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Exploring the Implications of Virginia’s Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Code Mandate
In 2009, the Code of Virginia was amended to mandate local sexual response teams (SARTs). As part of a national initiative to explore the impact of mandates on the formation, performance, and efficacy of SARTs, in 2016 the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) partnered with the Sexual Violence Justice Institute (SVJI) to explore the mandate’s implications and gain insight into what SART ecosystems need to become strong and effective. The results of the project were documented in a report titled Cultivating SART Efficacy: Insights on the Impact of the Virginia Sexual Assault Response Team Mandate. The report highlights the ripple effects of the mandate’s passing, lingering questions, and insights and ideas for resources to support SART growth, strength, and sustained success.
TO VIEW THE RECORDED WEBINAR, CLICK HERE. (You will be required to "register" before viewing the recording)
Topics addressed:
· Impact of the mandate on the growth of Virginia SARTs
· Impact of the mandate on SART efficacy
· Challenges of mandate implementation
· Other notable events that occurred as a result of the mandate
· 7 Elements of a healthy SART Ecosystem
· Considerations and resources for enhancing SARTs
For More Information, Contact:
Jennifer Kline
(804) 225-3456
Kristina Vadas
(804) 786-7802
Facing The Facts: Impact of Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence on Children in the Home
This Issue Brief provides an overview of research findings about the impact of intimate partner violence on children in the home. Information is presented to help advocates, professionals,
researchers and community members identify and address the needs of these children. However, understanding the impact of intimate partner violence is just the first step. Once a child has been
asked to share his or her experience, it becomes a matter of necessity to have a strategy in place to help that child.
FACT Issue Brief—Older Adults and Family Violence
This FACT Issue Brief identifies forms of family violence and abuse faced by older adults and summarizes research on effective ways communities and households can identify and prevent further abuse. Promising strategies designed to protect the safety and security of the older adult population within the Commonwealth of Virginia are highlighted.
Firearms Restrictions and Protective Orders in Virginia
Recent changes in Virginia code pertaining to firearms, firearm restrictions, surrender of firearms, and new Substantial Risk Orders can substantially impact the lives and safety of survivors of intimate partner violence. To assist survivors in making decisions regarding petitioning for protective orders and with safety planning, it is essential that advocates are knowledgeable about both the legal remedies as they pertain to firearms and the processes and procedures in their communities for implementation of these new remedies.
The Virginia Domestic Violence and Firearms Workgroup worked with local, state, and national partners to create new resources to support implementation of firearms restrictions in communities across Virginia. The toolkit is intended to serve as a foundational resource for sexual and domestic violence advocates – in their work with survivors and communities – to maximize safety and to ensure compliance with Virginia law.
For more information on how to best use these tools and/or for technical assistance and training to support implementation in your community, please contact the Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance at training@vsdvalliance.org.
To download this resource, click here.
Guns and Domestic Violence are a lethal combination - Infographic
The Action Alliance supports policies to remove firearms from potentially lethal situations and give law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and courts tools to effectively enforce measures to protect victims, their families, and the broader community. This infographic highlights some of the ways that firearm-based violence and domestic violence intersect featuring statistical data from multiple resources.
