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Sexual Abuse or Violence

Sexual violence refers to a specific set of crimes that includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape. The perpetrator of these crimes may be a stranger, acquaintance, friend, family member, or intimate partner. Researchers, practitioners, and policymakers agree that all forms of sexual violence harm the individual, the family unit, and society, and that much work remains to be done to enhance the criminal justice response to these crimes.

The following list includes resources that are available for victims of sexual violence and victim service providers regarding victims' rights, child sexual abuse, sexual violence against special populations, and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs.

OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Resource Guide 2013 (December 2012) OVC, 130 pages, NCJ 239229.
This guide is designed to help communities and victim assistance providers promote awareness of crime victim issues, the Guide includes educational content, campaign materials, artwork, and a theme DVD. New this year are three pre-produced 30-second PSAs addressing child sexual abuse, child sex trafficking, and elder financial fraud.
PDF | HTML (English) | HTML (Spanish)
 
National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Theme DVD 2013 (December 2012) OVC, 0 pages, NCJ 240784.
Part of the NCVRW Resource Guide, this DVD includes a 5-minute feature video —New Challenges. New Solutions. —and three 30-second television public service announcements (PSAs) that address the topics of child sexual abuse, child sex trafficking, and elder abuse. OVC encourages organizations to use the introductory theme DVD throughout the year at public awareness, education, and training events in local communities to promote and advance the cause of justice for victims of crime.
Abstract
 
Promoting Effective Criminal Investigations of Campus Sex Crimes, Summary Report (November 2012) OVC, 53 pages, NCJ 240177.
OVC, the Office on Violence Against Women, and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services partnered with the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators and the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights to conduct a forum that addressed the topic of enhancing criminal investigations of campus sex crimes. This report summarizes the discussion at the forum and provides a list of resources for those working to investigate sex crimes.
Abstract | PDF
 
2013 National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Poster (October 2012) OVC, PS000025.
The 2013 National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) theme poster is available for download in 11" x 17" in color and black and white and can be customized for your organization before printing. You also may order the 22" x 28" color version, which features the theme colors of blue and black through the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) by visiting www.ncjrs.gov.
PDF (Color) | PDF (Black & White)
 
National Victim Assistance Academy Resource Paper: Sexual Assault (September 2012) OVC, OVC Training, 18 pages, NCJ 240574.
This Resource Paper is part of a series of National Victim Assistance Academy (NVAA) Track 1: Foundation-Level Training documents covering eight topics. This paper includes statistics, definitions, impact/effects on victims, effective responses, and additional information designed to educate entry-level professionals and volunteers. Visit www.ovcttac.gov for additional NVAA training materials.
Abstract | PDF
Part Of the OVC Training Series
 

OJP Publications

Workplace Violence Against Government Employees, 1994-2011 (April 2013) BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, NCJ 241349.
This report presents information on both nonfatal and fatal forms of violence in the workplace against government employees, based on the Bureau of Justice Statistics' National Crime Victimization Survey and the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries.

Part Of the BJS Special Reports Series PDF | TEXT
 
Female Victims of Sexual Violence, 1994-2010 (March 2013) BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 17 pages, NCJ 240655.
This report presents trends in the rate of completed or attempted rape or sexual assault against females from 1995 to 2010. The report examines demographic characteristics of female victims of sexual violence and characteristics of the offender and incident, including victim-offender relationship, whether the offender had a weapon, and the location of the victimization.

Part Of the BJS Special Reports Series PDF | TEXT
 
Untested Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases (February 2013) NIJ-Sponsored, 6 pages, NCJ 241356.
In this article from the Sexual Assault Report™, NIJ staff member Nancy Ritter explores: whether every sexual assault kit (SAK) should be tested every kit - even ones that are 25 years old; should priority be given to certain kits, and if so, how do we decide; and how to handle cases in which the alleged perpetrator is already known. The article also explains where the weak spots are in collecting, storing, and testing kits; why the police might not send sexual assault kits to be tested; and what early evidence is showing about complex issues such as victim notification.
Abstract | PDF
 
Violent Victimization Committed by Strangers, 1993-2010 (December 2012) BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 19 pages, NCJ 239424.
This report presents findings on the rates and levels of violent victimization committed by offenders who were strangers to the victims, including homicide, rape, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault.

