In 2004, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation stating that “the Department of Criminal Justice Services shall promote the use of local and regional sexual assault response team policy and protocol, established pursuant to subdivision 46 of §9.1-102 of the Code of Virginia, as an integral part of an effective coordinated community response to sexual assault” (Virginia Acts of Assembly, Chapter 980). The Code directs that DCJS shall “establish training standards and publish a model policy and protocols for local and regional sexual assault response teams” (§9.1-102). In accordance with these legislative mandates, DCJS developed these guidelines based on review of existing state and national protocols and best practices and consultations with local Virginia sexual assault response team members. This model protocol focuses on adult sexual assault.
In accordance with Code of Virginia § 9.1-1301 (sexual assault policies for law-enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth), all law enforcement agencies are required to have a written policy on responding to alleged criminal sexual assault. This model policy can be used or adapted by law enforcement agencies to meet this mandate, and to promote promising practices for sexual assault response and investigation.
This reference list provides a compilation of reports, articles, websites and practical information for communities interested in addressing or learning more about the topic of children exposed to domestic violence and trauma-informed practices. Particular focus was placed on best or promising practices.
This is a Power Point describing some of the new laws as regards domestic and sexual violence that will become effective in Virginia as of 7/1/12.
A journal for professionals working with victims/survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Volume 5 celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Virginia coalition, and includes the following topics: 30 Years of Making History; Reflections From Those Who Have Worked on the Front Lines; Survivors of Sexual & Domestic Violence Share Their Stories; A Brief History of Virginia's First Rape Crisis Center and Domestic Violence Program; Maps Depicting Expansion of Virginia's Domestic Violence Programs and Sexual Assault Crisis Centers; Brief Bios of the "30 Voices for 30 Years" Honorees.
Volume 5; January 2012.
Published by Virginia Sexual & Domestic VIolence Action Alliance.
68 pages