Library

Executive Summary: VAWA Self-Petition Policy Updates (June 2022)

This report describes technology solutions for improving access to civil protection orders, including online petition programs and e-filing, kiosks, videoconferencing, 24/7 access, and enhancing language access.

Recent research has uncovered promising strategies for deterring recidivism among domestic violence offenders. Courts across various jurisdictions promote effective deterrence by engaging in evidence-based strategies such as judicial monitoring and imposing certain and consistent consequences in response to non-compliance. This fact sheet describes the concept of deterrence and how it can be implemented in domestic violence cases to enhance victim safety and hold offenders accountable.

This fact sheet explains the concept of procedural justice and offers a few simple strategies for courts and domestic violence stakeholders to enhance procedural justice and improve outcomes for both victims and defendants.

Directed at justice-system practitioners and agencies and others working with victims and offenders, this fact sheet provides answers to some of the most common and salient questions about intimate partner sexual abuse. It also includes a series of concrete recommendations to aid the justice system in identifying and responding to the abuse in order to better support the safety and healing of victims and to hold offenders accountable.

Coming to the courthouse and participating in hearings can be confusing and intimidating for anyone but is especially so for domestic violence survivors. They may have significant concerns for their and their children’s emotional and physical safety; may be contending with the effects of recent trauma; and may have difficulty accessing the supportive resources that they need. It’s essential for court teams to proactively design and implement strategies to support survivors’ safety and well-being so they can meaningfully participate in the legal process. This checklist suggests strategies regarding safety while traveling to/from the courthouse, while inside the courthouse and courtroom, and during virtual hearings.

Victim service providers need technology that provides appropriate privacy protections to help them comply with VAWA, VOCA, and FVPSA confidentiality obligations. Use of the term “HIPAA-Compliant” by technology vendors sometimes causes confusion. The purpose of this handout is to clarify what HIPAA is, what it is not, and what a vendor saying “HIPAA-compliant” might mean.

This document answers frequently asked questions relating to firearms and civil protection orders. Main topics include enforcement of jurisdiction and federal protection order laws, suggested collaboration efforts, information regarding a respondent’s access to firearms, addressing order violations, and effective mechanisms for compliance.

Resource in Spanish for advocates and service providers who are looking to reach out to their area faith communities.

Created by the Alliance in 2010, and updated in 2019, this toolkit is designed to assist Family Justice Centers with the preparation, implementation of, and data analysis of Focus Groups. This toolkit contains procedures, sample forms, and questions that may be used to facilitate the process. (Available in both Spanish and English).