You may reply to the below survey at http://www.nsvrc.org/collaborativework/

Information Gathering on Collaborative Anti-Sexual Violence Work

Thank you for your willingness to provide your time and comments! Organizations doing anti-sexual violence work are being asked to provide feedback regarding what they see as gaps in current responses to sexual violence and their experiences/needs related to collaborating with others to improve responses. Information from those traditionally affiliated with the anti-sexual sexual violence movement as well as nontraditional groups that work in some fashion with sexual assault victims, sex offenders, and/or related prevention or research efforts is being sought. Organizations providing input are encouraged to pass this request for feedback onto others with whom they collaborate.

Purpose/Background: In June 2004, a meeting sponsored by the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), U.S. Department of Justice, will be held to begin to develop national strategies for collaborative responses to sexual violence. This meeting is an outgrowth of a February 2003 focus group on sexual assault coordinated by the STOP Grants Technical Assistance Project (which provides technical assistance to grantees of the STOP grant program funded through OVW). Numerous individuals and agencies working to address sexual violence at the local, state, and national levels were brought together to share resources and discuss challenges they face in improving the services available to victims/survivors. Focus group participants recognized (1) the lack of coordination of sexual assault services and technical assistance for those providing services, (2) a multitude of issues that require further collaboration and sharing of resources, and (3) the need to continue dialogue among multi-disciplinary professionals doing anti-sexual violence work. They recommended that a national meeting be convened to promote broader collaboration and coordinated responses to sexual violence. A number of participants from this focus group are currently working with OVW to plan this meeting. The anecdotal data gathered from your organization will be used to help inform meeting participants regarding local, state, and national needs and direct initial planning to facilitate collaboration.

 

 

---Note new contact information as of 12/15/03---

Rebecca K. Odor, MSW

Director, Sexual Violence Prevention

Center for Injury and Violence Prevention

Virginia Department of Health

109 Governor Street, 8th Floor

Richmond VA  23219

ph: 804-864-7740

fax: 804-864-7748

email: Becky.Odor@...

web: www.vahealth.org/civp/sexualviolence