Guiding and Supporting the Victim’s Choices Regarding Participation in the Prosecution of Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence
Jan 01, 2023
Ensure victims’ choices are fully informed and that their interests are protected and advanced throughout the criminal justice process.
Resource type
Strategies Newsletters
Author(s)
Teresa M. Garvey (Former Attorney Advisor, AEquitas); Patricia D. Powers (Attorney Advisor, AEquitas); Jennifer Gentile Long (CEO, AEquitas); Holly Spainhower (Senior Associate Attorney Advisor, AEquitas); Jennifer Newman (Associate Attorney Advisor, AEquitas); Amy Durall (International Associate of Chiefs of Police); Dr. Rebecca Campbell (Michigan State University); Dr. Rachael Goodman (Michigan State University)
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The criminal justice process can expose survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence to unique re-traumatization. While multidisciplinary response efforts employing victim-centered and trauma-informed practices have greatly facilitated the reporting and engagement of survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence, the process itself remains daunting. Some survivors ultimately decline to participate, avoiding service of process or refusing to appear under subpoena. This article explores strategies that will assist advocates and allied professionals in guiding and supporting victims throughout the criminal justice process in ways that will help to ensure that their choices about participation are fully informed and that their interests are protected and advanced at all stages in the process.
This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-21-GK-02220-MUMU awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). The opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this presentation are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice.