Center for Victim Research
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This Center for Victim Research Community serves as a one-stop resource for victim service providers and researchers to connect and share knowledge to increase (1) access to victim research and data and (2) the utility of research and data collection to crime victim services nationwide. This CVR Community contains open access and public domain research-based resources about victims of crime. This community is continually updated. Contact librarian@victimresearch.org to submit a resource.
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Browsing Center for Victim Research by Subject "Accessibility"
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Item The 2014 Technology Summit for Victim Service Providers Identifying Challenges and Possible Solutions(Rand, 2014) Lim, Nelson; Greathouse, Sarah; Yeung, DouglasOn July 24, 2014, the RAND Corporation hosted a national summit on leveraging technology to enable victims of crime to more quickly and effectively obtain the help they need. The summit brought together technical experts, victim service providers, and other key stakeholders to identify requirements, capabilities, and strategies to create a mutually reinforcing technological ecosystem for victims of crime. This document summarizes discussions and observations made by the summit attendees. The document also highlights challenges, research questions, and possible solutions to use technology to improve various aspects of victim services. (Author Text)Item Abuse Hurts At Every Age. UCF’s Bethany Backes Talks Domestic Violence in 50 Plus Women During the Pandemic(WMFE, 2021) Prieur, Danielle; Backes, BethanyA new study out of UCF paints a picture of the abuse women 50 and up have faced over the past year. More than 40 percent of the women surveyed in the study reported domestic violence, while 17 percent disclosed sexual violence. WMFE spoke with UCF professor and lead author on the study Bethany Backes about signs of abuse in older populations. (Author Text) [CVRL Note: More details about the "Older Survivors of Sexual and Domestic Violence" project are available here: https://www.ucf.edu/research/research-project/understanding-the-needs-of-older-sexual-and-family-violence-survivors-increasing-access-to-justice-safety-and-well-being-criminal-justice-division-office-of-the-governor-state-of-texas/Item Advancing Practice-Relevant Research for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence with Disabilities(Center for Victim Research (CVR), 2019) Ballan, Michelle; Amodeo, CynthiaThis project proposes extending an existing researcher-practitioner partnership to enhance practice-informed research for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) with disabilities. A research team from Stony Brook University will collaborate with practitioners at Barrier Free Living Freedom House, a disability focused domestic violence shelter, to transition from paper record keeping to a computerized database, systematically gather data that will augment their services and practices, and revise intake and assessment instruments. Information obtained from this research project will further advance the partnership’s larger goal of contributing to the broader knowledge base of improving assistance and service delivery for this underserved population. [CVRL Note: The Center for Victim Research (CVR) funds and supports local-level Research-and-Practice (R/P) Fellowships. This partnership was part of the 2019 cohort.](Author Text)Item Advocates Assessment of English Language Access for Survivors of Sexual and Domestic Violence(Casa de Esperanza, 2015)In early 2014, Casa de Esperanza conducted a national assessment of the language accessibility of court systems to survivors of sexual and domestic violence (S/DV), who have limited English proficiency (LEP) . LEP is defined by the Federal Interagency Working Group on Limited English Proficiency as characteristic of “individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and who have limited ability to speak, read, write, or understand English .” They may be immigrants, citizens, refugees, and/or asylees . They may also be deaf/hard of hearing or possess a disability, however, laws related to LEP are distinct from those such as the Americans with Disabilities Act that govern language access for persons who are deaf/hard of hearing or have learning or cognitive disabilities . This assessment focused on survivors whose language access needs should be met under LEP-related laws and rules. 584 persons participated in the assessment, but not all responded to all questions, so whenever possible, the number of respondents to a specific question (n) is noted .Nearly all participants worked for community-based S/DV programs . Of those who identified as “other” (22%), most worked as, for example, rural outreach, medical, or dual advocates . Others worked within S/DV response systems (e .g ., law enforcement) or, although they may not work primarily on issues of S/DV, were likely valued partners with interest in the issues (e .g ., interpreters; child or adult protective services investigators). [CVRL Note: the survey results are one part of a larger toolkit.] (Author Text)Item After Older Adult Maltreatment: Service Needs and Barrier [Research to Practice Brief](National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA), 2020) Ernst, Joy SwansonThis brief summarizes a NAPSA webinar about a study with older adults about their service needs and gaps in services after experiencing victimization. The researchers also asked older adults