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The Weekly Snapshot
Your source for the latest tips, information, and current campus safety resources from the NCCPS.
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| Access EVAWI forensic compliance resources. |
VAWA 2013 Forensic Compliance Deadline: March 7, 2016
The term "forensic compliance" commonly refers to two specific provisions that first appeared in the 2005 reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) granting victims the ability to access free medical forensic exams without the victims' participation with a law enforcement investigation. The deadline for compliance with the two new forensic provisions in the 2013 reauthorization of VAWA is March 7, 2016. This act, commonly referred to as "
VAWA 2013," retains the forensic compliance provisions from the 2005 VAWA reauthorization with two important changes. S
tates, Indian tribal governments, units of local government, and territories must:
- incur "the full out-of-pocket cost of forensic medical exams described in subsection (b) for victims of sexual assault;" and
- coordinate "with health care providers in the region to notify victims of sexual assault of the availability of rape exams at no cost to the victims.''
Governmental entities must comply with these provisions "without regard to whether the victim participates in the criminal justice system or cooperates with law enforcement." Under VAWA 2005, jurisdictions were allowed to bill victims for the cost of the exam as long as they were fully reimbursed and this option was eliminated in VAWA 2013. However, not all aspects of medical testing and treatment are covered. VAWA specifies which components of the examination must be offered to victims free of charge. End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI) offers a module on forensic compliance,
The Earthquake in Sexual Assault Response: Implementing VAWA Forensic Compliance, through their
OnLine Training Institute (OLTI). This seven-hour module, which addresses the letter and spirit of the law, is designed to increase understanding of the forensic compliance provisions in VAWA and provide guidance on how to achieve the intent of the law through the design and implementation of model policies and practices.
It is important for college and university personnel responsible for addressing sexual assault within their campus communities to be aware of their specific state, territory, or tribal government laws as they may vary. To assist communities in establishing response systems that are compliant with the VAWA 2005 and 2013 provisions, EVAWI has created a
forensic compliance section on their website. These valuable resources and recommended practices for implementation will help achieve the goal of increased access for survivors of sexual violence:
- Background information on VAWA 2005, VAWA 2013, and forensic compliance
- EVAWI Training Bulletin with information about billing private insurance for the cost of the forensic medical exam
- Sexual assault forensic examiners (SAFE) payment map with access to state and territory laws
- Sample legislation addressing forensic compliance
- Public education resources for forensic compliance - many communities have developed public service announcements, media campaigns, and agency webpages to reach the public with information about their options - particularly the fact that sexual assault victims can obtain a medical forensic exam free of charge and without having to make a decision about reporting to law enforcement
For additional support, you may submit a request for technical assistance through the EVAWI
online portal.
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Founded in 2013,
NO MORE is a national public awareness campaign designed to educate and engage bystanders around ending sexual assault and domestic violence. With specific monthly observances in April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, NO MORE strives to bring year-round awareness to these two issues by "using a unifying symbol to drive awareness and break down the barriers of stigma, silence and shame that keep people from talking about these issues and taking action to prevent them."
March 6-12, 2016 is NO MORE's Week of Action, an annual grassroots event that is designed to support three goals:
- Amplify the conversation: Start conversations or increase those already happening. Explain the impact domestic violence and sexual assault have on victims and others. Help eliminate the stigma, shame, and victim-blaming long associated with domestic violence and sexual assault
- Equip people to help end domestic violence and sexual assault year round: Educate people about how they can take action to help end domestic violence and sexual assault
- Leverage resources for the field: Increase resources and support for local domestic violence and sexual assault organizations nationwide
NO MORE has developed a day-by-day
action guide (PDF) to help you remain active throughout the week using multiple communication channels such as social media, posters, activities, and conversations. In addition, you can find events already planned in your area via the
NO MORE map, or you can
submit an event of your own to NO MORE's website.
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| Click to access our online calendar of events. |
Professional Development Opportunities
Title:
Strategies to Prevent Hazing on Campus
Hosted by:
The National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE)
Date:
March 3, 2016 at 2:00pm Eastern
Location:
Online
Fee:
Free
Title:
Campus Sexual Assault Conference: Trauma-Informed Practices to Enhance Policy, Investigation, and Resolution of Gender-Based Misconduct
Supported by:
Victim Rights Law Center (VRLC)
Dates:
March 7-8, 2016
Location:
Cincinnati, OH
Fee:
Registration Fee
Title:
Cultural Diversity and Issues Relating to Racial Profiling
Hosted by:
Virginia Center for Policing Innovation (VCPI)
Date:
March 7, 2016
Location:
Urbandale, IA
Fee:
Registration Fee
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This project was supported by Grant No. 2013-MU-BX-K011 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the US Department of Justice.
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