americans Act. To carry out its mission, the NCEA disseminates elder abuse information to professionals and the public, and provides technical assistance and training to states and to community-based organizations. National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later LifeWisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence created the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL) in 1999 with funding from the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women. NCALL has been the nationally recognized leader on program development, policy, technical assistance, and training that addresses the nexus between domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse/neglect. The vision of NCALL is to end abuse and neglect of older adults and people with disabilities by family members, caregivers, and others with ongoing relationships with victims. Center for Elders and the CourtsThe Center for Elders and the Courts serves as the primary resource for the judiciary and court management on issues related to aging. The center strives to increase judicial awareness of issues related to aging, provide training tools and resources to improve court responses to elder abuse and adult guardianships, and develop a collaborative community of judges, court staff, and aging experts. National Sexual Violence Resource Center – Sexual Violence in Later LifeThis packet was developed by Holly Ramsey-Klawsnik, PhD, in conjunction with the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. The packet includes a fact sheet, technical assistance bulletin, technical assistance guide, resource list, annotated bibliography, and research brief. VAWnet: Older Women: Hidden Sexual Abuse VictimsThis article defines elder abuse and discusses what is known about the prevalence of sexual abuse against older women. It summarizes findings from some studies of elder sexual abuse in institutional and family home settings by describing who the offenders are, what types of abuse is perpetrated, and some of the characteristics that can make older women especially vulnerable. Elder Abuse in Communities of ColorThis 8-page document offers statistics, definitions, and general information of elder abuse in communities of color. Elderly Victims of Sexual Abuse and Their OffendersThis report, funded by the Department of Justice, examines elder sexual abuse from 284 cases referred to the police or various adult protective service agencies. Although the report notes that elder sexual abuse is a complex problem not yet entirely understood, its author offers an examination of the above mentioned 284 cases from a variety of aspects including victim-perpetrator relationship, rate of investigation and prosecution, and recommendations for caregivers and prosecutors. National Adult Protective Services AssociationThe National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) is a national non-profit organization with members in all fifty states, including the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. It was formed in 1989 to provide state Adult Protective Services (APS) program administrators and staff with a forum for sharing information, solving problems, and improving the quality of services for victims of elder and vulnerable adult abuse. VAWnet: Preventing and Responding to Domestic and Sexual Violence in Later LifeThis report brings together selected materials related to preventing and responding to elder abuse, specifically domestic and sexual violence. By focusing specifically on domestic and sexual violence (DV/SV) in later life, this special collection highlights the complexities of older people’s DV/SV experiences and emphasizes collaborative and multi-pronged approaches to addressing DV/SV in later life. Elder Justice: Stronger Federal Leadership Could Enhance National Response to Elder AbuseThis report contains information on existing estimates of the extent of elder abuse and their quality; factors associated with elder abuse and its impact on victims; characteristics and challenges of state Adult Protective Services (APS) responsible for addressing elder abuse; and federal support and leadership in this area. To obtain the information in this report, the Government Accountability Office reviewed relevant research; visited six states and surveyed state APS programs; analyzed budgetary and other federal documents; reviewed federal laws and regulations; and interviewed federal officials, researchers, and elder abuse experts.
Engaging BystandersEngaging Bystanders in Sexual Violence PreventionThis resource 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.
Engaging Men1in6The mission of 1in6 is to help men who have unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood live healthier, happier lives. Their website provides information and support for men who have experienced sexual abuse, as well as their partners and loved ones. Boys to MenThe Mission of Boys to Men is to reduce interpersonal violence by offering programs that support the healthy development of adolescent boys, provide assistance and educational resources to boys and those who help raise them and increases community awareness about the specific needs of boys. Voice MaleVoice Male chronicles the social transformation of masculinity. Since its modest beginnings in 1983 as a newsletter for the pioneering Men’s Resource Center for Change, Voice Male has evolved into a magazine exploring critical issues relevant to men’s growth and health while cataloguing the damaging effects of men’s isolation and violence. The Men’s BibliographyThe Men’s Bibliography is a comprehensive bibliography of writing on men, masculinities, gender, and sexualities, listing over 20,000 books and articles. Men Can Stop RapeMen Can Stop Rape (MCSR) is an international organization that mobilizes men to use their strength for creating cultures free from violence, especially men’s violence against women. Since its inception in 1997, MCSR has led the call to redefine masculinity and male strength as part of preventing men’s violence against women. A Call to MenA Call to Men is a leading national men’s organization addressing domestic and sexual violence prevention and the promotion of healthy manhood. They are committed to maintaining strong partnerships with women’s organizations already doing this important work. They help to organize communities in order to raise awareness and get men involved in this effort. Coaching Boys Into MenCoaching Boys into Men is a coaches’ leadership program that partners with athletic coaches to help young male athletes practice respect towards themselves and others. Coaching Boys into Men equips coaches to talk with their athletes about respect for women and girls and that violence doesn’t equal strength. Through CBIM, athletes learn skills to avoid violence and abuse in their relationships. VAWNet Special Collection: Men and Boys Preventing Sexual and Intimate Partner ViolenceThis Special Collection provides resources for anti-violence programs to increase their capacity to engage men and boys in their work to end violence against women. The collection explores the social construction of masculinity and the impact that pro-feminist men can have on advancing the anti-violence movement. What Men Have to Do With ItThis policy review suggests and details the need for comprehensive gender equality policies, which include: education, public security, human rights, health, HIV/AIDS and sexual and reproductive health and rights, poverty alleviation, maternal and child health, and integrated gender-based violence policies on a global and local level. Engaging Men: Partners in Social Change MagazineThis issue of Partners in Social Change takes a look at what it means to engage men in preventing sexual violence. Defying the OddsThis report chronicles five years of an engaging men project in Kenya. In the report, men share their stories of transforming their relationships to women, gender, and power. MenEngage MenEngage is a global alliance of NGOs and UN agencies that seeks to engage boys and men to achieve gender equality. The alliance came together in 2004 with the general goal of working in partnership to promote the engagement of men and boys in achieving gender equality, promoting health and reducing violence at the global level, including questioning the structural barriers to achieving gender equality. EngagingMen.Net: A Gender Justice Information NetworkThis site is a public resource for those committed to gender justice and ending violence against women. Engagingmen.net is designed for practitioners, policy makers, academics, students, and all who are interested in effectively working with women and men in partnership for gender equality and addressing the negative consequences of unequal power relationships. A Men's ProjectThis website focuses on resources for men working to end violence against women and seeking to create better relationships across gender, cultural, and generational divides. The website seeks to be a networking space and a place for resources on various issues that impact men and boys.
