NCJ Number
234726
Date Published
September 2008
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This third of four free online webinars on sexual assault convened by the Harvard Government Innovators Network and the National Institute of Justice examines the practical implications of sexual assault on training and policymaking in the United States, Colombia, and South Africa.
Abstract
One presentation discusses Colombia's Sexual Assault Initiative. Its integrated strategy addresses legislative change, training and technical assistance, the use of DNA and forensic science, investigative equipment, and increasing public awareness of sexual assault. A second presentation outlines the development of an integrated response to sexual violence in South Africa. Attention is given to the relevant work of the National Department of Health, research on sexual violence in the country, collaboration in the drafting of a national policy and clinical management guidelines for addressing sexual violence, and the creation of a national curriculum for training practitioners in sexual assault care (doctors and nurses). The presentation on strategies for addressing sexual assault in the United States focuses on the role of the U.S. Justice Department's Office on Violence Against Women in addressing sexual violence. Another presentation contains the results of the webinar's viewer poll on the audience profile, audience areas of interest, and the number of people participating from viewers' computer terminals. The first two webinars in this series focused on the implementation and impact of sex offender residency restrictions (presented June 19, 2008) and sexual violence and evidence collection (presented August 13, 2008). The fourth webinar in the series will address sexual assault on college campuses (to be presented on December 11, 2008). A list of 33 resources is provided.