Open Access Instruments Collection

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This collection includes tools developed by researchers and practitioners to collect data and conduct research with crime victims and victim services. Tools include focus group protocols, survey instruments, interview protocols, and logic models.

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    Conceptual Model for Victim Legal Services
    (Justice Research and Statistics Association, 2021)
    This tool came out of a collaboration between the Justice Research and Statistics Association and the National Crime Victim Law Institute. The purpose of this tool is to to measure “success” in the delivery of legal services to crime victims and to help practitioners design and deliver more effective programs. The research team collaborated with a group of victim legal service professionals and survivors to define a conceptual framework that delineates the types of services provided by legal service agencies, the desired short-term program outcomes and long-term objectives, as well as a theory of change for why the services provided are expected to lead to the desired outcomes. The conceptual model was pilot tested with three victims’ rights enforcement clinics. (Author Text).
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    REAGERA-S (Responding to Elder Abuse in GERiAtric care - Self-administered
    (Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 2020) Simmons, Johanna; Wiklund, Nicolina; Ludvigsson, Mikael; Nägga, Katarina; Swahnberg, Katarina
    Screening for experiences of elder abuse and life-time abuse in older adults. The instrument includes 9 brief questions (dichotomous yes or no answers) about experiences of abuse and one question to evaluate current suffering. The instrument is ‘self-administered’ and it is therefore the older adults themselves who is asked to fill in the form. As a user, you undertake a subjective assessment to determine whether the person who is to fill in the form has sufficiently high cognitive function and sufficient linguistic ability to understand the questions. If the older adult has difficulty reading and filling in the form, for example because of a visual impairment, it is also possible to read the questions aloud to them. If the older adult gives an affirmative answer to any of the questions in REAGERA-S, it is very important that this is followed up with a conversation about what he or she has experienced and that any requirements in terms of help and support are identified. It is not possible to determine how serious the abuse was, or whether the person is currently suffering because of it, by only looking at the answers on the form. This is because REAGERA-S has a lifetime perspective and captures both serious and less serious forms of abuse. This instrument was developed as a part of the REAGERA (Responding to Elder Abuse in GERiAtric care) project in Linköping, Sweden. It has been validated among patients (age 65 and older) admitted to a hospital in Sweden and using an interview as the gold standard. The original language is Swedish but the instrument has been translated to English by a professional translator and then backtranslated into Swedish (Author Abstract).
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    Resilience Portfolio Questionnaire manual: Scales for Youth
    (Life Paths Research Center, 2018) Hamby, Sherry; Taylor, Elizabeth; Smith, Alli; Blount, Zach
    This portfolio contains a variety of scales that look at can be used to assess the overall wellbeing of youth in response to experiencing events. Common measures of resilience focus on a since element of resilience. Adverse events measured include various forms of victimization and witnessing violence. Protective factors as social support are included, as are measures of common consequences of experiencing trauma. The authors either created or modified instruments to contribute to developing a holistic measure of resilience and to create instruments that could be used by youth. To further the second goal, the wording and structure of existing questions was change in some cases to make these instruments easier to read and use, making them more appropriate for use with younger individuals. (CVR Abstract).
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    National Elder Mistreatment Study Telephone Interview
    (United States Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice, 2018) Acierno, Ron
    This study was a follow up study to the National Elder Mistreatment Study (NEMS) conducted eight years after the original study. The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between experiencing elder abuse and negative outcomes. This is one of the first prospective studies on the impact of elder abuse. Negative health outcomes such as depression, anxiety and poor overall physical health. The study also looked at protective factors such as social support and the ability of these factors to minimize negative consequences of abuse. The NEMS was the largest nationally representative study of elder abuse conducted. In this eight year follow-up, all respondents who reported experiencing elder abuse at Wave one and a random sample of those who had not experienced abuse at Wave I were contacted for participation in the Wave II study. The aim was to develop risk ratios for the negative consequences of elder mistreatment. Of the victims from the original NEMS, 183 victims of elder mistreatment and 752 non victims participated in the Wave II study. (CVRL Abstract). [CVRL Note]: This instrument is also available in Spanish.
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    Partner Victimization Scale (PVS)
    (Life Paths Appalachian Research Program, 2013) Hamby, Sherry
    The issue of gender and intimate partner violence has been a topic of controversy for many years. A number of scales have been created to measure IPV, but results related to gender are inconsistent. The PVS is an alternative to scales traditionally used to measure IPV where the ways in which questions are worded is considered. Gendered patterns of IPV found using the PVS mirror findings based on police data, while other measures of IPV do not. Other scales result in a number of false positive because of a lack of context provided by questions. Background and Development: How and why this instrument was developed. The partner victimization scale was designed to address methodological issues in self-report IPV studies that have led to inconsistent findings about the relationship between gender and IPV. Studies show the PVS has strong reliability and validity. (CVR Abstract).