Global Sexual ViolenceGBV Prevention NetworkThe GBV Prevention Network seeks to be a place for resources, networking, and education for the increase of prevention skills in the Horn, East, and Southern Africa. Addressing Conflict-Related Sexual Violence: An Analytical Inventory of Peacekeeping PracticeThis document is a began as a review of protection strategies employed by international and regional peacekeepers and continued through global discussions of how efforts to address sexual violence can contribute to building trust and confidence amongst the civilian populations and improving situational awareness. The findings were field-tested through missions in Liberia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda to cross-reference examples cited in the review with operational realities in contexts where sexual violence has been a prominent feature of conflict and its aftermath. Their insights and knowledge are included in this report. Aftershocks: Women Speak Out About Sexual Violence in Haiti's CampsSexual and other forms of gender-based violence were widespread before the January 2010 earthquake, but the earthquake shattered the few protection mechanisms that existed. This report highlights the protection needs of women and girls in camps against the background of research undertaken by Amnesty International and other organizations on violence against women and girls after the earthquake. African Journal of Post-Traumatic Stress, Volume 1, Issue 1In this inaugural issue, the AJTS features the original work of an African pioneer, the late Dr. James Walugembe, who documented war related Post “As If We Weren’t Human”: Discrimination and Violence Against Women With Disabilities in Northern UgandaThis Human Rights Watch report discusses the many problems faced by Ugandan women with disabilities, including the discrimination and issues of violence they face within their communities. The report also includes key recommendations to the government of Uganda. Dignity on Trial: India’s Need for Sound Standards for Conducting and Interpreting Forensic Examinations of Rape SurvivorsThis report does not present the whole range of problems that survivors of sexual violence encounter in their interactions with the Indian criminal justice and health care systems; nor does it address all the problems inherent in collecting forensic evidence. Instead, it discusses the problems posed by one of the most archaic forensic procedures still in use: the finger test—a practice where the examining doctor notes the presence or absence of the hymen and the size and so-called laxity of the vagina of the rape survivor. The finger test is meant to assess whether girls and women are “virgins” or “habituated to sexual intercourse.” (Contrary to common misconceptions, the hymen is a flexible membrane that partly covers the vaginal opening and does not seal it like a door. Hence the notion that there was no rape if there is no “broken” hymen is false.) This Human Rights Watch report focuses on the practice of the finger test in Mumbai and Delhi, offering recommendations for changes in forensic evidence collection from sexual violence victims/survivors. VAWnet: Disaster and Emergency Preparedness and ResponseThis collection highlights the disproportionate vulnerability of women and children to domestic and sexual violence in disaster and emergency situations, and organizes information to help increase the safety and wellbeing of those at higher risk for violence (or re-traumatization) during and after a major disaster or crisis. From Conflict and Crisis to Renewal: Generations of ChangeThe State of World Population 2010 explores how conflict and protracted humanitarian emergencies affect women and girls—and men and boys—and shows how many women and young people have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and have begun rebuilding their lives and laying the foundation for peace and renewal of their societies. International Center for Research on WomenICRW’s mission is to empower women, advance gender equality, and fight poverty in the developing world. To accomplish this, ICRW works with partners to conduct empirical research, build capacity, and advocate for evidence-based, practical ways to change policies and programs. Insecurity and Indignity: Women’s Experiences in the Slums of Nairobi, KenyaThe majority of Nairobi’s residents live in informal settlements and slums, in inadequate housing with little access to clean water, sanitation, health care, schools, and other essential public services. This report shows that for many women living in informal settlements, poverty is both a consequence and a cause of violence. It was issued as part of Amnesty International’s global Demand Dignity Campaign, launched in 2009, which aims to expose and combat the human rights violations that drive and deepen poverty. One In Three WomenOne In Three Women seeks to raise awareness about the problem of violence against women; create a global perspective; be a global voice; increase action and community mobilization against violence against women; and support programs, organizations, and communities working to help victims and survivors of gender-based violence. Sexual Violence Research InitiativeThe SVRI aims to promote research on sexual violence and generate empirical data that ensures sexual violence is recognized as a priority public health problem. The SVRI does this by building an experienced and committed network of researchers, policy makers, activists, and donors to ensure that the many aspects of sexual violence are addressed from the perspective of different disciplines and cultures. Stop Violence Against WomenThis site includes resources focused on ending the most endemic forms of violence against women: domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and trafficking of women. It includes research and reports, laws and policy, and training materials on a variety of subjects relating to violence against women. UN WomenUN Women seeks to support inter-governmental bodies, such as the Commission on the Status of Women, in their formulation of policies, global standards, and norms; to help Member States to implement these standards, standing ready to provide suitable technical and financial support to those countries that request it; and to forge effective partnerships with civil society. UN Women also aspires to hold the UN system accountable for its own commitments on gender equality, including regular monitoring of system-wide progress. The World’s Women – Trends and StatisticsThe World’s Women 2010 is intended to contribute to the stocktaking being done to mark the fifteenth anniversary of the Beijing Conference. It addresses critical aspects of life: population, families, health, education, work, power and decision-making, violence against women, environment, and poverty. It finds that progress in ensuring the equal status of women and men has been made in many areas, including school enrollment, health, and economic participation. At the same time, it makes clear that much more needs to be done, in particular to close the gender gap in public life and to prevent the many forms of violence to which women are subjected. Yemen’s Dark Side: Discrimination and Violence Against Women and GirlsWomen in Yemen face systemic discrimination and endemic violence, with devastating consequences for their lives. Their rights are routinely violated because Yemeni laws, as well as tribal and customary practices, treat them as second class citizens. This report discusses the findings of Amnesty International in relation to the treatment of Yemeni women. In Pursuit of Justice: Progress of the World's Women 2011-2012The report highlights the barriers to, and progress of, justice for women in different countries around the world. It discusses opportunities and ways that women are working toward reconciling rights promised to them and the realities of the countries in which they live. Parenting and the Prevention of Child Maltreatment in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review of Interventions and a Discussion of Prevention of the Risks of Future Violent Behavior Among BoysThis review investigates the effectiveness of parenting interventions for reducing harsh or abusive parenting, increasing positive parenting practices, attitudes and knowledge, and improving parent–child relationships in low- and middle-income countries. In addition, the discussion section considers the potential for adapting parenting interventions from high- to low-/middle-income countries; and the potential role of parenting interventions in addressing current and future violent behavior among boys and men.