Part Of the BJS Special Reports Series Abstract | PDF | TEXT
 
Violent Crime Against Youth, 1994-2010 (December 2012) BJS, Report, 22 pages, NCJ 240106.
This report presents patterns and trends in violent crime against youth ages 12 to 17 from 1994 to 2010. The report explores overall trends in violent crime against youth and examines patterns in serious violent crime and simple assault by the demographic characteristics of the victim, the location and time of the incident, weapon involvement and injury, the victim-offender relationship, and whether police were notified.
Abstract | PDF | TEXT
 

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Sexual violence refers to a specific set of crimes that includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape. The perpetrator of these crimes may be a stranger, acquaintance, friend, family member, or intimate partner. Researchers, practitioners, and policymakers agree that all forms of sexual violence harm the individual, the family unit, and society, and that much work remains to be done to enhance the criminal justice response to these crimes.

The following list includes resources that are available for victims of sexual violence and victim service providers regarding victims' rights, child sexual abuse, sexual violence against special populations, and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs.


Sexual violence refers to a specific set of crimes that includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape. The perpetrator of these crimes may be a stranger, acquaintance, friend, family member, or intimate partner. Researchers, practitioners, and policymakers agree that all forms of sexual violence harm the individual, the family unit, and society, and that much work remains to be done to enhance the criminal justice response to these crimes.

The following list includes resources that are available for victims of sexual violence and victim service providers regarding victims' rights, child sexual abuse, sexual violence against special populations, and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs.


Each month the Nation's experts answer your questions about best practices in victim services. Below are upcoming and most recent session discussions in this topic:

On Apr 19 2013 at 2:00PM, Hallie Martyniuk, author of Strengthening Military-Civilian Community Partnerships To Respond to Sexual Assault, and Major Matthew Youngblood, Victim Assistance Advisor for the U.S. Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, hosted a discussion on Responding to Sexual Assault Victims through Military/Civilian Partnerships

On Apr 4 2012 at 2:00PM, Robin Clover, Executive Director of the Sublette County Sexual Assault and Family Violence (SAFV) Task Force, and Tiffany Eskelson-Maestas, Resource Development Specialist of the Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, hosted a discussion on Serving Sexual Assault Victims in Rural Communities

On Mar 21 2012 at 2:00PM, Rev. Dr. Bernard "Skip" Keels, Director of the University Chapel at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, and Elsie Boudreau, LMSW, Alaska Native Justice Center , hosted a discussion on Responding to Survivors of Clergy Abuse

On Feb 15 2012 at 2:00PM, Jenifer Markowitz, Medical Advisor for AEquitas: The Prosecutor’s Resource on Violence Against Women, and Jennifer Gentile Long, Director of AEquitas: The Prosecutors' Resource on Violence Against Women, hosted a discussion on Assisting Older Victims of Intimate Partner Sexual Violence

On Aug 31 2011 at 2:00PM, Ken Followell, treasurer of MaleSurvivor and vice president of the Manatee Victim Rights Council in Manatee County, Florida, and Howard Fradkin, Ph.D., LICDC, creator and co-chair of the MaleSurvivor Weekends of Recovery program and Founder of Affirmations, hosted a discussion on Assisting Male Survivors of Sexual Violence

Sexual violence refers to a specific set of crimes that includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape. The perpetrator of these crimes may be a stranger, acquaintance, friend, family member, or intimate partner. Researchers, practitioners, and policymakers agree that all forms of sexual violence harm the individual, the family unit, and society, and that much work remains to be done to enhance the criminal justice response to these crimes.

The following list includes resources that are available for victims of sexual violence and victim service providers regarding victims' rights, child sexual abuse, sexual violence against special populations, and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs.