their ideas for additional services and reasons why they think they did not receive help. See also the journal article by Julie M. Olomi, Naomi M. Wright, Leslie Hasche & Anne P. DePrince in the Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 62:7, 749-761, DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2019.16685. (CVRL Abstract)Item Alaska Intimate Partner Violence Interactive Data Dashboard Project: Final Report(Center for Victim Research (CVR), 2020) Casto, L. Diane; Myrstol, BradThe aim of the project is to create an interactive dashboard showing patterns and trends in intimate partner violence across the state of Alaska, using data from previous Alaska Victimization Surveys [2010-2015]. A public, interactive dashboard will increase the use of these data, to inform the development and implementation of domestic violence service programs and provision in Alaska....The IPV-IDD [intimate partner violence interactive data dashboard]...provides a range of important IPV information for use by domestic violence providers, policymakers, and members of the public. With this tool, users can explore multiple dimensions of IPV including overall prevalence (Summary of IPV tab), the frequency of specific IPV behaviors as well as the number of romantic or sexual partners that engaged in those behaviors (Behaviors & Partners tab), the extent to which victims experience multiple forms of IPV (Types & Severity tab), and the service needs of those who recently experienced IPV. Importantly, with the exception of the data included on the Victim Services page, users of the tool can examine the extent to which patterns in the data vary according to victim race/ethnicity, victim age, and victim household income. [CVRL Note: this report is a collaboration between Alaska Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA) and the Alaska Justice Information Center (AJiC). The partnership is part of the 2020 cohort of the Center for Victim Research's funded collaborations between state Victims of Crime Act offices and Statistical Analysis Centers (VOCA-SAC). Each report includes a final segment discussing the research partnership, the future of the partnership, and how the results will inform stakeholders and practice.] (Author Text)Item Capturing Victims’ Voices on Justice through Research [Policy Brief](Center for Victim Research (CVR), 2020) Dusenbery, MaloreThe Center for Victim Research hosted a virtual research convening of victim-focused researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to explore how research has or could be used to capture victims' voices on justice and inform policy and practice. This brief highlights the key takeaways and recommendations from the convening. Special acknowledgement goes to the three keynote panelists, Dr. Carolyn West from the University of Washington at Tacoma, Dr. Henrika McCoy from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and Dr. Jeanette Hussemann from the Washington DC-based Urban Institute. (Author Abstract)Item Crime Victim Compensation Program Initiative: Final Program Evaluation Report(California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB), 2017) Livingston, Britte; Messier, Valory; Livers, Matthew; Johnson, Mark; Barker, DavidThe California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) developed three objectives with corresponding strategies to improve awareness, access, and efficiency of compensation delivered to crime victims. In 2016, CalVCB contracted with the Institute for Social Research (ISR) to perform an outcome evaluation composed of the following three components: Part A: Evaluate the Implementation Plan’s impacts on the identified underserved groups and stakeholders Part B: Analyze changes in victim eligibility and compensation payment rates as a result of enacted legislation to reduce unmet needs Part C: Update CalVCB’s 2010 Calendar Year Baseline Data Report using calendar years 2011 to 2016. [CVRL Note: Appendices include logic model, output measures grid, translated documents, partner database list, training materials, and more.] (Author Text)Item Crime Victims in Idaho: An Assessment of Needs and Services(Boise State University, 2015) Growette Bostaph, Lisa; King, Laura; Kirkland Gillespie, Lane; Goodson, AmandaThe Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the Idaho Council on Domestic Violence and Victim Assistance (ICDVVA) (one of the Victim of Crime Act [VOCA]-administering agencies in Idaho) contracted with researchers at Boise State University to conduct a statewide assessment of crime victims’ needs and current victim services. The needs assessment incorporated several underlying goals (including the source of our data): GOAL 1: Uncover the nature and scope of victimization in Idaho (Idaho Incident Based Reporting System [IIBRS]); GOAL 2: Identify the types of agencies that have contact with victims of crime (agency survey); GOAL 3: Capture the services offered by these agencies (agency survey); GOAL 4: Analyze service usage as reported by VOCA-funded agencies in Idaho (VOCA agency reporting data); GOAL 5: Pinpoint existing barriers to crime victims accessing existing services (agency survey, victim survey, site visits); and GOAL 6: Ascertain gaps in needed services (agency survey, victim survey, site visits). As can be seen, multiple methods were used to collect data. This paper reports the results from these data collection efforts and subsequent analyses. The next section will describe the report in greater detail. This needs assessment is organized into chapters with each focusing on a single aspect of the study. A brief overview of the