Human TraffickingGEMS – Girls Education and Mentoring ServicesGirls Educational and Mentoring Services’ (GEMS) mission is to empower girls and young women, ages 12- 21, who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking to exit the commercial sex industry and develop to their full potential. GEMS is committed to ending commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking of children by changing individual lives, transforming public perception, and revolutionizing the systems and policies that impact sexually exploited youth. Human Trafficking Into and Within the United States: A Review of the LiteratureThis comprehensive review of current literature on human trafficking into and within the United States focuses on surveying what the social science or other literature has found about the issues of identifying and effectively serving trafficking victims. A more specific focus concerns the phenomenon of “domestic trafficking” (trafficking involving U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, often within the U.S.), the impact on domestic youth, and the availability and/or effectiveness of services for these victims. Relocation Revisited: Sex Trafficking of Native Women in the United StatesThis paper examines the sexual exploitation of Native women through the lens of the United States’ own legal definition of trafficking. It discusses the history of colonization of Native people, and within that context, how Native women have been sexually trafficked since the beginning of United States history. Study of Health and Human Services Programs Serving Human Trafficking VictimsThis project developed information on how HHS programs are currently addressing the needs of victims of human trafficking, including domestic victims (i.e., citizens and legal permanent residents), with a priority focus on domestic youth. The project provides in-depth and timely information to help HHS design and implement effective programs and services that help trafficking victims overcome the trauma and injuries they have suffered, to regain their dignity, and become self-sufficient. U.S. Department of Education: Fact Sheet on Human TraffickingThis fact sheet concerns human trafficking as it relates to children in schools; and it provides information for educators to understand how human trafficking affects schools, how to identify a victim of human trafficking, and information on how to report human trafficking. Coalition Against Trafficking in WomenThe Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW) is creating real and lasting changes in countries around the world by launching and supporting anti-trafficking projects in areas that few programs address: the links between prostitution and trafficking; challenging the demand for prostitution that promotes sex trafficking; and protecting the women and children who are its victims by working to curb legal acceptance and tolerance of the sex industry. The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of YouthThis issue of Connections provides a platform to spread the word about the great work that is already happening around the issue of commercial sexual exploitation of youth and share a number of resources that have been developed. The agencies whose work is highlighted in this publication continue to be a source of information, training, and resources for advocacy programs. Meeting the Legal Needs of Child Trafficking Victims: An Introduction for Children's Attorneys and AdvocatesMany legal remedies available for adult trafficking victims are also available for children trafficking victims, but the legal needs of, and remedies available to, children trafficking victims can be distinct. This American Bar Association resource serves as an overview of the unique issues and remedies that often present in such cases, and is not intended to be comprehensive. Trafficking in Persons Report 2011This report, released by the US Department of State, details human trafficking on a global level. To access the report, click on the link. Characteristics of Suspected Human Trafficking IncidentsThis report is the second in a Bureau of Justice Statistics series about the characteristics of human trafficking investigations, suspects, and victims. It reports about case outcomes, including suspect arrests, and the visa status of confirmed victims, and describes the characteristics of incidents entered into the Human Trafficking Reporting System prospectively by the task forces beginning in 2008. Sex Work and Women's MovementsThis paper places the development of sex workers’ movements over the past two decades within the historical context of feminist discourses on violence against women. The paper discusses the importance of the discourse on violence against women in framing contemporary abolitionist campaigns that seek to criminalize sex work. It goes on to discuss the contemporary context, including human trafficking, the status of alliances and dialogue between women’s, LGBTQ, and sex workers’ movements, focusing on India.
Immigrants and RefugeesDetained and at Risk: Sexual Abuse and Harassment in United States Immigration DetentionIn researching this report, Human Rights Watch gathered reported incidents and allegations of sexual assault, abuse, and harassment in ICE detention from a range of sources, including press reports, governmental and nongovernmental studies, a public hearing, court documents, and Human Rights Watch interviews. The research focused solely on reports and allegations of incidents since 2003, when ICE assumed control of immigration detention functions from the Immigration and Naturalization Service. This report is based on Human Rights Watch’s findings. Ensuring Language Access to Immigrant Victims of Sexual AssaultThis document provides a brief overview of the requirements under federal law to ensure meaningful language access. Additionally, it discusses ways to evaluate whether programs offer meaningful language access, as well as tips for working with communities to improve the delivery services to immigrant victims of sexual assault. Helping Refugee Trauma Survivors in the Primary Care SettingThis clinical resource is meant for primary health care providers working with refugees or other survivors of war trauma and torture. Many traumatized refugees do not access western mental health services. Therefore, primary care physicians and other providers often must identify and educate survivors, as well as suggest seeking mental health services when appropriate. Using the information in this manual as a resource, primary care providers can ease refugees’ suffering and help them to begin the process of healing. Immigration Relief for Crime Victims: The U Visa ManualThe New York Anti-Trafficking Network compiled this information on the U Visa. This manual aims to provide guidance to lawyers on issues that arise in the context of representing U visa applicants. It is designed for practitioners who are familiar with basic immigration terms and legal concepts. Toolkit for Law Enforcement Use of the U-VisaThis toolkit offers answers to law enforcement officers and agencies in the uses of the U-Visa. The toolkit has a valuable question and answer section, as well as charts to help law enforcement officers and agencies understand the U-Visa. Rights on the Line: Human Rights Watch on Abuses Against Migrants in 2010This roundup of Human Rights Watch reporting on violations of migrants’ rights in 2010 includes coverage of Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. Human Rights Watch documented labor exploitation and barriers to redress for migrants in agriculture, domestic work, and construction in Indonesia, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. Immigration sponsorship systems in many countries give employers immense control over workers and lead to migrants being trapped in abusive situations or unable to pursue redress through the justice system.
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Against Refugees, Returnees, and Internally Displaced Persons: Guidelines for Prevention and ResponseThese guidelines offer practical advice on how to design strategies and carry out activities aimed at preventing and responding to sexual Empowering Survivors: Legal Rights of Immigrant Victims of Sexual AssaultThe goal of this manual is to provide support and assistance to advocates and attorneys, arming them with the knowledge they need to confidently provide effective assistance to immigrant sexual assault victims and the immigrant community. Follow the link for to access chapters of the manual.
LGBTQQIVAWnet: Culturally Competent Service Provision to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Survivors of Sexual ViolenceThis paper provides an overview of the research focusing on LGBT survivors of sexual violence. Strategies for Supporting LGBTIQ SurvivorsThis issue of Connections was created to help raise awareness of differences in both gender identity and sexual orientation and to engage advocates in best practices for supporting and serving survivors of the LGBTIQ communities. Hate Violence Against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and HIV-Affected Communities in the United States in 2010The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) authored this report in order to document, analyze, and challenge the pervasive and consistent pattern of hate-related violence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected (LGBTQ) people in 2010. This annual report is the most comprehensive compilation of data and narratives of LGBTQ survivors and victims of hate violence in the United States. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Youth: An Epidemic of HomelessnessThrough a comprehensive review of the available academic research and professional literature, this report answers some basic questions, including why so many LGBT youth are becoming and remaining homeless. The report focuses on the harassment and violence that many of these youth experience in the shelter system and summarizes research on critical problems affecting them, including mental health issues, substance abuse, and risky sexual behavior. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Populations and Sexual AssaultThis three page fact sheet compiled by the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault gives a brief overview of statistics relating to LGBT populations and sexual assault, and refers to commonly asked questions while providing evidence-based answers. Maine Trans NetMaine Transgender Network, Inc. is a nonprofit organization which provides support and resources for the transgender community, families, and significant others, and raises awareness about the varied forms of gender identity and expression by providing training and consultation for mental health and social service professionals. Survivor ProjectSurvivor Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of intersex and trans survivors of domestic and sexual violence through caring action, education and expanding access to resources and to opportunities for action. The Survivor Project provides presentations, workshops, consultation, materials, information, and referrals to many anti-violence organizations and universities across the country, as well as gathers information about issues faced by intersex and trans survivors of domestic and sexual violence. FORGEFORGE (For Ourselves: Reworking Gender Expression) is a national education, advocacy and support umbrella organization supporting FTM+s (female-to-male transsexuals and transgenderists, and others who were assigned female at birth but who have some level of masculine identification) and SOFFAs (Significant Others, Family, Friends and Allies). Why It Matters: Rethinking Victim Assistance for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Victims of Hate Violence & Intimate Partner ViolenceIn May of 2009, the National Center for Victims of Crime and the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs partnered to produce two related questionnaires surveying community-based organizations and victim assistance providers, including criminal and civil justice agencies, regarding their work with LGBTQ victims and survivors of violence. This survey is the first of its kind and sheds light on the important barriers faced by mainstream and LGBTQ service providers to adequately address the needs of LGBTQ victims of violence.
