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Sexual Abuse or Violence

Sexual violence refers to a specific set of crimes that includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape. The perpetrator of these crimes may be a stranger, acquaintance, friend, family member, or intimate partner. Researchers, practitioners, and policymakers agree that all forms of sexual violence harm the individual, the family unit, and society, and that much work remains to be done to enhance the criminal justice response to these crimes.

The following list includes resources that are available for victims of sexual violence and victim service providers regarding victims' rights, child sexual abuse, sexual violence against special populations, and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs.

OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

OVC HELP Series for Crime Victims (June 2012) OVC
This series of nine brochures features information and resources for victims of crime and victim service professionals on the topics of assault, child abuse, domestic violence, homicide, impaired driving, robbery, sexual violence, and stalking. Each brochure defines a type of victimization; discusses what to do if you are a victim of this crime and where to go for help; and provides resources for more information and assistance.
HTML
 
Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examination Research Forum: Summary of Research Questions Identified (March 2012) OVC, NCJ 239602.
On March 28-29, 2012, the Office for Victims of Crime in partnership with the National Institute of Justice held a forum on research related to sexual assault medical forensic examinations (SAMFE). This forum explored gaps in the existing research related to the technical aspects of SAMFE. The goal was to identify research needed to bring a stronger evidence base to the SAMFE. A report was produced describing the conversation of the forum and the identified research needs.
PDF | HTML
 
Existe Ayuda: Help Exists Toolkit (May 2011) OVC, Electronic Document, 0 pages, NCJ 234271.
This toolkit includes replicable Spanish-language tools and resources to help improve the cultural competence of service providers and the accessibility of services for Spanish-speaking victims of sexual violence. Resources include the following: glossaries-Spanish terms related to sexual assault and trafficking; presentations-PowerPoint slides used in presentations to promotoras (community health workers) and victim advocates; and tools-a pocket card, handout, factsheets, and scripts for public service announcements and outgoing answering machine messages.
Abstract | HTML
 
Existe Ayuda: Victims' Rights Pocket Card (May 2011) OVC, Fact Sheet, 2 pages, NCJ 234272.
The purpose of this resource is to promote awareness of sexual assault victims' rights; including the right to services regardless of race, economic status, language preference, or residency status.
Abstract | PDF | HTML | HTML (English Translation)
 
SART Toolkit: Resources for Sexual Assault Response Teams (March 2011) OVC, Electronic Document, 0 pages, NCJ 232786.
This toolkit is a compilation of resources for communities wanting to develop SARTs — coordinated teams of people who serve victims of sexual assault — and for communities wanting to improve their SART responses. The toolkit reviews the basics, lays out the steps involved in putting together your SART, describes how to retain focus on victims, highlights SART programs throughout the country, and includes sample resources to use when developing and evaluating your team.
HTML
 

OJP Publications

Criminal Victimization, 2011 (October 2012) BJS, Report, BJS Bulletins, 20 pages, NCJ 239437.
This report presents 2011 estimates of rates and levels of criminal victimization in the U.S. This bulletin includes violent victimization (rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault) and property victimization (burglary, motor vehicle theft, and property theft). It describes the annual change from 2010 and analyzes 10-year trends from 2002 through 2011. The bulletin includes estimates of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and injury and use of weapons in violent victimization.

Part Of the BJS Bulletins Series PDF | TEXT
 
Prevalence of Violent Crime Among Households with Children, 1993-2010 (September 2012) BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 18 pages, NCJ 238799.
Presents data from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) on nonfatal violent crime involving members of a household as victims and reports on the annual prevalence of that violent crime among U.S. households with children from 1993 to 2010.

