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Technology Safety in Domestic Violence Programs
Safety is a primary concern for domestic violence shelters. New technology has created opportunities for safety to be compromised. However, technology also provides many ways for all of us to communicate and stay in contact with our family, friends, and others in our social network and has become part of our everyday lives. This document offers domestic violence advocates guidance on integrating discussions about technology into their safety planning with residents of the domestic violence shelter, as well as with survivors receiving non-residential services.
Technology Safety Planning with Survivors
Technology has a major impact on survivors of abuse. It can be used by a survivor to access help, to strategically maintain safety and privacy, and to remain connected to family and friends. It is often used to prove guilt and hold offenders accountable. Yet, technology, in its various forms, is also misused by abusers and perpetrators in crimes of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking. The National Network to End Domestic Violence has developed Technology Safety Planning with Survivors to address how technology impacts the safety, privacy, accessibility, and civil rights of victims.
Texting with Survivors Best Practices
Text messaging has become a quick and convenient communication tool to relay short, simple messages, or provide limited timely information. In places that have limited cell service or cell tower signal strength, text messages may be more reliable than connecting through cell phone voice services. However, there are safety, privacy, and confidentiality issues associated with using text messaging that need considered.
Check out this blog from the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) on suggested best practices to maintain safety, privacy, and confidentiality.
The Action Alliance and Public Policy
The Action Alliance is dedicated to enhancing Virginia's response to and prevention of sexual and domestic violence through public policy. This infographic highlights a few of our public policy priorities for the next five years.
The Economic Burden of Rape - a CDC Report
Sexual violence is a significant problem in the United States and prevention is a priority for CDC’s Injury Center. Studying the economic impact of rape helps us better understand the burden of sexual violence. According to the 2011 U.S. National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS), more than 23 million women and nearly 2 million men report experiencing rape at some point in their lives.
A new CDC study, “Lifetime Economic Burden of Rape among United States Adults” estimates the lifetime cost of rape in the U.S. Previous estimates focused on rape-related criminal justice costs—such as cost per sexual assault incident. CDC’s estimate includes more comprehensive information, including the cost per rape incident victims’ long-term mental and physical health outcomes.
Click below to download the report of the study or the summary infographic.