ManagementEfforts to Address Gender-Based Violence: A Look at Foundation FundingFoundations play a critical role in supporting efforts to address gender-based violence, yet little research has been conducted on the level or type of funding in the U.S. Spurred by the lack of data and analysis, the Ms. Foundation for Women undertook a multi-pronged study to measure the scope, focus, and impact of funding in this area. Coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act, this report reviews the progress foundations have made in addressing gender based violence in order to sketch the current philanthropic landscape and its potential for growth. Fundraising: An Advocate’s GuideThis guide is intended to provide anti-sexual violence advocates with effective messaging strategies for both prevention and response services. It includes topics such as expanding the fundraising base, funding options, understanding funders, identifying funders, connecting the message to funders, funding prevention work and victims services, and a list of resources. International Women’s Health Coalition Media Advocacy ToolkitThe International Women’s Health Coalition (IWHC) has developed a media advocacy toolkit to give sexual rights and reproductive health advocates the resources needed to develop an effective media strategy as you plan your work. The kit includes best practices for pitching a story to a reporter, writing press releases (with good and bad examples), tips for doing interviews, plus information about making your own media, including blogs and online videos. Office for Victims of Crime: Training and Technical Assistance CenterOVC TTAC is the gateway to current training and technical assistance for victim service providers and allied professionals who serve crime victims. OVC TTAC's aim is building the capacity of victim assistance organizations across the country. Making Data Meaningful: A Guide to Communicating with the MediaThis guide is intended as a practical tool for managers, statisticians, and communication and media relations officers in statistical organizations, particularly those organizations that are in the process of developing their communication strategies. This guide aims to help producers of statistics find the best way to get their message across and to communicate effectively with the media. It contains suggestions, guidelines and examples—but not strict rules or rigid templates.
Media & PornographyAPA Report on the Sexualization of Young GirlsIn this report, the authors examine and summarize psychological theory, research, and clinical experience addressing the sexualization of girls. The authors define sexualization; examine the prevalence and provide examples of sexualization in society and in cultural institutions, as well as interpersonally and intrapsychically; evaluate the evidence suggesting that sexualization has negative consequences for girls and for the rest of society; and describe positive alternatives that may help counteract the influence of sexualization. The Center for Media LiteracyA pioneer in its field, the Center for Media Literacy (CML) is an educational organization that provides leadership, public education, professional development, and educational resources nationally. Dedicated to promoting and supporting media literacy education as a framework for accessing, analyzing, evaluating, creating, and participating with media content, CML works to help the general public, especially the young, develop critical thinking and media production skills needed to live fully in the 21st century media culture. Harms of Pornography Exposure Among Children and Young PeopleThis review explores the harms among children and young people associated with pornography exposure, including the intensification of their risks of both violence perpetration and victimization. VAWnet: Pornography and Sexual ViolenceThis report discusses the porn industry, the content of pornography today, possible effects of consumption, and implications for policy and practice as it relates to sexual violence. It raises questions of the effects of porn regarding public sexual health and building a sexually healthy culture. Comparing Sex Buyers With Men Who Don't Buy Sex: "You can have a good time with servitude" vs. "You're supporting a system of degradation"This study compares attitudes toward gender norms, sex, and exploitation between men who buy sex and men who do not. It relates to issues of sexual violence regarding human trafficking and violence against women and sex workers. Media Education Foundation: Handouts and ArticlesThese materials discuss in depth the issues connected with media education, as well as short handouts for classroom use. These handouts may be printed, copied, and distributed for educational, nonprofit uses. Media Education Foundation: LinksThe Media Education Foundation has pulled together a list of helpful links which engage issues such as media education and literacy. Breaking News on Child Sexual Abuse: Early Coverage of Penn StateThe Berkley Media Group examines the first nine days of reporting in the Penn State child sexual abuse scandal. This report contains their findings and recommendations for members of the media and advocates.
Military and Sexual ViolenceConnections: Military Culture and Sexual Assault VictimsThis edition of Connections includes a compendium of articles concerning sexual assault within the military culture and how the military is responding to this issue. Factors Associated with Women’s Risk of Rape in the Military EnvironmentHealth hazards specific to women workers have not been adequately documented. This study assesses military environmental factors associated with rape occurring during military service, while controlling for pre-military trauma experiences. The goal of this exploratory study was to describe characteristics of rape victims and perpetrators and to attempt to identify workplace environmental factors associated with rape occurring during military service. Reports of Rape Reperpetration by Newly Enlisted Male Navy PersonnelThis study examined the frequency and characteristics of repeated attempted and completed rape (ACR) incidents reported by newly enlisted male navy personnel who participated in a longitudinal study during the transition from civilian to military life. Rape, Sexual Assault, and Sexual Harassment in the Military: The Quick FactsSWAN (Service Women's Action Network) provides a fact sheet about rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment in the United States military. Trauma-Informed Care for Women Veterans Experiencing Homelessness: A Guide for Service ProvidersThis guide is designed to be used by community-based service agencies that work with homeless female veterans in a variety of settings (e.g., emergency shelters, domestic violence shelters and sexual violence support centers, transitional and supportive housing programs, outpatient settings). Leaders within these organizations who are looking to improve their effectiveness in engaging the female veterans they serve can use this guide to begin the process of becoming trauma-informed.