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    Violence Prevention for Middle School Boys: A Dyadic Web-Based Intervention
    (Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research, 2019) Rizzo, Christie J.
    This instrument was used as part of an evaluation of STRONG a web-based program for adolescents and their parents that was designed to reduce teen dating violence. Both parents and teens were included in the intervention based on prior research that violence reduction interventions for adolescents are more successful when parents are involved. The STRONG program was aimed at improving communication skills and dealing with emotions for male adolescents and their families. Emotion regulation has previously been linked to a reduction in aggressive behavior, and communication skills can be used to negotiate conflict in relationships as an alternative to violence. Eligible participants were males in the seventh or eighth grade. Participants were recruited through six urban middle schools in Providence, RI through school presentations, email contact with parents, and open houses at schools. A total of 120 students and their families consented to participate. Participants and parents both gave consent to participate in the study. (CVR Abstract).
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    Digital Online & Privacy Survey (Digital-OPS)
    (Life Paths Appalachian Research Center, 2017) Hamby, Sherry; Taylor, Elizabeth; Smith, Alli; Jones, Lisa; Mitchell, Kimberly
    Technology and related victimization are increasing and, in some cases, replacing in person crime. This survey looks at online behavior, risk and protective measures, and online victimization. Types of victimization measured include various fraud schemes, cyber stalking, and hacking. The consequences of these actions, both in terms of financial and emotional damage, and the impact of multiple victimizations are examined. The survey had seven subcategories: technology use, cyber-victimization, perceived, challenges to identifying scams, rural specific concerns, safety practices, risky behaviors, and pro and cons of technology use. Participants respond to questions on a Likert scale, and items can be summed to create subscale values. (CVR Abstract).
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    Sociomoral Reflection Measure, Short Form (SRM-SF)
    (Routledge, 1992) Gibbs, John C.; Basinger, Karen S.; Fuller, Dick
    This measure is designed to be used in a one on one interview looking at moral reasoning and judgement for K-12 and college students. Questions look at whether behaviors such as lying to friends and parents, saving the life of another person, and suicide are moral. The interview protocol questions also include whether it is acceptable to steal, obey the law, and for those who break the law to be punished. Participants are asked how strongly they feel about each of these issues. (CVR Abstract).
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    (Modified) Maltreatment Classification System
    (Child Abuse & Neglect, 2002) English, Diana J.; Brummel, Sherry C.; Graham, J. Christopher; Coghlan, Laura K.
    The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that lead Child Protective Services (CPS) to either substantiate or find a claim inconclusive. The study looks at the ways in which CPS workers interpret policies related to their decision making. This includes case, contextual, and risk factors that CPS workers identify during the course of an investigation. This survey builds on research that was previously collected by English and Colleagues in 1998 on decision making by CPS. There were three phases of the study. The first phase looked at case records and reports from the Washington Case and Management Information System (CAMIS). Next, surveys were sent to CPS workers in Washington State. The third phase interviewed caregivers in families who had been investigated by CPS. (CVR Abstract).
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    Children's Perception of Interparental Conflict
    (Child Development, 1992) Grych, John; Seid, Michael; Fincham, Frank
    This study is based on work by Grych and Fincham’s (1990) cognitive-contextual model. The study is meant to examine how children interpret conflict between parents or between their parent and their parent’s partner and child adjustment. The ways in which children interpret and understanding of parental conflict are related to child adjustment can be assessed. This instrument was developed to assess how children view interparental conflict. There are multiple subscales and three superordinate scales: Conflict properties (Frequency, Intensity, Resolution), Threat (Threat, Coping Efficacy) and Self-Blame (Content, Self-Blame). (CVR Abstract).
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    Chinese Criminal Victimization Survey
    (International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 2007) Messner, Steven F.; Zhang, Lening; Liu, Jianhong
    This study was designed to identify predictors of criminal victimization based on lifestyles and routine activities theory to make recommendations for policy and improving public safety. Participants were asked about their victimization experiences for violent and property crime, whether they reported the crime to the police, their relationship with the offender and other characteristics of the offense. The study had two primary aims. The first was to test whether a Western multi-level analytic framework could be applied to China. The second was to determine predictors of burglary in China. The level one household level variables were measures of target attractiveness and presence or lack of guardianship. The level two, community variables, were measures of collective efficacy and public control. (CVRL Abstract).
