Browsing by Author "Vasquez, Amanda L."

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    2022 Safe From the Start Process Evaluation
    (Illinoi Criminal Justice Information Authority, 2023-06-23) Nguyen, Stephanie L.; Gonzalez, Lucia F.; Vasquez, Amanda L.
    ICJIA researchers conducted a process evaluation of the Safe From the Start (SFS) program, examining the program’s operation with a focus on its three core pillars of coalition building, direct services, and public awareness. Researchers analyzed data collected from clinicians and administrative staff across nine program sites via an online survey, four focus groups, and nine virtual site visits. Findings indicated that providers' key objectives for coalition building were to streamline family referrals, collaborate with partners on public awareness efforts, and educate partners on childhood exposure to violence. Sites coordinated quarterly coalition meetings and annual professional development trainings to increase collaboration among service agencies. Providers’ direct service activities involved making referrals, developing service plans, and providing therapeutic treatment. While providers used 17 different therapeutic treatment modalities across sites, all sites commonly utilized play therapy or Theraplay. Also, sites engaged in public awareness activities by offering presentations, workshops, and trainings at community events. They employed various strategies to reach underserved victims by mitigating language barriers and increasing access to services. While unique barriers and strengths were noted within each pillar, multiple sites encountered capacity, technology, and COVID-19 pandemic-related challenges that impacted all pillars. Recommendations for programmatic improvement and avenues for future research are discussed.[Author Abstract]
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    2022 Victim service planning research report
    (Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, 2023-08-22) Vasquez, Amanda L.; Gonzalez, Lucia F.; Nguyen, Stephanie; Schaffner, Caleb; Hiselman, Jennifer; Smith, Erinne; Hailey, Shataun; Reichgelt, Ronnie
    The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) created the Victim Services Planning Committee (VSPC) to recommend Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) priority funding areas, a VAWA funding requirement. To better coordinate federal funding for victim services in Illinois, ICJIA also uses the VSPC’s recommendations to guide the administration of Victim of Crime Act funds. The committee is comprised of representatives from victim service and community-based organizations; child welfare, public health, and criminal justice stakeholders, such as law enforcement and prosecutors; and ICJIA Board members. ICJIA convened two virtual, public meetings with members of the VSPC to consider and discuss priority areas for the 2022-2025 victim service funding cycle. The VSPC met in January 2022 and March 2022. During the second VSPC meeting, members voted unanimously to approve the proposed 2022 victim service priority funding areas. The ICJIA Board approved the priority areas in Spring 2023. These priorities will inform future grantmaking to address victim service needs and gaps in Illinois for the next several years. [Author Abstract]
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    Gender differences in intimate partner violence service use
    (Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, 2023-08-16) Schaffner, Caleb; Vasquez, Amanda L.; Kirkner, Anne
    A review of intimate partner violence (IPV) literature found that few studies focus on male IPV victimization, but findings point toward similar rates for males and females. An article reviewing IPV prevalence in various countries concluded that 19.3% of males and 23.1% of females had been physically assaulted by an intimate partner. A British study found that while females were more likely to have experienced some form of partner abuse at age 16 or older (19.9%), 9.6% of males also had reported this type of abuse. Furthermore, a national survey investigating victimization estimated that 26% of males in Illinois will be victims of intimate partner violence or stalking during their lifetimes; the percentage for females was higher at 42%. Research also indicates that females perpetrate IPV. Authors of an article on prior studies of IPV in heterosexual relationships found 28.3% of females and 21.6% of males reported perpetrating physical violence in an intimate partnership. In addition, some studies have found the majority of IPV to be bidirectional in nature, with the lines between victim and perpetrator blurred in a relationship. While study methodologies, scope, and estimates may differ, research shows that males are IPV victims and that females perpetrate IPV. Despite the similarities in victimization rates, males are less likely to seek services from a domestic violence provider. Research showed male IPV victims were less likely than female victims to use formal services and were more likely to describe informal support as helpful. However, we know little about how IPV victim service receipt and victimization characteristics differ by gender. [Author Abstract]