Primary PreventionCalifornia Coalition Against Sexual Assault – PreventionCalifornia Coalition Against Sexual Assault’s Prevention work promotes the development, implementation, and evaluation of efforts to prevent sexual violence through training, technical assistance, and use of a variety of emerging technologies. Guidelines for the Primary Prevention of Sexual Violence and Intimate Partner ViolenceThe questions posed by this guideline are meant to act as benchmarks, facilitating constant improvement in primary prevention program development. This document will help every existing SV/IPV primary prevention program operate at its full capacity, and provide potential programs with information on how to build a foundation for primary prevention work. Prevention Connection: The Violence Against Women Prevention PartnershipPrevention Connection: The Violence Against Women Prevention Partnership is a national project of the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault. The goal of Prevention Connection is to advance the primary prevention of violence against women by facilitating information sharing among people who are engaged in such efforts. To achieve this goal, Prevention Connection uses web conferences, a moderated email list hosted by Yahoo! Groups, and other forms of online media (such as podcasts and flash presentations). Preventing Intimate Partner Violence & Sexual Violence Against Women: Taking Action and Generating EvidenceThis document aims to provide sufficient information for policy-makers and planners to develop data-driven and evidence-based programs for preventing intimate partner and sexual violence against women. Tools for Change: An Introduction to the Primary Prevention of Sexual AssaultThis guide provides a basic understanding of the history, concepts, and language regarding the primary prevention of sexual violence. Training Professionals in the Primary Prevention of Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence: A Planning GuideThis guide describes how to develop, implement, and evaluate a process for training professionals to engage in sexual violence and intimate partner violence prevention. It is designed to help practitioners tailor individual trainings to different groups of professionals. It provides definitions of sexual violence and intimate partner violence and includes real-life examples to illustrate theory put into practice. In addition to step-bystep guidance on all the tasks necessary for planning a training, the guide includes tip sheets, worksheets, checklists, and an extensive resource list. Sexual Violence Prevention: Beginning the DialogueThis document, put together by a coalition charged by the CDC, puts the public health approach concerning sexual violence into perspective. The authors define prevention, the importance of primary prevention, and the several different areas of focus within the primary prevention realm. Vermont’s Sexual Violence Prevention Technical Assistance Resource GuideThis document was created by the Sexual Violence Prevention Task Force, a statewide work group established by the Sexual Violence Prevention Act of 2006. It provides an overview of school-based prevention efforts, ways to identify sexual violence prevention resources for the classroom and the school, creating a sexual violence prevention plan, and evaluating prevention activities after they are implemented. Prevention InstitutePrevention Institute was founded in 1997 to serve as a focal point for primary prevention practice—promoting policies, organizational practices, and collaborative efforts that improve health and quality of life. As a national non-profit organization, the Institute is committed to preventing illness and injury, to fostering health and social equity, and to building momentum for community prevention as an integral component of a quality health system. Prevention Institute synthesizes research and practice; develops prevention tools and frameworks; helps design and guide interdisciplinary partnerships; and conducts training and strategic consultation with government, foundations, and community-based organizations nationwide and internationally. Start Strong Start Strong is the largest initiative ever funded to target 11- to- 14-year-olds and rally entire communities to promote healthy relationships as the way to prevent teen dating violence and abuse. Start Strong's model builds community to educate and engage youth in schools and out of school settings; educate and engage teen influencers such as parents/caregivers, teachers, and other mentors; change policy and environmental factors; and implement effective communications/social marketing strategies. The Consensual ProjectThe Consensual Project partners with schools and universities to bring students a fresh understanding of consent. The innovative curriculum, workshops, and website empower young people to incorporate consent into their daily lives. The Consensual Project is committed to helping students connect through consent. Healthy Sexuality for Sexual Violence Prevention: A Report on Promising Curriculum-Based ApproachesThe purpose of this report is to discuss links between primary sexual violence prevention and sexual health promotion, to determine each field’s evidence base, and discuss how to best deliver the vital information offered by both fields to youth in Virginia. The report is also applicable in other states. A Different World is Possible: A Call for Long-Term and Targeted Action to Prevention Violence Against Women and GirlsThis report aims to address attitudes and positions that are often normalized and even admired within our communities and our societies. The recommendations are grounded in Carol Hagemann-White's innovative model of perpetration which represents the most comprehensive review of evidence to date on the root causes, including individual life experiences and choices, of violence and abuse. The aim of this report is to shift the landscape from one which tolerates the violation of women and girls' human rights, to one which women's safety and gender equality is the norm. The Power of Primary Prevention Education in High SchoolsThis webinar will walk participants through practical steps of how to develop or implement a prevention program in area schools. Participants will learn the importance of utilizing evidence-based and theory-driven research in comprehensive sexual violence prevention programs. Participants will also learn how to draw on external resources to assist in the development, maintenance, and implementation of a prevention program. Empowerment Evaluation ToolkitThe intended audience for this toolkit is local primary prevention providers, particularly those who are beginners or who have intermediate level skills in program evaluation. This toolkit could also be used by evaluation consultants as a source of training and technical assistance materials.
Prison RapeAddressing Sexual Violence in Prisons: A National Snapshot of Approaches and Highlights of Innovative StrategiesThis report provides a look at developing policies, prevention efforts, victims’ services, investigation and prosecution, staff training, and other developments in addressing sexual violence in prisons across the United States since the Prison Rape Elimination Act in 2003. The Department of Justice’s Efforts to Prevent Staff Sexual Abuse of Federal InmatesThis report examines the efforts of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to deter the sexual abuse of federal prisoners by federal correctional and law enforcement personnel. It contains 21 recommendations to help the Department improve its efforts to prevent the sexual abuse of prisoners. Just Detention InternationalJust Detention International is concerned about the safety and well-being of all detainees, including those held in adult prisons and jails, juvenile facilities, immigration detention centers, and police lock-ups, whether run by government agencies or by private corporations on behalf of the government. JDI has three core goals for its work: to ensure government accountability for prisoner rape; to transform ill-informed public attitudes about sexual violence in detention; and to promote access to resources for those who have survived this form of abuse. Prison Rape Fact SheetThis fact sheet includes statistics, laws associated with prison rape, populations affected by prison rape, and the physical and psychological harms of prison rape. Report on Rape in Jails in the U.S.: The Review Panel on Prison RapeSelect jails were asked to testify before the Review Panel on Prison Rape about best practices to lessen the prevalence of rape in jails in the United States. This report offers the findings of the review panel. Report on Sexual Victimization in Juvenile Correctional Facilities: Review Panel on Prison RapeIn accordance with PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act), the Review Panel on Prison Rape held public hearings in Washington, DC, on June 3-4, 2010, to identify, based on the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ survey of juvenile facilities, the common characteristics of the following: (1) victims and perpetrators; (2) two facilities with the lowest prevalence of sexual victimization; and (3) three facilities with the highest prevalence of sexual victimization. In light of the hearing testimony and other collected data, the Panel issued this report, which offers general observations, identifies common themes, and poses questions for further study. Sexual Victimization in Prisons and Jails Reported by Inmates, 2008-2009Between October 2008 and December 2009, BJS completed the second National Inmate Survey (NIS-2) in 167 state and federal prisons, 286 jails, and 10 special confinement facilities operated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. Military, and correctional authorities in Indian country. The survey, conducted by RTI International, was administered to 81,566 inmates ages 18 or older, including 32,029 inmates in state and federal prisons, 48,066 in jails, 957 in ICE facilities, 399 in military facilities, and 115 in Indian country jails. This report discusses the findings of the survey and what the statistics mean in relation to the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003. Sexual Victimization in Juvenile Facilities Reported by Youth, 2008-2009The Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA) requires the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) to carry out a comprehensive statistical review and analysis of the incidents and effects of prison rape for each calendar year. This report fulfills the requirement of the Act to provide a list of juvenile correctional facilities according to the prevalence of sexual victimization. Sexual Victimization Reported in by Adult Correctional Authorities, 2007-2008This report, required by the Prison Rape Elimination Act, presents important prevalence statistical data on prison rape in adult facilities from 2007-2008. Still In Danger – The Ongoing Threat Against Transgender PrisonersThis report provides an overview of the legal implications of Farmer vs. Brennan for prisoner claims of Eighth Amendment violations and an assessment of changes to conditions for transgender prisoners in the years since Farmer. Standards for the Prevention, Detection, Response, and Monitoring of Sexual Abuse in Adult Prisons and JailsThis report discusses the standards developed by the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission and what prisons and jails need to do to adhere to these standards. The purpose of this document is to provide the President, Congress, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services with national standards by which to detect, prevent, reduce, and punish prison rape. Women's Experiences of Abuse as a Risk Factor for IncarcerationThis paper describes how violence perpetrated against women and girls increases their risk of arrest and incarceration through the intersections of interpersonal and structural violence.