Part Of the BJS Special Reports Series PDF | TEXT
 
Methods for Counting High-Frequency Repeat Victimizations in the National Crime Victimization Survey (April 2012) BJS, Report, 40 pages, NCJ 237308.
As part of ongoing research efforts associated with the redesign of the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) has investigated ways to include high-frequency repeat victimizations, or series victimizations, in estimates of criminal victimization. This report examines the nature and extent of series victimization in the NCVS, assesses the general patterns of victims' responses to being asked "How many times did this type of incident occur?," provides data on how reports of high-frequency repeated victimization have changed over time, and describes how BJS intends to change its counting practices for estimating annual victimization rates in future reports.
Abstract | PDF | TEXT
 
Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examination Research Forum: Summary of Research Questions Identified (March 2012) NIJ, NCJ 239602.
On March 28-29, 2012, the Office for Victims of Crime in partnership with the National Institute of Justice held a forum on research related to sexual assault medical forensic examinations (SAMFE). This forum explored gaps in the existing research related to the technical aspects of SAMFE. The goal was to identify research needed to bring a stronger evidence base to the SAMFE. A report was produced describing the conversation of the forum and the identified research needs.
PDF | HTML
 
Crime Against Persons with Disabilities, 2008-2010 - Statistical Tables (October 2011) BJS, Report, 20 pages, NCJ 235777.
These tables present estimates of nonfatal violent victimization (rape, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated and simple assault) against persons age 12 or older with disabilities, from 2008 to 2010. Findings are based on the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS).
Abstract | PDF | TEXT
 

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Sexual violence refers to a specific set of crimes that includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape. The perpetrator of these crimes may be a stranger, acquaintance, friend, family member, or intimate partner. Researchers, practitioners, and policymakers agree that all forms of sexual violence harm the individual, the family unit, and society, and that much work remains to be done to enhance the criminal justice response to these crimes.

The following list includes resources that are available for victims of sexual violence and victim service providers regarding victims' rights, child sexual abuse, sexual violence against special populations, and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs.


Sexual violence refers to a specific set of crimes that includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape. The perpetrator of these crimes may be a stranger, acquaintance, friend, family member, or intimate partner. Researchers, practitioners, and policymakers agree that all forms of sexual violence harm the individual, the family unit, and society, and that much work remains to be done to enhance the criminal justice response to these crimes.

The following list includes resources that are available for victims of sexual violence and victim service providers regarding victims' rights, child sexual abuse, sexual violence against special populations, and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs.


Each month the Nation's experts answer your questions about best practices in victim services. Below are upcoming and most recent session discussions in this topic:

On Apr 4 2012 at 2:00PM, Robin Clover, Executive Director of the Sublette County Sexual Assault and Family Violence (SAFV) Task Force, and Tiffany Eskelson-Maestas, Resource Development Specialist of the Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, hosted a discussion on Serving Sexual Assault Victims in Rural Communities

On Mar 21 2012 at 2:00PM, Rev. Dr. Bernard "Skip" Keels, Director of the University Chapel at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, and Elsie Boudreau, LMSW, Alaska Native Justice Center , hosted a discussion on Responding to Survivors of Clergy Abuse

On Feb 15 2012 at 2:00PM, Jenifer Markowitz, Medical Advisor for AEquitas: The Prosecutor’s Resource on Violence Against Women, and Jennifer Gentile Long, Director of AEquitas: The Prosecutors' Resource on Violence Against Women, hosted a discussion on Assisting Older Victims of Intimate Partner Sexual Violence

On Aug 31 2011 at 2:00PM, Ken Followell, treasurer of MaleSurvivor and vice president of the Manatee Victim Rights Council in Manatee County, Florida, and Howard Fradkin, Ph.D., LICDC, creator and co-chair of the MaleSurvivor Weekends of Recovery program and Founder of Affirmations, hosted a discussion on Assisting Male Survivors of Sexual Violence

On Jan 19 2011 at 2:00PM, Mollie Ring, Director of Anti-Trafficking Programs at the Standing Against Global Exploitation (SAGE) Project, hosted a discussion on Serving Child Victims of Sex Trafficking

Sexual violence refers to a specific set of crimes that includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape. The perpetrator of these crimes may be a stranger, acquaintance, friend, family member, or intimate partner. Researchers, practitioners, and policymakers agree that all forms of sexual violence harm the individual, the family unit, and society, and that much work remains to be done to enhance the criminal justice response to these crimes.