Where do I report Internet child pornography?
Information about how to report child pornography (and other cases of sexual exploitation of childre... Read More

What types of assistance are available to me as a crime victim?
Assistance for victims of crime is available through financial reimbursement and victim services fro... Read More

How do I report child pornography?
To report child pornography and/or potential cases involving the sexual exploitation of children, co... Read More

How do I report child pornography which I received via e-mail?
Information about how to report child pornography that was sent to you via e-mail can be found on th... Read More

How many children are sexually abused in the United States?
Child sexual abuse statistics are available in the Department of Health and Human Services' annual C... Read More

More FAQs

Sexual violence refers to a specific set of crimes that includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape. The perpetrator of these crimes may be a stranger, acquaintance, friend, family member, or intimate partner. Researchers, practitioners, and policymakers agree that all forms of sexual violence harm the individual, the family unit, and society, and that much work remains to be done to enhance the criminal justice response to these crimes.

The following list includes resources that are available for victims of sexual violence and victim service providers regarding victims' rights, child sexual abuse, sexual violence against special populations, and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs.
No funding records found relevant to this topic.

More Funding Opportunities

Sexual violence refers to a specific set of crimes that includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape. The perpetrator of these crimes may be a stranger, acquaintance, friend, family member, or intimate partner. Researchers, practitioners, and policymakers agree that all forms of sexual violence harm the individual, the family unit, and society, and that much work remains to be done to enhance the criminal justice response to these crimes.

The following list includes resources that are available for victims of sexual violence and victim service providers regarding victims' rights, child sexual abuse, sexual violence against special populations, and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs.


Publications

OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Resource Guide 2013 (December 2012) OVC, 130 pages, NCJ 239229. This guide is designed to help communities and victim assistance providers promote awareness of crime victim issues, the Guide includes educational content, campaign materials, artwork, and a theme DVD. New this year are three pre-produced 30-second PSAs addressing child sexual abuse, child sex trafficking, and elder financial fraud.
PDF | HTML (English) | HTML (Spanish)
 
National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Theme DVD 2013 (December 2012) OVC, 0 pages, NCJ 240784. Part of the NCVRW Resource Guide, this DVD includes a 5-minute feature video —New Challenges. New Solutions. —and three 30-second television public service announcements (PSAs) that address the topics of child sexual abuse, child sex trafficking, and elder abuse. OVC encourages organizations to use the introductory theme DVD throughout the year at public awareness, education, and training events in local communities to promote and advance the cause of justice for victims of crime.
Abstract
 
Promoting Effective Criminal Investigations of Campus Sex Crimes, Summary Report (November 2012) OVC, 53 pages, NCJ 240177. OVC, the Office on Violence Against Women, and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services partnered with the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators and the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights to conduct a forum that addressed the topic of enhancing criminal investigations of campus sex crimes. This report summarizes the discussion at the forum and provides a list of resources for those working to investigate sex crimes.
Abstract | PDF
 
2013 National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Poster (October 2012) OVC, PS000025. The 2013 National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) theme poster is available for download in 11" x 17" in color and black and white and can be customized for your organization before printing. You also may order the 22" x 28" color version, which features the theme colors of blue and black through the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) by visiting www.ncjrs.gov.
PDF (Color) | PDF (Black & White)
 
National Victim Assistance Academy Resource Paper: Sexual Assault (September 2012) OVC, OVC Training, 18 pages, NCJ 240574. This Resource Paper is part of a series of National Victim Assistance Academy (NVAA) Track 1: Foundation-Level Training documents covering eight topics. This paper includes statistics, definitions, impact/effects on victims, effective responses, and additional information designed to educate entry-level professionals and volunteers. Visit www.ovcttac.gov for additional NVAA training materials.
Abstract | PDF
Part Of the OVC Training Series
 