Reproductive Justice & HealthVAWnet: Reproductive Justice and Violence Against Women: Understanding the IntersectionsThe purpose of this report is to provide resources and an introduction to reproductive justice, focusing particularly on the connections between the elimination of reproductive oppression and domestic and sexual violence. Included is a basic definition of reproductive justice, information about the development and the history of the Reproductive Justice Movement, and related resources. Sexual and Reproductive Health of Persons Aged 10-24 YearsMany young people in the United States engage in sexual risk behaviors that can result in unintended health outcomes, including pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This CDC report explores recent surveillance data to create a portrait of sexual activity and health among youth aged 10–24 years. VAWnet: Sexual Violence Against Women: Impact on High-Risk Health Behaviors and Reproductive HealthThis paper presents a brief overview of research findings concerning the impact of sexual violence on females’ high-risk health behaviors and reproductive health, focusing on studies of sexual assault or rape experienced primarily during adulthood. Given that most research on sexual violence experienced by adult women also includes adolescents in the samples (often those 14 years of age and older), the research presented in this paper examines females in this wider age range.
SARTCrimeSolutions.gov The Office of Justice Programs’ CrimeSolutions.gov uses rigorous research to determine what works in criminal justice, juvenile justice, and crime victim services. Assessing Patients for Sexual Violence - A Guide for Health Care ProvidersA variety of tools and guidelines have been created to address the need for screening patients for histories of sexual violence. This guide aims to build on those tools and encourage health care providers to conduct full assessments with patients to encourage interventions that provide adequate treatments and recommendations for survivors of sexual violence Experiences of Nurses in Health Care for Female Victims of Sexual ViolenceThe objective of this paper is to understand the experiences of nurses caring for women who have suffered sexual violence, and to analyze the feelings of nurses while caring for victims. A National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations – Adults/AdolescentsThis first National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations provides detailed guidelines for criminal justice and health care practitioners in responding to the immediate needs of sexual assault victims. Combining cutting edge response techniques with collaboration among service providers, this protocol enhances service providers’ abilities to treat and support victims, as well as identify and punish the sex offenders. How to Conduct a Situation Analysis of Services for Survivors of Sexual AssaultA national situation analysis on health services for victims/survivors can assist in understanding aspects of service quality, determine where better services are being provided, and which factors influence the quality of services. This guide provides the reader with the tools developed by the South African Gender-Based Violence and Health Initiative study, and outlines the steps to take when embarking on a national situation analysis of sexual assault services. “I Used to Think the Law Would Protect Me”: Illinois’s Failure to Test Rape KitsThe rape kit backlog is a national issue that has finally become a national conversation. This report, commissioned by Human Rights Watch, is the second on the rape kit backlog, and is based on hundreds of public records data requests in Illinois and more than 300 interviews with rape victims, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and sexual assault treatment providers in the state. The International Association of Chiefs of Police Model Policy on Response to Victims of CrimeThis policy incorporates recognizing and responding to the needs of crime victims, supporting and assisting victims, and acting as a liaison to appropriate victim assistance and service agencies. The IACP also released an updated Concepts and Issues Paper providing background and support on the developmental philosophy and implementation requirements of the model policy. Pennsylvania Sexual Violence BenchbookThis book is designed to assist judicial officers in the handling of sexual violence cases. Its purpose is to address the intricacies of the numerous and often confusing procedural requirements in these types of cases. Additionally, the book provides information about sexual violence from experts in the field, examine best practices for these cases, and offer resources for judicial officers requiring additional information. The book has been divided into four sections: Understanding Sexual Violence, The Process of a Sex Offense Case, Life After Megan’s Law, and Resources. A Prosecutor's Resource: Medical Evidence and the Role of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners in Cases Involving Adult VictimsThis 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. It 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. Redefining Justice: Addressing the Individual Needs of Victims and WitnessesThis independent study explores how frontline services meet the needs of victims and witnesses. The report is based on meetings with approximately 1,000 people including victims, witnesses, and practitioners in various service organizations in England and Wales. Though these fourteen challenges and recommendations presented in this document are directed to the United Kingdom justice system, the report is very applicable to the United States. The Road Ahead: Unanalyzed Evidence in Sexual Assault CasesUntested sexual assault evidence is being discovered in police evidence rooms all across the country. In this report, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) offers an overview of the issue. The report examines at a variety of ramifications for the police and crime laboratories, for the courts and for the victims of sexual violence. Standards for Lawyers Representing Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking in Civil Protection Order CasesThese standards are presented as 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. They are based on the combined and distilled judgment of individuals with substantial experience in this area. The compilation of these standards is useful to help victims recognize their full rights within the civil court structure. Sustainability 101: Long-Range Thinking for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program ManagersThe 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. Toolkit for Law Enforcement Use of the U-VisaThis toolkit offers answers to law enforcement officers and agencies in the uses of the U-Visa. The toolkit has a valuable question and answer section, as well as charts to help law enforcement officers and agencies understand the U-Visa. The Uses and Impacts of Medico-Legal Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases: A Global ReviewThis review outlines the historical and contemporary medico-legal responses to sexual assault victims, broadly describing the professionals, protocols, and procedures involved in the collection and processing of medicolegal evidence. Findings are presented from studies that have evaluated the legal impact of such evidence in sexual assault cases, and factors that may create barriers to its successful use in criminal justice proceedings are discussed. The review concludes with a summary, identifies salient knowledge gaps, and offers research recommendations for addressing them. Clinical Care for Sexual Assault Survivors - A Multimedia Training ToolThe goal of this multimedia educational program is to improve clinical care for and general treatment of sexual assault survivors by providing medical instruction and encouraging competent, compassionate, confidential care. Excellence in Advocacy: A Victim-Centered ApproachThis manual, while helpful for all victim advocates, was developed for advocates who have been in the field for five years or less. It discusses topics such as the definition of advocacy, codes of conduct for advocates, unauthorized practice of law, strategic communication, legal remedies, safety planning, and emerging issues. Addressing Sexual Offenses and Misconduct by Law Enforcement: Executive GuideThis guide, created by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, has been created to promote an understanding of the complexities of sexual
Self-CareSelf-Care and Trauma WorkThis document provides a brief overview of vicarious trauma and how to take care of yourself when working to address sexual violence. Researcher Trauma, Safety, and Sexual Violence ResearchIn response to a need identified by researchers at the Sexual Violence Research Initiative Forum 2009 in Johannesburg, the SVRI ran a moderated discussion board for four weeks in September-October 2009 to provide a forum for researchers to discuss their traumatic experiences undertaking sexual violence research, share strategies they used to protect themselves, and what worked for them in responding to and/or preventing trauma. This document presents their findings and suggestions for those researching sexual violence.