The following list includes resources that are available for victims of sexual violence and victim service providers regarding victims' rights, child sexual abuse, sexual violence against special populations, and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs.


Where do I report Internet child pornography?
Information about how to report child pornography (and other cases of sexual exploitation of childre... Read More

What types of assistance are available to me as a crime victim?
Assistance for victims of crime is available through financial reimbursement and victim services fro... Read More

How do I report child pornography?
To report child pornography and/or potential cases involving the sexual exploitation of children, co... Read More

How do I report child pornography which I received via e-mail?
Information about how to report child pornography that was sent to you via e-mail can be found on th... Read More

How many children are sexually abused in the United States?
Child sexual abuse statistics are available in the Department of Health and Human Services' annual r... Read More

More FAQs

Sexual violence refers to a specific set of crimes that includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape. The perpetrator of these crimes may be a stranger, acquaintance, friend, family member, or intimate partner. Researchers, practitioners, and policymakers agree that all forms of sexual violence harm the individual, the family unit, and society, and that much work remains to be done to enhance the criminal justice response to these crimes.

The following list includes resources that are available for victims of sexual violence and victim service providers regarding victims' rights, child sexual abuse, sexual violence against special populations, and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs.
No funding records found relevant to this topic.

More Funding Opportunities

Sexual violence refers to a specific set of crimes that includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape. The perpetrator of these crimes may be a stranger, acquaintance, friend, family member, or intimate partner. Researchers, practitioners, and policymakers agree that all forms of sexual violence harm the individual, the family unit, and society, and that much work remains to be done to enhance the criminal justice response to these crimes.

The following list includes resources that are available for victims of sexual violence and victim service providers regarding victims' rights, child sexual abuse, sexual violence against special populations, and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs.


Publications

OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

OVC HELP Series for Crime Victims (June 2012) OVC This series of nine brochures features information and resources for victims of crime and victim service professionals on the topics of assault, child abuse, domestic violence, homicide, impaired driving, robbery, sexual violence, and stalking. Each brochure defines a type of victimization; discusses what to do if you are a victim of this crime and where to go for help; and provides resources for more information and assistance.
HTML
 
Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examination Research Forum: Summary of Research Questions Identified (March 2012) OVC, NCJ 239602. On March 28-29, 2012, the Office for Victims of Crime in partnership with the National Institute of Justice held a forum on research related to sexual assault medical forensic examinations (SAMFE). This forum explored gaps in the existing research related to the technical aspects of SAMFE. The goal was to identify research needed to bring a stronger evidence base to the SAMFE. A report was produced describing the conversation of the forum and the identified research needs.
PDF | HTML
 
Existe Ayuda: Help Exists Toolkit (May 2011) OVC, Electronic Document, 0 pages, NCJ 234271. This toolkit includes replicable Spanish-language tools and resources to help improve the cultural competence of service providers and the accessibility of services for Spanish-speaking victims of sexual violence. Resources include the following: glossaries-Spanish terms related to sexual assault and trafficking; presentations-PowerPoint slides used in presentations to promotoras (community health workers) and victim advocates; and tools-a pocket card, handout, factsheets, and scripts for public service announcements and outgoing answering machine messages.
Abstract | HTML
 
Existe Ayuda: Victims' Rights Pocket Card (May 2011) OVC, Fact Sheet, 2 pages, NCJ 234272. The purpose of this resource is to promote awareness of sexual assault victims' rights; including the right to services regardless of race, economic status, language preference, or residency status.
Abstract | PDF | HTML | HTML (English Translation)
 
