Criminal Justice Content Topic Results

This training bulletin delves into the challenges that have been raised with the Start by Believing campaign, and the underlying philosophy of victim-centered approaches. In particular, this document addresses defense cross-examination aimed at exposing the law enforcement investigation of a sexual assault as biased.

Drawing from promising practices and innovative initiatives of law enforcement agencies throughout the nation, this document highlights strategies for implementing effective department-wide response through agency mission, policy, training, and personnel to proactively address and prevent sexual violence in LGBTQ+ communities.

These FAQs are intended to address confidentiality and due process protections afforded to victim advocacy organizations and victims themselves.

This document answers common questions about providing shelter and other program services to undocumented victims, describes the law and federal policy, and proposes best practices for programs.

Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs) provide an organized and community-based response to sexual assault, bringing together a collection of stakeholders including rape victim advocates, medical/forensic examiners, law enforcement, and prosecutors. To understand how an effective SART works, NIJ-funded researchers studied the structure and operations of SARTS across the United States. Findings are featured in this article.

This documentary tells the story of Jessica Lenahan, whose three daughters were kidnapped and killed by her estranged husband due to the lack of actions taken by local law enforcement.

This report examines the relationship between gang violence and sexual and gender-based violence in El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala, and provides recommendations for prevention and response efforts.

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Protection Order File contains information on court orders which are issued to prevent acts of domestic violence against a person or to prevent a person from stalking, intimidating, or harassing another person.  This presentation thoroughly examines this NCIC file and how it can be used effectively by criminal justice agencies all across the U.S.

Data analyzed in this report, although not specific to intimate partner violence, suggest that victims of attempted or completed violent crimes rarely use firearms in self-defense.

This document features sample introductory questions that an officer can ask when meeting a person with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). They are based on scenarios that an officer will likely encounter during his or her patrol.

Research into domestic violence fatalities shows that an abuser’s attempt to strangle the victim can be a dramatic predictor of future lethality in intimate partner violence cases. Section 2718 amends Title 18 of the Pennsylvania crimes code and allows defendants to be charged with the crime of strangulation - as well as felony charges in domestic violence cases.

Part 2 of the Battered Women's Justice Project's CCR Problem-Solving Series, this webinar explores the role and responsibilities of law enforcement in their initial response to domestic violence cases.