Learn best practices for working with sexual violence victims with intellectual disabilities and employ strategies for effectively evaluating, charging, and prosecuting these cases.
This document sets forth the Model Response to Sexual Violence for Prosecutors (RSVP) – the cornerstone of the Sexual Assault Justice Initiative (SAJI) proposal for improving the prosecution response to sexual violence. The RSVP Model is a collection of office- and case-level promising practices, identified through research and the experience of both AEquitas staff and partnered prosecutors, that positively impact case outcomes by using measures of success beyond conviction rates.
Headlines related to multiple-offender and witnessed rape cases are becoming more prevalent, but experienced sexual violence prosecutors know that these cases are not new. These already difficult cases are becoming more complex due to the use of technology – particularly social media – to threaten and intimidate both victims and witnesses. Whether defendants pursue a common strategy or attempt to blame each other, they often seek to manipulate the justice system and to cast doubt on their victim’s credibility in the interest of avoiding accountability. Where multiple defendants or witnesses are involved, the challenges to prosecution multiply as well, requiring innovative solutions to achieve justice while protecting victim privacy and witness safety. This webinar recording addresses issues that commonly arise in cases of multiple-offender and witnessed rape cases. Topics covered in this webinar include: Digital evidence, joinder and severance, immunity, principals and accessories, admissibility of evidence, witness intimidation, and common defenses.
This presentation explores the various forms of image exploitation and the types of statutes under which this abuse can be prosecuted, enabling prosecutors to choose the most advantageous charging strategies within their own jurisdictions. In addition, offender-focused trial strategies are offered to assist in overcoming common victim-blaming defenses.
The webinar discussed the prevalence of, and common dynamics of, intimate partner sexual assault; examined ways in which prosecutors, in partnership with other allied professionals, may need to expand their practices to adequately and holistically care for these victims; and summarized the legal issues relevant to the prosecution of intimate partner sexual assault.
This presentation will explain the toxicology of alcohol, as well as drugs, in lay terms that will help participants understand how they affect the body. Topics will include alcohol metabolism, the disproportionate effect of alcohol on women and men, the mechanism of intoxication, an explanation of blackouts vs. pass outs, and other common toxicological issues. It will also explore common issues and challenges related to the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases where alcohol is present.
The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) provides federal leadership in developing the national capacity to reduce violence against women and administer justice for and strengthen services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
OVC, a part of the U.S. Department of Justice, oversees programs and grants for service providers and other professionals who assist victims of crime.
RAINN is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country.