SART Toolkit: Resources for Sexual Assault Response Teams (March 2011) OVC, Electronic Document, 0 pages, NCJ 232786. This toolkit is a compilation of resources for communities wanting to develop SARTs — coordinated teams of people who serve victims of sexual assault — and for communities wanting to improve their SART responses. The toolkit reviews the basics, lays out the steps involved in putting together your SART, describes how to retain focus on victims, highlights SART programs throughout the country, and includes sample resources to use when developing and evaluating your team.
HTML
 

OJP Publications

Criminal Victimization, 2011 (October 2012) BJS, Report, BJS Bulletins, 20 pages, NCJ 239437. This report presents 2011 estimates of rates and levels of criminal victimization in the U.S. This bulletin includes violent victimization (rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault) and property victimization (burglary, motor vehicle theft, and property theft). It describes the annual change from 2010 and analyzes 10-year trends from 2002 through 2011. The bulletin includes estimates of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and injury and use of weapons in violent victimization.
Part Of the BJS Bulletins Series
PDF | TEXT
 
Prevalence of Violent Crime Among Households with Children, 1993-2010 (September 2012) BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 18 pages, NCJ 238799. Presents data from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) on nonfatal violent crime involving members of a household as victims and reports on the annual prevalence of that violent crime among U.S. households with children from 1993 to 2010.
Part Of the BJS Special Reports Series
PDF | TEXT
 
Methods for Counting High-Frequency Repeat Victimizations in the National Crime Victimization Survey (April 2012) BJS, Report, 40 pages, NCJ 237308. As part of ongoing research efforts associated with the redesign of the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) has investigated ways to include high-frequency repeat victimizations, or series victimizations, in estimates of criminal victimization. This report examines the nature and extent of series victimization in the NCVS, assesses the general patterns of victims' responses to being asked "How many times did this type of incident occur?," provides data on how reports of high-frequency repeated victimization have changed over time, and describes how BJS intends to change its counting practices for estimating annual victimization rates in future reports.
Abstract | PDF | TEXT
 
Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examination Research Forum: Summary of Research Questions Identified (March 2012) NIJ, NCJ 239602. On March 28-29, 2012, the Office for Victims of Crime in partnership with the National Institute of Justice held a forum on research related to sexual assault medical forensic examinations (SAMFE). This forum explored gaps in the existing research related to the technical aspects of SAMFE. The goal was to identify research needed to bring a stronger evidence base to the SAMFE. A report was produced describing the conversation of the forum and the identified research needs.
PDF | HTML
 
Crime Against Persons with Disabilities, 2008-2010 - Statistical Tables (October 2011) BJS, Report, 20 pages, NCJ 235777. These tables present estimates of nonfatal violent victimization (rape, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated and simple assault) against persons age 12 or older with disabilities, from 2008 to 2010. Findings are based on the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS).
Abstract | PDF | TEXT
 

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Related Resources

OVC Funded Resources

Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services (ADWAS)
ADWAS provides comprehensive services to deaf and deaf-blind victims/survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking.
 
North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault
The North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault is an inclusive, statewide alliance working to end sexual violence through education, advocacy, and legislation.
 
Office for Victims of Crime (OVC): American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Sexual Assault Response Team (SANE-SART) Initiative
OVC established the AI/AN SANE-SART Initiative in 2010 to address the comprehensive needs of tribal victims of sexual violence, with the ultimate goal of institutionalizing sustainable and evidence-based practices that meet the needs of tribal communities.
 
Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN)
RAINN operates a 24-hour telephone hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) and an Online Hotline for victims of sexual assault. The secure web-based hotline provides a safe, secure, and anonymous place for victims to get help online. RAINN also works to promote education and prevention of sexual assault, compiles and shares links to Legal Resources, including the State Mandatory Regulations regarding children and the elderly.
 
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Sexual Assault Response Team (SANE-SART)
SANE-SART provides information and technical assistance to individuals and institutions interested in developing new SANE-SART programs or improving existing ones.
 

