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Technology Safety in Domestic Violence Programs

Safety is a primary concern for domestic violence shelters.  New technology has created opportunities for safety to be compromised.  However, technology also provides many ways for all of us to communicate and stay in contact with our family, friends, and others in our social network and has become part of our everyday lives.   This document offers domestic violence advocates guidance on  integrating discussions about technology into their safety planning with residents of the domestic violence shelter, as well as with survivors receiving non-residential services.

Technology Safety Planning with Survivors

Technology has a major impact on survivors of abuse. It can be used by a survivor to access help, to strategically maintain safety and privacy, and to remain connected to family and friends. It is often used to prove guilt and hold offenders accountable. Yet, technology, in its various forms, is also misused by abusers and perpetrators in crimes of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking. The National Network to End Domestic Violence has developed Technology Safety Planning with Survivors to address how technology impacts the safety, privacy, accessibility, and civil rights of victims.

Ten Years and Counting:  The Persistence of Lethal Domestic Violence in Virginia

Final Report on domestic violence fatality review with recommendations from The Fatal Domestic Violence Workgroup. 
Published:  December, 2010

This report is a product of Virginia Department of Health's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner's Domestic Violence Fatality Review Project.  For more information, visit: http://www.vdh.state.va.us/medexam/dvfr/index.htm#Intro

Texting with Survivors Best Practices

Text messaging has become a quick and convenient communication tool to relay short, simple messages, or provide limited timely information. In places that have limited cell service or cell tower signal strength, text messages may be more reliable than connecting through cell phone voice services. However, there are safety, privacy, and confidentiality issues associated with using text messaging that need considered.

Check out this blog from the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) on suggested best practices to maintain safety, privacy, and confidentiality. 

The 4th Establishing Expertise as an Ethical Expert Witness

Experts and Lawyers Collaborating to Help Victims
January 9-11, 2011 in Austin, Texas