VAWA Forensic Compliance: North Carolina Implementation

 

 

 

 By increasing the visibility of resources and information on ways to report, victims are encouraged and empowered to seek help. Share this “Silence” PSA on your webpage and social media accounts today.

 What is the duty of the Violence Against Women’s Act?

  • The Violence Against Women Act, also known as VAWA, is a comprehensive legislative package designed to end violence against women.  The assistance of this act exists to improve the systems response to victim who are engaged in the criminal justice process.
  • It was established in 1994 and reauthorized in 2000, 2005, and 2013.
  • The Office on Violence Against Women, OVW, was created to implement VAWA and subsequent legislation that govern federal funding to the states.

What is Anonymous Reporting?

Anonymous reporting is the term coined by the North Carolina Ad hoc Committee to offer an option  to victims of sexual violence who are not ready to engage the criminal justice system. This decision was in response to the provisions outlined in WAVA. Under this option, victims present to the hospital and have a forensic exam performed; within the standard time allowable for evidence collection, receive medical clearance, prophylactics and follow up resources.

Forms and documents?

All the following forms and documents can be used as is or sampled to create a document conducive to the workings of your community.  Each form was drafted as an aid to help counties be in compliance with VAWA 2005.

Memorandum of Understanding

This MOU is an example of an anonymous reporting protocol. If abided by, this MOU will provide consistency and uniformity for the benefit of all involved, including hospitals, victims and law enforcement.

Anonymous reporting in compliance

This illustration shows the spirit of the above MOU in action in addition to the steps taken once a survivor wishes to no longer remain anonymous.

Victim Release for Law Enforcement

Once a victim decides to report the crime with intent to prosecute, this form is used by law enforcement to obtain the evidence.

Patient’s informed consent

This form is signed by the survivor at the hospital after deciding on the anonymous reporting option. This form is for hospital records and does not need to be placed with the evidence collection paperwork. The survivor should also be given a copy as this form also gives them follow up steps.

Reorder form

Use this form to request more sexual assault evidence collection kits. Note:  The same kit is used for both anonymous report and report with intent to prosecute.

AR reporting form

Complete and place form on top of the collection kit (does not need to be secured) before packaging for shipment to Law Enforcement support services.

 

 

For more information or to make a training request please contact Charnessa Ridley at 919-871-1015 or by email at [email protected]