Sexual Harassment/Street HarassmentThe Adventures of SalwaThe Adventures of Salwa is a campaign from Lebanon launched by young Lebanese feminists to combat sexual harassment. The website includes a blog, a list of resources, and very funny videos (cartoons) of Salwa combating street harassment. Harassment-Free Hallways: How to Stop Sexual Harassment in SchoolThis resource guide was written to help parents, students, schools, and school districts assess their strengths and weaknesses with regard to existing sexual harassment policies; develop user-friendly sexual harassment policies based on existing models; understand their respective rights and responsibilities for reporting and responding to reports of sexual harassment; and develop an attitude of leadership on the issue of sexual harassment in schools. Hollaback!Hollaback! is a movement dedicated to ending street harassment using mobile technology. Street harassment is one of the most pervasive forms of gender-based violence and one of the least legislated against. By collecting women and LGBTQ folks’ stories and pictures in a safe and share-able way with their mobile phone applications, Hollaback! is creating a crowd-sourced initiative to end street harassment. Hollaback! breaks the silence that has perpetuated sexual violence internationally, asserts that any and all gender-based violence is unacceptable, and creates a world where there is option—and, more importantly—a response. Title IX Fact Sheet - Know Your Rights: Title IX Prohibits Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Where You Go To SchoolThis fact sheet, released by the White House in 2011, gives information on rights given to students on the basis of Title IX; and requirements of Title IX as they pertain to sexual harassment and sexual violence. Youth at Work: Adolescent Employment and Sexual HarassmentThis examination of the frequency and impact of workplace sexual harassment on work, health, and school outcomes on high school girls is presented in two parts. The first compares the frequency of harassment in this sample (52%) to published research on adult women that used the same measure of sexual harassment. The second part compares outcomes for girls who experienced harassment versus those who did not. Addressing the Gendered Dimensions of Harassment and Bullying: What Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocates Need to KnowThis paper introduces and discusses a recent policy memo from the U.S. Department of Education that clarifies the distinctions between bullying and harassment and the priorities and responsibilities of school districts, outlines the differences between sexual harassment and bullying, explores the unintended consequences of ignoring the gendered dimensions of bullying and harassment in K-12 schools, and suggests helpful strategies for advocates collaborating with school personnel and students.
Sexual HealthA Public Health Approach for Advancing Sexual Health in the United States: Rationale and Options for ImplementationThis report is a summary of a meeting of sexual health experts across the United States and reflects the views of meeting attendees. The purpose of the meeting was to advance a sexual health paradigm in the US. The Society for Women's Health ResearchThe Society for Women's Health Research is a national non-profit organization based in Washington, DC, and is widely recognized as the thought leader in research on sex differences and is dedicated to improving women's health through advocacy, education, and research. Teen Source
Sex Offender ManagementAssociation for Treatment of Sexual AbusersThe Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers is an international, multi-disciplinary organization dedicated to preventing sexual abuse. Through research, education, and shared learning, ATSA promotes evidence based practice, public policy, and community strategies that lead to the effective assessment, treatment, and management of individuals who have sexually abused or are at risk to abuse. Center for Sex Offender ManagementThe Center for Sex Offender Management (CSOM) is a national clearinghouse and technical assistance center that supports state and local jurisdictions in the effective management of sex offenders. CSOM aims to provide those responsible for managing sex offenders with ready access to the most current knowledge by synthesizing and disseminating research and effective practices to the field; and by offering specialized training and technical assistance on a wide variety of issues related to sex offender management. National Reentry Resource CenterThe National Reentry Resource Center, established by the Second Chance Act (Public Law 110-199) and administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice, provides education, training, and technical assistance to states, tribes, territories, local governments, service providers, non-profit organizations, and corrections institutions working on prisoner reentry. The National Reentry Resource Center is a project of the Council of State Governments Justice Center, with key project partners: the Urban Institute, Association of State Correctional Administrators, and the American Probation and Parole Association. The Center is also guided by an Advisory Board, which helps coordinate support and services for Second Chance Act grantees and the reentry field. A Reasoned Approach: Reshaping Sex Offender Policy to Prevent Child Sexual AbuseThis report discusses the historical background of sex offender policy - both positive and negative trends, and talks about encouraging prevention through evidence-based and community-informed sex offender policy. Child-Pornography Possessors Arrested in Internet-Related Crimes: Findings from the National Juvenile Online Victimization StudyThe goals of the National Juvenile Online Victimization (N-JOV) Study were to survey law-enforcement agencies within the United States (U.S.) to count arrests for Internet-related sex crimes committed against minors and describe the characteristics of the offenders, the crimes they committed, and their victims. This report focuses on a representative national sample of arrested offenders who possessed child pornography. Federal Prosecution of Child Sex Exploitation Offenders, 2006In this bulletin by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, different types of child sex exploitation are categorized and listed with numbers of suspects who were arrested, number who were prosecuted, and number that were not prosecuted and why. Registering Harm: How Sex Offense Registries Fail Youth and CommunitiesThis report explores the potential impact that compliance with the Adam Walsh Act will have on states, communities, and youth, who are targeted by the new legislation. The report discusses the history of sex offender registries, explains the Adam Walsh Act, discusses what harmful effects the Act may have on youth and communities, and provides federal and state recommendations for alternatives to the Act. Sex Offender Management Policy in the States: Strengthening Policy and PracticeThis overview provides a brief history on sex offender management in the United States, addresses problems with residency restrictions for sex offenders, talks about the effectiveness and legal issues relating to sex offender registries, and how SORNA seeks to standardize registration and notification requirements across the country. Juvenile Sex Offenders: Managing and Preventing Future OffensesAcross the country, police officials partnering with other stakeholders have implemented successful programs to manage offenders and prevent future sexual offending by juveniles. This brief describes trends observed in the field and the strategies employed by two law enforcement agencies to manage juvenile sex offenders in their communities. Sexual Offenders and Pornography: A Causal Connection?This report demonstrates a connection between pornography and violence against women; provides evidence that the connection is a causal one; and provides a theoretical explanation of the causal connection. Sexual Assault Trends and Sex Offender Recidivism in MaineThe purpose of this report is to shed light on trends in sex offending and the recidivism of sex offenders in Maine, by replicating the methods of Bureau of Justice Statistics special report, Recidivism of Sex Offenders Released from Prison in 1994. That study followed prisoners released from prison in 15 states during 1994 over a three year period, examining their patterns of incarceration. This report seeks to replicate, to the degree possible, the analysis and resulting data tables for sex offenders released from Maine’s state prisons over a five year period, from 2004?2008.