specific methodology used for the data collection effort is provided in each chapter with full methodologies and instruments included in the Appendices. Chapter 1 provides a brief review of previous research on the crime victims’ rights movement, services available to victims, services sought out by crime victims, and needs assessments conducted in other states. Chapter 2 covers the nature and extent of victimization in Idaho through analyses of agency data made available for this study (Idaho Incident Based Reporting System [IIBRS]. Chapter 3 includes the results of the first survey conducted for this assessment which describes the agencies in Idaho that have contact with victims of crime. Chapter 4 offers a qualitative analysis of our site visits across the state. Chapter 5 concludes the data portion of this report with the results of the crime victims survey which was the second survey conducted for this assessment. Chapter 6 follows with a more focused analysis of data submitted to the ICDVVA by VOCA-funded victim service organizations in Idaho. Chapter 7 covers the recommendations emanating from these analyses and a brief discussion and conclusion. All tables and figures are in the Appendices and organized according to these chapters. (Author Text)Item Critical issues in researching domestic violence among people of color with disabilities [Author Manuscript](University of Minnesota, 2009) Elizabeth, Lightfoot; Williams, OliverWhile there are a number of programs emerging providing services to people of color with disabilities who experience domestic violence, there is little research on the needs of this population. Using data collected from two national focus groups of nineteen expert informants, this article outlines key areas of research needed for providing better services to people of color who are Deaf or have disabilities, and appropriate research methods for collecting data with this population. Respondents indicated that a research agenda should include investigating the scope of the problem, in-depth needs of domestic violence survivors, cost-effectiveness of culturally and disability specific programs, and development of best practices through in-depth evaluations of existing programs. (Author Abstract)Item Effectiveness of ICT-based intimate partner violence interventions: a systematic review(BioMedCentral (BMC), 2020) El Morr, Christo; Layal, ManpreetBackground Intimate Partner Violence is a “global pandemic”. Meanwhile, information and communication technologies (ICT), such as the internet, mobile phones, and smartphones, are spreading worldwide, including in low- and middle-income countries. We reviewed the available evidence on the use of ICT-based interventions to address intimate partner violence (IPV), evaluating the effectiveness, acceptability, and suitability of ICT for addressing different aspects of the problem (e.g., awareness, screening, prevention, treatment, mental health). Methods We conducted a systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, using the following databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Key search terms included women, violence, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, information, communication technology, ICT, technology, email, mobile, phone, digital, ehealth, web, computer, online, and computerized. Only articles written in English were included. Results Twenty-five studies addressing screening and disclosure, IPV prevention, ICT suitability, support and women’s mental health were identified. The evidence reviewed suggests that ICT-based interventions were effective mainly in screening, disclosure, and prevention. However, there is a lack of homogeneity among the studies’ outcome measurements and the sample sizes, the control groups used (if any), the type of interventions, and the study recruitment space. Questions addressing safety, equity, and the unintended consequences of the use of ICT in IPV programming are virtually non-existent. Conclusions There is a clear need to develop women-centered ICT design when programming for IPV. Our study showed only one study that formally addressed software usability. The need for more research to address safety, equity, and the unintended consequences of the use of ICT in IPV programming is paramount. Studies addressing long term effects are also needed. (Author Abstract)Item Enablers of help-seeking for deaf and disabled children following abuse and barriers to protection: a qualitative study (Author Manuscript)(Coventry University, 2017)Research internationally has highlighted the increased vulnerability of deaf or disabled children to abuse and the frequently inadequate response of services. However, first-hand accounts of deaf or disabled children have rarely been sought. This paper reports selected findings from one of the first studies exploring experiences of deaf and disabled children regarding help-seeking following maltreatment. Innovative and sensitive research methods were employed to support 10 deaf or disabled people (children and adults) to take part in guided conversations. The study identifies three enablers of help-seeking of deaf or disabled children: the capacity of adults to detect abuse and respond to disclosures, supportive relationships or circumstances which facilitate disclosure and for Deaf children, access to registered interpreters. Barriers to protection related to these are also discussed. Recommendations directed at policy makers, practitioners and families include education and awareness raising amongst practitioners, children, parents and carers; addressing isolation of deaf and disabled