Online Training Guides and Protocols
 

A National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations Offering assistance to victims in the immediate aftermath of a sexual assault is essential.  The Office on Violence Against Women developed this protocol to help health care providers, law enforcement officers, advocates, and others address the health needs of an minimize the trauma suffered by victims of sexual assault. Additionally, health providers need to know how to conduct a proper medical forensic exam to ensure that DNA and other evidence collected from the victim will be valid in court

What College Women Should Know About Sexual Assault, Rape and Sexual Battery (PDF) and What College Men Should Know About Sexual Assault, Rape and Sexual Battery (PDF). The San Diego Police Department created these two brochures for college men and women, in cooperation with Rana Sampson of Community Policing Associates. The brochures present various scenarios and then pose the question, "Is it rape?" Clear answers are provided for each scenario, based on California state laws. The brochure for men lists specific penalties they could face if they get one answer wrong. The materials can be useful in engaging students in dialogue, comparing their perceptions of what rape is against the legal system. Brochures may be copied with attribution.

"Acquaintance Rape of College Students" (PDF), U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services

"Strategies for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Assault" (PDF), American Medical Association

"Understanding DNA Evidence: A Guide for Victim Service Providers" This primer on DNA evidence is the subject of a recent Office for Victims of Crime Bulletin. The 12-page document examines the uses of DNA, evidence collection and preservation, testing methods and interpretation of test results and post conviction for DNA testing. A glossary of terms and a reference / resource list are included. 

"Injuries from Violent Crime, 1992-1998" (PDF) This special report offered by the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the Centers for Disease Control (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) provides statistics from the National Crime Victimization Survey including victimization rates for rape/sexual assault, robbery, assault, homicide, and intimate partner violence; types of injuries sustained; medical treatment of injuries; characteristics of victims and offenders; and other characteristics of crimes.

"Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Programs: Improving the Community Response to Sexual Assault Victims." (PDF) This bulletin, recently released by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)is a follow-up to the SANE Development and Operations Guide produced by OVC in 1997. It provides information, ideas, and resources to encourage individuals nationwide to explore the possibility of starting SANE programs in their areas. Topics addressed include: program operation, data collection, role of SANEs in coordinated responses, collaboration with victim advocates and their impact on law enforcement and prosecution.

Child Victim-Witness Protocol (PDF) by the San Diego Regional Child Victim-Witness Task Force. Updated March 2000.

The Violence Against Women Office, Office of Justice Programs, is pleased to announce the release of the Web-based Toolkit to End Violence Against Women, a product of the National Advisory Council on Violence
Against Women. 
 
It is hoped that this new resource will provide the guidance necessary to assist communities in their efforts to end violence against women. For more information about violence against women issues and grant opportunities, visit the Violence Against Women Office Web site at
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/vawo. 

<Back to Resources Home Page>