Sexual Violence – GeneralTogether for GirlsIn partnership with national governments, civil society, and the private sector, Together for Girls brings attention to the issue of sexual violence against girls in support of country-driven efforts for change. Our approach builds on partners' diverse advocacy, policy, and service delivery platforms to support a comprehensive response to this complex issue. Sexual Assault in Rural CommunitiesThis document presents some compelling issues concerning this largely underserved population and reviews the literature of practitioners and researchers. Finally, this summary discusses the impact of these studies on service providers and implications for further research. Implementing SANE Programs in Rural Communities: The West Virginia Regional Mobile SANE Project This document describes the project's development and discusses the essential steps needed to replicate it in other rural communities. Rape: How Women, the Community, and the Health Sector RespondThis review documents currently available research findings on the perceptions of adult women victims of sexual violence, their responses to incidents of sexual violence, and the types of interventions available to address issues of sexual violence. The review covers societal perceptions of, and responses to, sexual violence and its victims, perceptions and responses of women victims to sexual violence, and intervention models and practices. Bureau of Justice Statistics: Female Victims of ViolenceThis report provides the current findings on nonfatal and fatal violent crimes committed against females. It focuses on nonfatal intimate partner violence (IPV), fatal IPV, rape and sexual assault, and stalking. It also includes estimates of the extent of crimes against females and the characteristics of crimes and victims. Crime trends are also presented, along with comparative estimates of crimes against males. The Reality of Sexual Assault in New HampshireThis report presents the findings of an exploratory study designed to examine how the criminal justice system responds to adult female sexual assault, a crime that has affected nearly one in four women in NH. The report includes recommendations for systems changes to better serve victims/survivors of sexual assault in New Hampshire. Aspects of this report may be applied to many other states in the U.S. Working Together to End the ViolenceThis website, hosted by the Office on Violence Against Women, focuses on government resources relating to different forms of interpersonal violence.
StalkingStalking in America: Findings from the National Violence Against Women SurveyThis research brief provides findings about stalking from the National Violence Against Women Survey. Stalking Resource CenterThe Stalking Resource Center is a program of the National Center for Victims of Crime. Launched in July 2000, with initial funding from the Office on Violence Against Women of the U.S. Department of Justice, the center’s mission is to raise national awareness of stalking and to encourage the development and implementation of multidisciplinary responses to stalking in local communities across the country. Stalking Victimization in the United StatesThe Supplemental Victimization Survey, a component of the National Crime Victimization Survey, sought to measure the following stalking behaviors: making unwanted phone calls; sending unsolicited or unwanted letters or emails; following or spying on the victim; showing up at places without a legitimate reason; waiting at places for the victim; leaving unwanted items, presents, or flowers; and posting or spreading information about the victim on the internet, in a public place, or by word of mouth. This report reflects the findings of this survey. A Statewide Study of Stalking and Its Criminal Justice ResponsesThis study was designed to answer questions such as 1) are police fully identifying stalking cases from among reported domestic violence cases? 2) do stalking cases differ from general domestic violence cases reported to police? and 3) does it make any difference if police identify a domestic violence case as stalking as opposed to any other domestic violence charges, such as assault or violation of a protective order?
Substance Use & ViolenceAlcohol and Sexual Violence PerpetrationThis paper summarizes the research literature that examines alcohol’s role in sexual violence perpetration. The first section provides estimates of the frequency with which alcohol consumption and sexual assault perpetration co-occur. After describing the criteria required to determine that one variable causes change in another, relevant experimental and survey research are critically reviewed. The final section includes suggestions for practitioners based on available scientific knowledge. Alcohol and Crime: Data from 2002-2008This report includes analyses from four data sources that examine the involvement of alcohol and violent crime from different perspectives and different sets of criminal behaviors. Maine Women Entering Substance Abuse Treatment 1997-2007This report presents data on women entering drug treatment programs in Maine from 1997-2007. The information is presented for the State as a whole, and for some variables is also broken down by county of residence for the clients. The data is based on information self-reported by the clients, often with the assistance of provider agency staff, at the time of admission. The purpose of this report is to take a focused look at the available statewide data on Maine women to better understand the circumstances of their lives, some specifics about their addictions, and ultimately to open the doors for future discussion, research, and action to reduce the negative impact of addiction. The Formative Years: Pathways to Substance Abuse Among Girls and Young Women Ages 8-22This study and report seeks to identify characteristics of girls and young women who abuse substances and when they are at highest risk of doing so. It assesses the impact of such use including the likelihood that experimentation will become addiction on girls and young women. Substance Abuse, High-Risk Sex, and Sexual Violence: What’s the Connection?The article summarizes some of the research that demonstrates the strong associations between sexual violence with later substance abuse, high-risk sex, and other harmful behaviors. Sexual Assault and Substance AbuseThis Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs Digest focuses on the connection between sexual assault and substance use and abuse. The article also describes models used to prevent victims from using substances to cope with aftermath.
Teen Dating ViolenceSee: Adolescent Relationship Violence
Native Women & Sexual ViolenceCoalition to Stop Violence Against Native WomenThe mission of the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women is to stop violence against Native women and children by advocating for social change in their communities. The CSVANW takes ownership and responsibility for the future of Native women and children by providing support, education, and advocacy using strengths, power, and unity to create Violence-Free Communities. Maze of Injustice: The failure to protect Indigenous women from sexual violence in the USAThis report highlights the prevalence of sexual violence against Native women, as well as the complexities of reporting to law enforcement specific to Native populations, the legal histories of tribes in the US as it relates to violence against Native women, the intersections of Native women identity, and views sexual violence against Native women from a human rights abuse perspective. Mending the Sacred HoopMending the Sacred Hoop Technical Assistance Project is a Native American program that provides training and technical assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native communities in the effort to eliminate violence in the lives of women and their children. They work with villages, reservations, rancherias, and pueblos across the United States to improve the justice system, law enforcement, and service provider response to the issues of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in Native communities. Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women & the Criminal Justice Response: What is KnownThis report provides a vast review of reports from various research studies based on violence against American Indian and Alaska Native women. It examines research findings, how they connect to one another and what is needed for further research. Reproductive Health of Urban American Indian and Alaska Native Women: Examining Unintended Pregnancy, Contraception, Sexual History and Behavior, and Non-Voluntary Sexual IntercourseThis report presents information on pregnancies, births, sexual history and behavior, contraceptive use, non-voluntary sex, and unintended pregnancy among urban American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) women nationwide. The researchers examined national data which has never been examined for AI/AN, in order to help fill a need for baseline information and to better understand previously identified disparities in health status and risk behaviors in this population. New Language, Old Problem: Sex Trafficking of American Indian Women and ChildrenThis Applied Research Paper synthesizes and interprets up-to-date research on sex trafficking of Native women and children. Garden of Truth: The Prostitution and Trafficking of Native Women in MinnesotaThis report analyzes findings from a study done in Minnesota where over half of the women interviewed had been trafficked. Given the high rates of poverty and sexual violence experienced by Native women, the goal of the study was to examine their experiences to make policy recommendations and to expand the existing body of research.
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