HIV/AIDS and Victim Services: A Critical Concern for the 90's; A Training Manual

• NCJ Number: 161415
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 396 pages
• Grant Number(s): 95-MU-GX-K004
• Agencies: OVC
• Publication Type: Training (Handbook/Manual)

Annotation

This manual provides material for both trainers and trainees in an all-day training program designed to provide victim assistance professionals with a comprehensive overview of the medical, legal, and counseling issues associated with HIV/AIDS.

Abstract

For the purposes of this training manual, a "victim assistance professional" refers to all persons who serve crime victims, whether community-based or system-based; whether a victim/witness advocate, a rape crisis counselor, or child protective services worker; and whether a program director, manager, or volunteer. The first chapter provides an overview of the scope and trauma of victimization, including the crisis reaction, the injuries of victimization, and crisis intervention. The second chapter introduces participants to basic medical information on HIV disease/AIDS, how it affects the immune system, how the disease progresses, methods of transmission, and typical treatments provided. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion of the psycho-social dimensions of HIV disease and AIDS on affected persons and provides guidelines for providing effective emotional support and advocacy. The third chapter addresses what victim assistance professionals need to know in serving victims of HIV/AIDS, including testing, talking with victims about testing, cultural sensitivity, and HIV/AIDS and the workplace. The fourth chapter focuses on the specific victim populations for which HIV/AIDS is a concern; these include rape victims, victims of relationship violence, child victims, HIV/AIDS people who are victimized, and Federal victims. The concluding chapter provides guidelines for coordinating community services for HIV/AIDS victims. It advocates a multidisciplinary approach and advocacy with system-based and community-based agencies. The trainer's guide provides practical guidelines and exercises for teaching each chapter. Appended supplementary information, including a 95-item bibliography and a glossary