Resources Library: Model Policies & Best Practices
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Domestic Violence And Housing Stability: A Role For DV Programs
Within the DV movement, our dedication to that first and most elemental step—ensuring that there is a route toward safety—is reflected in our decades long commitment to building and protecting emergency shelter capacity. Yet today, some communities are implementing new service models less reliant on emergency shelter as survivors’ primary gateway to domestic violence advocacy and aimed instead at being more responsive to the specific needs of each survivor. And some shelters are closing their doors. Is this a sign that we are losing ground—or that we are becoming more flexible?
A change from the traditional communal living shelters, which are important and cherished programs, is gut-wrenching for many of us. However, in many ways it’s our success that has brought us to this important juncture as a movement and opened the way to a re-envisioning of the work ahead. Having created more avenues to basic safety in many communities, we can turn our focus to developing new approaches to assisting survivors who are still isolated from help or who need resources other than emergency services.
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Domestic Violence Homicide Response Plan: A Toolkit for Domestic Violence Programs
Every survivor that domestic violence programs work with is a potential homicide victim. Advocates know this as they work with survivors, advocating on their behalf and building relationships with them and often their families. Domestic violence programs deal with the reality of knowing that a homicide could happen at any time, yet not allowing this knowledge to overpower their work with victims. When this most tragic violation occurs the traumatic impact is profound. This is felt by everyone - no matter the nature of their relationship with the victim. The needs of those closest to the victim, including their children, family and friends are of utmost importance. In addition, domestic violence programs, their clients and staff, and the communities they work within are deeply impacted. A homicide can change organizations and communities forever.
During this time, programs are asked to fulfill a variety of roles and often at the same time are dealing with their own sense of loss. An important part of responding and coping with these events is to realize there is no single “right” answer. Each of these tragedies is as unique as the human being whose life was taken, and all aspects of this person’s life and death need to be acknowledged, respected, and addressed as your program and community decide how to respond. It is also critical for the domestic violence program to utilize the tools and skills of trauma-informed care in their interactions with colleagues and others impacted by the death.
Produced by End Domestic Violence Wisconsin, the objective of this document is to provide a framework for domestic violence programs to develop a plan for how they will respond to a homicide in their community, whether the victim had been a client or not. Additionally, many of the elements of this plan can be adapted for use when programs experience a death of a client in shelter, as often the effects felt are similar.
Ensuring Access to Services for Survivors with Limited English Proficiency: Frequently Asked Questions
Originally posted on VAWnet and created by Casa de Esperanza, this resource is a compilation of the answers to frequently asked questions regarding Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which requires all programs that receive federal funds to take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access to individuals with Limited English Proficiency. Ensuring meaningful access to services is critical to protecting the life and safety of survivors with limited English proficiency (LEP). This document explains the requirements, provides examples for implementation, and provides links to numerous additional resources.
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
Exposing Reproductive Coercion: A Toolkit for Awareness-Raising, Assessment, and Intervenetion
The Feminist Women’s Health Center, The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the National Organization for Men Against Sexism partnered together to create this toolkit in an effort to bridge the gap between the fields of reproductive health and domestic violence. This toolkit provides credible, unbiased information for women and individuals working in the domestic violence and reproductive health communities. It is designed to empower women to take control of their own reproductive health, and to help domestic violence and healthcare workers recognize the intersections between their fields and respond with practical solutions.