OJP Publications

Workplace Violence Against Government Employees, 1994-2011 (April 2013) BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, NCJ 241349. This report presents information on both nonfatal and fatal forms of violence in the workplace against government employees, based on the Bureau of Justice Statistics' National Crime Victimization Survey and the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries.
Part Of the BJS Special Reports Series
PDF | TEXT
 
Female Victims of Sexual Violence, 1994-2010 (March 2013) BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 17 pages, NCJ 240655. This report presents trends in the rate of completed or attempted rape or sexual assault against females from 1995 to 2010. The report examines demographic characteristics of female victims of sexual violence and characteristics of the offender and incident, including victim-offender relationship, whether the offender had a weapon, and the location of the victimization.
Part Of the BJS Special Reports Series
PDF | TEXT
 
Untested Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases (February 2013) NIJ-Sponsored, 6 pages, NCJ 241356. In this article from the Sexual Assault Report™, NIJ staff member Nancy Ritter explores: whether every sexual assault kit (SAK) should be tested every kit - even ones that are 25 years old; should priority be given to certain kits, and if so, how do we decide; and how to handle cases in which the alleged perpetrator is already known. The article also explains where the weak spots are in collecting, storing, and testing kits; why the police might not send sexual assault kits to be tested; and what early evidence is showing about complex issues such as victim notification.
Abstract | PDF
 
Violent Victimization Committed by Strangers, 1993-2010 (December 2012) BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 19 pages, NCJ 239424. This report presents findings on the rates and levels of violent victimization committed by offenders who were strangers to the victims, including homicide, rape, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault.
Part Of the BJS Special Reports Series
Abstract | PDF | TEXT
 
Violent Crime Against Youth, 1994-2010 (December 2012) BJS, Report, 22 pages, NCJ 240106. This report presents patterns and trends in violent crime against youth ages 12 to 17 from 1994 to 2010. The report explores overall trends in violent crime against youth and examines patterns in serious violent crime and simple assault by the demographic characteristics of the victim, the location and time of the incident, weapon involvement and injury, the victim-offender relationship, and whether police were notified.
Abstract | PDF | TEXT
 

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Related Resources

OVC Funded Resources

Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services (ADWAS)
ADWAS provides comprehensive services to deaf and deaf-blind victims/survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking.
 
North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault
The North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault is an inclusive, statewide alliance working to end sexual violence through education, advocacy, and legislation. With funding from OVC, the Coalition provides services to foreign national victims of human trafficking.
 
Office for Victims of Crime (OVC): American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Sexual Assault Response Team (SANE-SART) Initiative
OVC established the AI/AN SANE-SART Initiative in 2010 to address the comprehensive needs of tribal victims of sexual violence, with the ultimate goal of institutionalizing sustainable and evidence-based practices that meet the needs of tribal communities.
 
Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN)
RAINN operates a 24-hour telephone hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) and an Online Hotline for victims of sexual assault. The secure web-based hotline provides a safe, secure, and anonymous place for victims to get help online. RAINN also works to promote education and prevention of sexual assault, compiles and shares links to Legal Resources, including the State Mandatory Regulations regarding children and the elderly.
 
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Sexual Assault Response Team (SANE-SART)
SANE-SART provides information and technical assistance to individuals and institutions interested in developing new SANE-SART programs or improving existing ones.
 

Federal Resources

Department of Defense (DoD) Safe Helpline
The Department of Defense (DoD) Safe Helpline is a confidential crisis support service for adult service members of the DoD community affected by sexual assault. Operated by the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), the helpline provides live, one-on-one expert advice and information 24/7.
 
National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS)
NCJRS is a federally funded resource offering information on victimology and victim assistance, criminal justice, juvenile justice, information to support research, policy, and program development worldwide. NCJRS supplies the victim services field with resources, publications, and program information. The NCJRS library collection includes more than 30,000 resources relevant to the field.
 
U.S. Department of Defense: Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO)
SAPR is responsible for oversight of the Department of Defense's sexual assault policy.
 