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    Changing Climates of Conflict: A Social Network Experiment Survey
    (National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2016) Paluck, Betsy Levy; Shepherd, Hana H.; Aronow, Peter
    Theories explaining human behavior argue that individuals look to others in their community to what behaviors are socially acceptable and what behaviors are deviant. Most individuals adjust their behavior so that it fits within normative and acceptable standards. Arguably, if the social climate changes, those in the community will adjust their behavior to align with new norms. Changing norms and values changes behavior. This experiment tested the impact of an anti-conflict program that was provided in some schools with treatment and control groups. At the end of the intervention, students were surveyed to assess individual change and changes in the social climate and social norms of that individual. A randomized controlled trial was used where schools in New Jersey were randomly selected to have student receive the treatment. Within selected schools a subset of students were selected to receive the intervention. After the program was implemented treatment and control groups were surveyed about their impression of social norms within their schools. (CVRL Abstract).
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    Ohio Linking Systems of Care Families and Survivors Assessment Survey
    (National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, 2018) Linking Systems of Care for Children and Youth Project
    The Linking Systems of Care for Children and Youth (LSC) was created to promote healing for child victims of crime and their families through prevention and intervention services. LSC attempts to provide a holistic approach to addressing trauma and victimization. A network of stakeholders and partners collaborate to identify underserved populations and service gaps, tools, and techniques for helping victims, and providing referrals to other needed resources. Ohio is one of four states funded to implement an LSC program. The LSC Assessment Survey asks those who received services to evaluate their experiences. Participants are asked about their experiences, whether or not their needs were met, any unforeseen consequences of the program, and ways in which the program could be improved. Open ended questions allow participants to provide as little or as much information as they want. (CVRL Abstract).
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    Unwanted Sexual Experiences Measure
    (Journal of Sex Research, 1999) Zweig, Janine; Crockett, Lisa; Sayer, Aline; Vicary, Judith
    This research instrument is designed to measure sexual victimization among young adults, with a particular focus on intercourse (including vaginal, oral, or anal). It seeks to understand if young adults have experienced unwanted sex and, if so, what type of sexual coercion they experienced. Types of sexual coercion include: internal psychological pressure, substance-related coercion, external psychological manipulation, and threat or actual use of violence by the perpetrator. It has been implemented through paper and electronic, self-administered surveys, as well as during phone-administered interviews. Given the sensitive nature and the intention for use with youth subjects, this instrument likely requires the consultation and oversight of a human subjects research ethics board. It is also recommended that this instrument be administered with mental health professionals/counselors available in case a respondent is triggered or upset by the content. The unwanted sexual experiences question of the measure was created for the above study. It drew on research (Koss 1993) that encourages the use of behaviorally focused questions in framing questions around actions rather than labels. For that reason, respondents are asked about "unwanted sex," rather than about "rape" or "sexual assault." The questions related to the types of sexual coercion were adapted from measures created by Muehlenhard and Cook (1988) and Koss and Oros (1982). (Author Abstract).
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    International and U.S. Women in the Sex Industry in the U.S.: Health Care Workers
    (National Institute of Justice, 2001) Raymond, Janice G.; Hughes, Donna M.
    This study was conducted by the Coalition Against Trafficking Women to examine trends in the trafficking both international and domestic women in the United States. The study developed a research framework to track the experiences of trafficked women from their background, recruitment and entrance into trafficking, experiences in the industry, ways in which they were controlled, how they coped with their experience, and the consequences of trafficking from multiple perspectives. The interview protocol for health care workers asked about how victims of sex trafficking were identified, the injuries and illnesses that they commonly seen, mental health consequences for victims, use of drugs and alcohol, access to healthcare, and violence and sexual abuse. They were asked about the use of violence by pimps and buyers of sexual services and for their recommendations of policy changes. Interview were conducted either in person or over the telephone. Four groups of participants were interviewed: victims of sex trafficking, law enforcement officers, social workers, and healthcare workers. Questions were modified to target the subjects about which each population had the most knowledge and experience. A total of 25 trafficked women, 25 law enforcement officers, 35 social service workers, and six healthcare providers were conducted. [CVRL Note]: This instrument was used with the interview protocols for trafficked women, law enforcement officers, and social workers.
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    International and U.S. Women in the Sex Industry in the U.S.: Social Workers
    (National Institute of Justice, 2001) Raymond, Janice G.; Hughes, Donna M.
    This study was conducted by the Coalition Against Trafficking Women to examine trends in the trafficking both international and domestic women in the United States. The study developed a research framework to track the experiences of trafficked women from their background, recruitment and entrance into trafficking, experiences in the industry, ways in which they were controlled, how they coped with their experience, and the consequences of trafficking from multiple perspectives. The interview protocol for social workers asked about their experiences working with victims of human trafficking and the consequences of trafficking that they observed in their clients as well as coping methods and health consequences. They were also asked to recommend policy changes that would help address trafficking of women in the commercial sex industry. Interview were conducted either in person or over the telephone. Four groups of participants were interviewed: victims of sex trafficking, law enforcement officers, social workers, and healthcare workers. Questions were modified to target the subjects about which each population had the most knowledge and experience. A total of 25 trafficked women, 25 law enforcement officers, 35 social service workers, and six healthcare providers were conducted. (CVRL Abstract). [CVRL Note]: This instrument was used with the interview protocols for trafficked women, law enforcement officers, and health care workers.