children; providing comprehensive support services that address the needs of the child holistically; ensuring that the voice of the child is heard; routine access to registered interpreters for Deaf children within mainstream and specialist services and measures to address disablism at local and institutional levels. (Author Abstract)Item Financial Assistance for Illinois Victims: Crime Victim Compensation Fund(Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA), 2019) Kirkner, Anne; Houston-Kolnik, JaclynCrime victim compensation (CVC) fund programs are available in all 50 states to financially assist victims of violent crime. The following article summarizes the purpose of crime victim compensation, victim-centered principles in CVC programs, and the criteria for CVC in Illinois. Researchers identified data on CVC awareness and applications in Illinois to explore how these data compare with reported crime trends and victim characteristics. Results suggest that many victims, including family members of homicide victims, are potentially eligible but do not receive CVC. Implications for how to adapt CVC programs to be victim-centered and improve access to CVC funds are discussed. (Author Abstract)Item Gap Analysis Report: California’s Underserved Crime Victims and their Access to Victim Services and Compensation(California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB), 2015) Fox, Mindy; Munson, Christie; Foemmel Bie, RobinIn 2013, the California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) was awarded a federal grant by the Office for Victims of Crime in the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs to identify underserved victims of crime in California, determine their unmet needs and barriers to services and implement program improvements to address those gaps. The Gap Analysis Report is the third report of this project. The first two reports, the Baseline Data and Needs Assessment Reports, provided information on who is receiving compensation and identified the underserved, their unmet needs, and barriers to accessing services and compensation. The Gap Analysis Report synthesizes the information in the first two reports and provides an analysis of these factors. The fourth report in this project is the Implementation Plan, to be delivered following this analysis. The Implementation Plan will set forth specific strategies to reduce identified gaps and barriers to access. (Author Text)Item Helping Those Who Help Others: Key Findings From a Comprehensive Needs Assessment of the Crime Victims Field(National Resource Center for Reaching Victims (NRC), 2020) Hope, Charity; Smith, NancyTo better understand the reasons why some victims are not receiving services and what resources and tools the field needs to reach more people, the NRC undertook a comprehensive assessment of the crime victims field and related fields. From July 2017 through March 2018, the NRC completed the following activities: Conducted 103 informational interviews with victim service providers, advocates with relevant lived experience, and other experts in the crime victims field; Completed more than 15 informational interviews with VOCA administrators; Conducted 45 listening sessions with stakeholder groups representing the voices and needs of various groups of victims who have been historically underrepresented; Carried out five listening sessions with VOCA administrators; Distributed a survey to the crime victims field and allied professionals and received more than 1,500 responses; Reviewed more than 500 practice documents related to the victimization experiences and needs of survivors who often do not access services; Conducted a communications audit of the victim services field to understand the strengths and weaknesses of current outreach and service strategies. This included an analysis of more than 75 brochures and other outreach materials from crime victim service programs from across the country, a survey of 35 leaders from the crime victims field, and in-depth interviews with 15 experts in serving crime survivors from underserved communities. This report summarizes the findings and crosscutting themes that the NRC gleaned from these activities and outlines its strategies to support the crime victims field’s goal of reaching more people and closing service gaps. (Author Abstract)Item The Impact of Culturally Relevant Programs: Research Snapshot(Center for Victim Research (CVR), 2020) Dominguez, Joan; Puls, LauraThis is a snapshot of the research articles summarized in the Annotated Bibliography: The Impact of Culturally Relevant Programs. This snapshot discusses main takeaways from research about outcomes from programs that incorporate multiple victims' perspectives, backgrounds, and identities into service delivery and approaches. See also the annotated bibliography for details on scope, search methodology, and individual article summaries. (CVRL Abstract)Item Improving the Criminal Justice System's Response to Victimization of Persons With Disabilities(University of St. Thomas, 2016) Backstrom, JamesOne of the truly sad realities of the world we live in is that some of the most vulnerable persons in our society, those living with developmental disabilities, are at a much higher risk of criminal victimization than are others. Yet we hear very little about this problem, and we have a long way to go to fully understand it and develop tools and ideas to effectively address it. The time has come for criminal justice professionals to work together to better understand the dynamics of this serious problem, to establish policies and practices aimed at