NSVRC's xCHANGE Forum summer series is an opportunity for those working to end sexual violence to exchange information and explore new research. Through live discussion researchers, advocates, and practitioners can connect to better understand current research, best practices, and emerging needs.
This paper provides information and research on forced marriage in the United States and its intersections with child abuse, sexual assault and rape, domestic and family violence, stalking, female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), and human trafficking. The research demonstrates that forced marriage is a serious but neglected problem in this country, and despite many advocates’ best efforts, survivors of forced marriage and those at risk continue to fall through the cracks of the systems and programs set up to protect individuals from abuse.
The guidance, through a series of detailed case examples, advises law enforcement agencies to incorporate the following principles into clear policies, comprehensive training and effective supervision protocols:
Recognize and address biases, assumptions and stereotypes about victims.
Treat all victims with respect and employ interviewing tactics that encourage a victim to participate and provide facts about the incident.
Investigate sexual assault or domestic violence complaints thoroughly and effectively.
Appropriately classify reports of sexual assault or domestic violence.
Refer victims to appropriate services.
Properly identify the assailant in domestic violence incidents.
Hold officers who commit sexual assault or domestic violence accountable.
Maintain, review and act upon data regarding sexual assault and domestic violence.
This toolkit helps with screening for reproductive and sexual coercion within the context of intimate partner violence. It includes tips for strengthening partnerships with local health providers to respond to the related healthcare needs of survivors.
Oppressive factors make LGBT people more likely to be in confinement, and more likely to experience abuse there. This toolkit covers the basics of advocating for the rights of LGBT prisoners, tips on Working with facilities), policy considerations, and combatting the incarceration of LGBT people.
In the January 2014 edition of the Reshape newsletter, Michelle Dixon-Wall discusses the challenges of working within a gendered framework at an anti-violence organization. She discusses barriers that men and boys may have to accessing sexual assault services and programs based on some basic structural practices.
From the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Toolkit, this guide discusses the prevention of sexual violence against LGBTI detainees. It addresses both policy change and practices that correctional facilities can incorporate.
This report reviews current practices and activities on the federal level related to trauma-informed approaches across a wide range of settings and systems. It encourages agencies to implement a collaborative and comprehensive response to traumas like sexual violence.
This site is supported by Grant/ Cooperative Agreement No. 1UF2CE002359-03 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.