White House: 1 is 2 Many
In response to the alarming statistics concerning violence against young women, Vice President Biden is focusing his longstanding commitment to reducing violence against women specifically on teens and young women ages 16-24. By targeting the importance of changing attitudes that lead to violence and educating the public on the realities of abuse, the Vice President is leading the way in an effort to stop violence against women before it begins. This site provides access to statistics, resources, and information on how to get involved.
 
Workplaces Respond to Domestic & Sexual Violence: A National Resource Center
This Office on Violence Against Women virtual resource center was developed for employers to address the impacts of domestic violence in the workplace. It provides information, resources, tools, and technical assistance to employers and labor organizations to facilitate and encourage safer and more effective responses to employees who are victims of domestic, sexual and dating violence or stalking.
 

Non-Governmental Resources

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
ACOG provides professional publications on violence against women (intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and adolescent dating violence) and materials (in both English and Spanish) for patient education.
 
End Violence Against Women
This site was developed to collect and share in one central location information on the latest research, tools, project reports, and communication materials produced in the worldwide struggle to end violence against women.
 
It Happened to Alexa Foundation
This Foundation helps support rape survivors and their parents by easing the financial burden they face while attending the criminal trial. Financial assistance covers the expenses of a support person or persons who will accompany the rape/sexual assault victim to court. Check their website for details on eligibility requirements and allowable costs such as housing and transportation.
 
Parents for Megan's Law (PFML)
PFML is a community and victim's rights organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of sexual abuse through the provision of education, advocacy, counseling, victim services, policy and legislative support services.
 
Shared Hope International
Shared Hope International is a worldwide effort to prevent and eradicate sex trafficking and slavery through education and public awareness.
 

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Web Forum Discussions

Each month the Nation's experts answer your questions about best practices in victim services. Below are upcoming and most recent session discussions in this topic:

On Apr 19 2013 at 2:00PM, Hallie Martyniuk, author of Strengthening Military-Civilian Community Partnerships To Respond to Sexual Assault, and Major Matthew Youngblood, Victim Assistance Advisor for the U.S. Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, hosted a discussion on Responding to Sexual Assault Victims through Military/Civilian Partnerships

On Apr 4 2012 at 2:00PM, Robin Clover, Executive Director of the Sublette County Sexual Assault and Family Violence (SAFV) Task Force, and Tiffany Eskelson-Maestas, Resource Development Specialist of the Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, hosted a discussion on Serving Sexual Assault Victims in Rural Communities

On Mar 21 2012 at 2:00PM, Rev. Dr. Bernard "Skip" Keels, Director of the University Chapel at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, and Elsie Boudreau, LMSW, Alaska Native Justice Center , hosted a discussion on Responding to Survivors of Clergy Abuse

On Feb 15 2012 at 2:00PM, Jenifer Markowitz, Medical Advisor for AEquitas: The Prosecutor’s Resource on Violence Against Women, and Jennifer Gentile Long, Director of AEquitas: The Prosecutors' Resource on Violence Against Women, hosted a discussion on Assisting Older Victims of Intimate Partner Sexual Violence

On Aug 31 2011 at 2:00PM, Ken Followell, treasurer of MaleSurvivor and vice president of the Manatee Victim Rights Council in Manatee County, Florida, and Howard Fradkin, Ph.D., LICDC, creator and co-chair of the MaleSurvivor Weekends of Recovery program and Founder of Affirmations, hosted a discussion on Assisting Male Survivors of Sexual Violence


FAQs

Where do I report Internet child pornography?
Information about how to report child pornography (and other cases of sexual exploitation of childre... Read More

What types of assistance are available to me as a crime victim?
Assistance for victims of crime is available through financial reimbursement and victim services fro... Read More

How do I report child pornography?
To report child pornography and/or potential cases involving the sexual exploitation of children, co... Read More

How do I report child pornography which I received via e-mail?
Information about how to report child pornography that was sent to you via e-mail can be found on th... Read More

How many children are sexually abused in the United States?
Child sexual abuse statistics are available in the Department of Health and Human Services' annual C... Read More

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Funding

No funding records found relevant to this topic.

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