preventing this abuse from occurring in the first place, and to more efficiently and effectively intervene to address it when it has occurred. This article will identify the scope of this problem; identify specific laws in Minnesota designed to protect vulnerable victims; explore ways to overcome this problem; discuss the need for extra support and sensitivity during the investigation, charging, pretrial, and trial process; and discuss the importance of the sentencing phase of such cases....To better advocate for victims with disabilities, and to ensure that justice is imposed on their abusers, criminal justice agencies and victim assistance programs should begin by implementing specialized procedures for handling these cases. This paper has discussed some of the ways to better include victims with disabilities in the criminal investigation, charging, pre-trial, trial, and sentencing process. (Author Text)Item Improving the Readability of Victim Registration Packets Using Plain Language and Document Design(Iowa Attorney General, 2017) Copps Hartley, Carolyn"Hartley and McCrory’s needs assessment identified that in Iowa, the primary method county attorneys use to communicate with crime victims is a victim registration packet mailed to the victims, a fair number of victims do not return these packets, and a readability analysis of the text in the victim registration packets suggests that victims may not be able to understand the information in these packets to successfully complete the required information on their own. Revising these packets with a focus on reading level and comprehension may help increase victim engagement in the registration process. Thus,the purpose of this study was to examine whether a revised victim 7registration packet, compared to a county’s existing packet, would increase the return rate of these packets, thereby affording victims greater access to their rights throughout the criminal justice process." [CVRL Note: Appendix includes annotated cover letter, showing which components were edited to improve readability.] (Author Text)Item The Influence of Low-Barrier and Voluntary Service Policies on Survivor Empowerment in a Domestic Violence Housing Organization [Advance Online Publication](American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 2018) Nnawulezi, Nkiru; Godsay, Surbhi; Sullivan, Cris; Marcus, Suzanne; Hacskaylo, MargaretThe purpose of community-based domestic violence crisis housing programs (e.g., shelters) is to provide a safe setting that promotes empowerment for survivors of intimate partner violence. For staff to reach this aim, the program must have formal structures and processes in place to support such efforts. This study explored how low-barrier and voluntary service policies influenced staff practices and survivor empowerment. Low-barrier policies require that programs remove barriers that prevent survivors, particularly those who have mental health concerns and/or addictions, from being able to access services. A voluntary service policy states that survivors have the right to choose which services, if any, they would like to engage in during their stay at the program. Survivors’ ability to stay at the housing program is not contingent on their participation in program services. This exploratory-sequential (QUAL>quan) mixed-method study examined how low-barrier and voluntary service policies influenced staff behavior and how these behaviors then related to survivor empowerment. Qualitative results revealed that low-barrier and voluntary service were guided by cultural values of justice and access, encouraged survivor-centered practices among staff, and were believed to promote survivor autonomy. Quantitative results suggested that when survivors perceived they had a choice to engage in program services or meet with an advocate, their empowerment increased. This study has implications for domestic violence organizational practice and provides evidence about the contextual factors that support individual empowerment. (Author Abstract)Item Internet‐based cognitive and behavioural therapies for post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults [Plain Language Summary](Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018) Lewis, Catrin; Roberts, Neil; Bethell, Andrew; Robertson, Lindsay; Bisson, JonathanBackground: Therapist‐delivered trauma‐focused psychological therapies are an effective treatment for post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These have become the accepted first‐line treatments for the disorder. Despite the established evidence‐base for these therapies, they are not always widely available or accessible. Many barriers limit treatment uptake, such as the limited number of qualified therapists to deliver the interventions, cost, and compliance issues, such as time off work, childcare, and transportation, associated with the need to attend weekly appointments. Delivering cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on the Internet is an effective and acceptable alternative to therapist‐delivered treatments for anxiety and depression. However, fewer Internet‐based therapies have been developed and evaluated for PTSD, and uncertainty surrounds the efficacy of Internet‐based cognitive and behavioural therapy (I‐C/BT) for PTSD. Objectives: To assess the effects of I‐C/BT for PTSD in adults....The current evidence base is small. More studies are needed to decide if I‐C/BT should be used routinely for the treatment of PTSD. [CVRL Note: This link is only for the plain language summary and abstract; full text systematic review requires purchase.] (Author Text)