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    International and U.S. Women in the Sex Industry in the U.S.: Law Enforcement
    (National Institute of Justice, 2001) Raymond, Janice G.; Hughes, Donna M.
    This study was conducted by the Coalition Against Trafficking Women to examine trends in the trafficking both international and domestic women in the United States. The study developed a research framework to track the experiences of trafficked women from their background, recruitment and entrance into trafficking, experiences in the industry, ways in which they were controlled, how they coped with their experience, and the consequences of trafficking from multiple perspectives. The interview protocol for law enforcement officers looked at those who encountered victims of trafficking, most frequently those working in addressing the commercial sex industry immigration and immigration and naturalization specialty officers. They were asked about their perceptions of and experiences with trafficking victims, traffickers, the sex industry in their jurisdiction, buyers, and members of organized crime. Interview were conducted either in person or over the telephone. Four groups of participants were interviewed: victims of sex trafficking, law enforcement officers, social workers, and healthcare workers. Questions were modified to target the subjects about which each population had the most knowledge and experience. A total of 25 trafficked women, 25 law enforcement officers, 35 social service workers, and six healthcare providers were conducted. (CVRL Abstract). [CVRL Note]: This instrument was used with the interview protocols for trafficked women, social workers, and healthcare workers.
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    International and U.S. Women in the Sex Industry in the U.S.: Trafficked Women
    (National Institute of Justice, 2001) Raymond, Janice G.; Hughes, Donna M.
    This study was conducted by the Coalition Against Trafficking Women to examine trends in the trafficking both international and domestic women in the United States. The study developed a research framework to track the experiences of trafficked women from their background, recruitment and entrance into trafficking, experiences in the industry, ways in which they were controlled, how they coped with their experience, and the consequences of trafficking from multiple perspectives.Interview were conducted either in person or over the telephone. Four groups of participants were interviewed: victims of sex trafficking, law enforcement officers, social workers, and healthcare workers. Questions were modified to target the subjects about which each population had the most knowledge and experience. A total of 25 trafficked women, 25 law enforcement officers, 35 social service workers, and six healthcare providers were conducted. (CVRL Abstract). [CVRL Notes]: This instrument was used with interview protocols for law enforcement officers, social workers, and health care workers.
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    Young Adult Confidential Survey
    (NCJ, 2017) Taussig, Heather; Garrido, Edward
    The Fostering Health Families (FHF) program is a positive development program for at risk youth, including those with a history of child maltreatment and foster care placement. Previous data were collected at three time points as a part of this study and was used to determine risk at baseline. Participation in the FHF program was evaluated as a potential protective factor against the negative outcome typically associated with a history of maltreatment and involvement in the foster care system. The Young Adult Survey was developed to evaluate Fostering Healthy Futures program’s effect on perpetration or victimization of teen dating violence (TDV) or intimate partner violence (IPV). At the time of the Young Adult Survey, the sample included youth ages 18 to 22. Four domains were measured in the survey: risk factors prior to participation, current risk and protective factors, possible mediating factors, and TDV. Measures were created using a variety of existing instruments previously found to be affective measures of these concepts. (CVRL Abstract).
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    Profile of Psychological Abuse of Women
    (Violence and Victims, 1999) Sackett, Leslie A.; Saunders, Daniel G.
    To develop a multi-factorial measure of psychological abuse and show the relationship of different forms of abuse to self-esteem and depression. Battered women (mean age 34.7 yrs) receiving either shelter (n = 30) or nonshelter services (n = 30) from a domestic violence agency were interviewed regarding psychological abuse and its aftermath. Four types of abuse were derived from factor analysis: ridiculing of traits, criticizing behavior, ignoring, and jealous control. Sheltered women experienced ridicule and jealous/control more often than nonsheltered women. For the entire sample, ridiculing of traits was rated as the most severe form. Ignoring was the strongest predictor of low self-esteem. Both psychological abuse and physical abuse contributed independently to depression and low self-esteem. However, fear of being abused was uniquely predicted by psychological abuse. Implications for practice and research are discussed. (Author Abstract).
All resources in this collection are in the public domain or have been designated as open access (free of licensing restrictions) by the copyright owner. Many of the items included in this collection were not produced by Center for Victim Research. If you are the copyright owner for an item that has been erroneously included in this collection, please notify us.