Federal Resources

Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS): National Victimization Analysis Tool (NVAT)
This dynamic analysis tool allows you to examine National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) data, the nation's primary source of information on criminal victimization, on both violent and property victimization by select victim, household, and incident characteristics.
 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS)
NISVS provides data on rape, physical violence, and stalking by an intimate partner in the United States along with rates of health and mental health problems associated with victimization.
 
Department of Defense (DoD) Safe Helpline
The Department of Defense (DoD) Safe Helpline is a confidential crisis support service for adult service members of the DoD community affected by sexual assault. Operated by the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), the helpline provides live, one-on-one expert advice and information 24/7.
 
U.S. Army Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program
This program focuses on educating and preventing sexual assault and harassment within the U.S. Army as well as providing information for victims of sexual assault seeking assistance.
 
U.S. Department of Defense: Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO)
SAPR is responsible for oversight of the Department of Defense's sexual assault policy.
 

Non-Governmental Resources

Aurora Center
The Aurora Center's mission is to recognize and reduce sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking on campus and to create an atmosphere where all members of the community can learn, work, and live to their full potential.
 
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Data Resource Center
The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Data Resource Center provides information on how data are collected and used in the states.
 
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
This information and research clearinghouse also offers direct victim services and training to sexual assault providers at the national, state, and community levels.
 
Sexual Assault Family Violence Investigators Course (SAFVIC)
The SAFVIC Program is designed to provide law enforcement officers with the tools they need to effectively investigate and prevent sexual assault and family violence.
 
Start by Believing
Sponsored by End Violence Against Women International, this campaign Web site is designed to inform and change the way individuals respond to victims of sexual violence.
 

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Web Forum Discussions

Each month the Nation's experts answer your questions about best practices in victim services. Below are upcoming and most recent session discussions in this topic:

On Apr 4 2012 at 2:00PM, Robin Clover, Executive Director of the Sublette County Sexual Assault and Family Violence (SAFV) Task Force, and Tiffany Eskelson-Maestas, Resource Development Specialist of the Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, hosted a discussion on Serving Sexual Assault Victims in Rural Communities

On Mar 21 2012 at 2:00PM, Rev. Dr. Bernard "Skip" Keels, Director of the University Chapel at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, and Elsie Boudreau, LMSW, Alaska Native Justice Center , hosted a discussion on Responding to Survivors of Clergy Abuse

On Feb 15 2012 at 2:00PM, Jenifer Markowitz, Medical Advisor for AEquitas: The Prosecutor’s Resource on Violence Against Women, and Jennifer Gentile Long, Director of AEquitas: The Prosecutors' Resource on Violence Against Women, hosted a discussion on Assisting Older Victims of Intimate Partner Sexual Violence

On Aug 31 2011 at 2:00PM, Ken Followell, treasurer of MaleSurvivor and vice president of the Manatee Victim Rights Council in Manatee County, Florida, and Howard Fradkin, Ph.D., LICDC, creator and co-chair of the MaleSurvivor Weekends of Recovery program and Founder of Affirmations, hosted a discussion on Assisting Male Survivors of Sexual Violence

On Jan 19 2011 at 2:00PM, Mollie Ring, Director of Anti-Trafficking Programs at the Standing Against Global Exploitation (SAGE) Project, hosted a discussion on Serving Child Victims of Sex Trafficking


FAQs

Where do I report Internet child pornography?
Information about how to report child pornography (and other cases of sexual exploitation of childre... Read More

What types of assistance are available to me as a crime victim?
Assistance for victims of crime is available through financial reimbursement and victim services fro... Read More

How do I report child pornography?
To report child pornography and/or potential cases involving the sexual exploitation of children, co... Read More

How do I report child pornography which I received via e-mail?
Information about how to report child pornography that was sent to you via e-mail can be found on th... Read More

How many children are sexually abused in the United States?
Child sexual abuse statistics are available in the Department of Health and Human Services' annual r... Read More

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Funding

No funding records found relevant to this topic.

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National Calendar of Crime Victim Assistance-Related Events
Upcoming Event(s)

Online Directory of Crime Victims Services.