The Legal Advocacy Manual provides victim advocates (as well as victims) with a comprehensive guide to help domestic and sexual violence victims in Virginia through some of the legal processes in which they may become involved. It provides both basic and intermediate levels of information about legal advocacy--what it is, the difference between civil and criminal justice systems, definitions of commonly used legal terms, and how to avoid the unauthorized practice of law, among other topics. The manual offers context for the emotional, logistical, and legal hurdles involved in protective orders, criminal prosecutions, visa applications, and divorces. It is 76 pages long and is in PDF form. Susheela Varky of Virginia Poverty Law Center updated it in June 2013 for recent changes in the law. Ms. Varky has used the manual as a resource for in-person trainings geared to victim advocates, and is available to tailor such trainings for your local Virginia domestic or sexual violence program.
This document was provided at the workshop titled "Beyond Trauma: A Presentation of Dr. Stephanie Covington’s Trauma Theory and Beyond Trauma Women’s Groups" at the Virginia Department of Social Services Office of Family Violence Promising Practices conference on September 16, 2013.
What does accountability look like without punishment, isolation, and shaming?
What are the shifts we can make in ourselves, our relationships, communities, and as a society to move from punishment to true accountability, which builds connection and encourages growth?
This infographic, created for the Action Alliance webinar series, “Reimagining Our Legacy: Transforming from Criminalization to Liberation”, seeks to offer a few ways in which we can practice methods of accountability that liberate us from punishment and harm and move us toward healing and connection.
Nearly one in five undergraduate women experience sexual assault or attempted sexual assault while in college, as do too many men and gender non-conforming students. Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments requires that schools prevent and respond to reports of sexual harassment, including rape, to ensure survivors can continue to learn in the wake of violence. Despite significant evidence to the contrary, some critics argue that survivors of sexual misconduct on college campuses have too many rights. Myths like these are inconsistent with the law and ignore the real experiences of students subjected to sexual harassment. Below are other myths and facts about sexual assault and Title IX.
Sheltering Animals for Abused Families (http://www.richmondspca.org/saaf)
SAAF (Sheltering Animals for Abused Families) Program is a partnership between the Richmond SPCA and the YWCA, with the purpose of providing a safe, temporary shelter to care for the pets of abused women and children.
Safe Havens Mapping Project – Virginia
The entities included in this listing either provide sheltering services for the companion animals of domestic violence victims, have a relationship with an entity that does, or provide referrals to such facilities.
https://awionline.org/safe-havens?distance[postal_code]=&distance[search_distance]=25&distance[search_units]=mile&state=Virginia
Virginia Consolidated Cruelty Statutes
https://www.animallaw.info/statute/va-cruelty-consolidated-cruelty-statutes
Domestic Violence and Animal Cruelty - ASPCA Resources Including What Law Enforcement Can Do About It
https://www.aspca.org/fight-cruelty/report-animal-cruelty/domestic-violence-and-animal-cruelty
National Link Coalition – Working Together to Stop Violence Against People and Animals
Rich source of information and guidance.
http://nationallinkcoalition.org/
RedRover Domestic Violence Safe Escape Grants
RedRover offers financial assistance for victims of domestic violence and their pets through our Safe Escape grant program. The goal of the program is to help families with pets safely escape domestic violence together. Grants may be provided for temporary boarding and veterinary care.
http://www.redrover.org/domestic-violence-safe-escape-grants
American Humane Association: Facts About Animal Abuse & Domestic Violence
http://www.americanhumane.org/interaction/support-the-bond/fact-sheets/animal-abuse-domestic-violence.html