Domestic Violence Resource Library

This webpage houses documents relating to domestic violence, sexual violence, dating violence, repeat violence, and stalking.

The Florida Court System does not support any activity that may compromise victim safety.

If you are in immediate danger of Domestic Violence, please call 911.

Topic Index

Abuse: Specific Populations

A Judicial Resource Guide on Military Families and the Courts - June 2023

Whether they realize it or not, all juvenile family court judges hear cases in their courts involving military service members (active duty, reserve, or retired) or their family members regardless of their community’s location or proximity to a military installation. A Judicial Resource Guide on Military Families and the Courts focuses on what judges need to know about military families in the court system and their unique factors. Information in the Guide is pertinent to child abuse and neglect, juvenile justice, family violence, and domestic relations case types. Information is covered on trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, and their effects on families. Judicial considerations and questions to ask in hearings are included. Key federal legislation is addressed, including the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC), the Interstate Compact on Juveniles (ICJ), and the Lautenberg Amendment, along with the implications for cases involving military families. Additional, pertinent resources are provided for each case type.

Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community

This organization is focused on the unique circumstances of African Americans as they face issues related to domestic violence – including intimate partner violence, child abuse, elder maltreatment, and community violence. IDVAAC’s mission is to enhance society’s understanding of and ability to end violence in the African-American community. Within this context, IDVAAC works with African-American communities, including families, individuals, and organizations serving the target population; legal and criminal justice systems; family and community violence practitioners; researchers; and policymakers around efforts to build the knowledge base regarding African Americans and domestic violence and to develop strategies to meet the service needs of this population.

Disability Independence Group

The Disability Independence Group works with the Florida Bar to create a disability initiative to identify disability as an essential element to inclusion and diversity. This included identifying how to remove attitudinal, communication, and architectural barriers to the legal profession, and drafting rules to ensure accommodations for all persons with disabilities to access the Florida court system. The website includes several resources, including an analysis of the Fla. R. Gen. Prac. Jud. Admin. 2.540 that addresses requests for accommodation by persons with disabilities.

End Abuse of People with Disabilities

This website houses a library of resources that highlight best practices or address challenges that can help stakeholders end abuse of people with disabilities. Search the database to find the resource that best suits your current needs.

Effectively Serving Survivors with Disabilities Webinar - June 2022

Since 2005, the Office on Violence Against Women has partnered with the Vera Institute of Justice’s Center on Victimization and Safety to design resources and supports for service providers to increase their capacity to address the needs of survivors with disabilities and Deaf survivors. This webinar reviews some of the common barriers faced by survivors with disabilities and the resources available to you to address those barriers and build the confidence of your staff to work with these survivors.

Domestic Violence and the Faith Community - NNEDV - October 2018

The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), a social change organization, is dedicated to creating a social, political, and economic environment in which violence against women no longer exists. They have written this article that discusses how faith can be an important part of a survivor’s journey of healing, but in some cases it can also complicate their path to safety. Some survivors may be faced with abusers who manipulate religious beliefs and religious teachings or faith leaders who lack the knowledge to provide counsel, creating additional barriers to escaping the abuse.

“They Threatened to Call Immigration”: Challenges Faced by Civil Protection Order Applicants and Respondents - May 2020

This research article sought to understand the challenges of immigrant applicants and respondents while seeking domestic violence orders. The findings of the article suggest that battered immigrant women are susceptible to various forms of abuse. The article also found that language barriers continue to limit help seeking for immigrant populations. This article explores a myriad of factors.

Factors Influencing Rural Women's Disclosure of Intimate Partner Violence: a Qualitative Study - November 2020

Many women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) choose not to disclose their abuse to health care professionals (HCPs), yet less is known about the reasoning behind this decision. This paper presents a sub-analysis of a larger study and describes the personal meaning attributed to disclosure of IPV by women living in rural Ontario, Canada.

Frequency of Intimate Partner Violence among an Urban Emergency Department Sample: A Multilevel Analysis - December 2020

This article discusses a cross-sectional study of IPV in urban emergency department patients. The researchers in this article conducted a survey of 1037 married/partnered study participants and found 23% (almost 1 in 5) reported intimate partner violence.

Occurrence and Impact of Domestic Violence and Abuse in Gay and Bi-sexual Men: A Cross-sectional Survey - 2017

This cross-sectional survey measured adult experience and perpetration of negative and potentially abusive behaviors with partners and its associations with mental and sexual health problems, drug and alcohol abuse in gay and bisexual men attending a UK sexual health service, and found associations with several negative behaviors.

LegalMomentum.org

Their vision is for all women and girls to realize their full potential. With a mission focused on ensuring economic and personal security for all women and girls by advancing equity in education, the workplace, and the courts, they provide an expert legal voice to seek justice for women.

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Access to Justice and Preparing for Court

Domestic Violence in Florida Overview 2023 - OSCA

Please see this summary about the different types of injunctions available in Florida and what is required for each.

Frequently Asked Questions about Electronic Filing in Cases Involving Domestic Violence - August 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many courts have expanded electronic access to filing certain types of cases by self-represented litigants, including for victims seeking protection orders. This publication looks at some of the frequently asked questions regarding electronic filing in cases that involve domestic violence.

Improving Safety and Privacy in Civil Protection Order Cases: In-Person and Virtual Court Considerations - August 2022

Many victims of domestic violence seek court-ordered safety measures to prevent and mitigate violence and abuse in their lives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, courts implemented general safety measures for in-person hearings and expanded the use of virtual hearings to address public health concerns, but special considerations may be needed to ensure safety and privacy for litigants in cases involving abuse. To ensure safe and meaningful access to courts for victims of abuse, the court system should be responsive to the unique safety concerns abuse cases present. This publication discusses some of the considerations around safety and privacy for in-person and virtual civil protection order hearings.

Coercive Control in the Courtroom: the Legal Abuse Scale (LAS) - May 2022

Intimate partner violence survivors seeking safety and justice for themselves and their children through family court
may instead encounter their partners’ misuse of court processes to further enact coercive control. In this article, Ellen Gutowski and Lisa Goodman, discuss their creation of a legal abuse scale to help identify systematic assessment of legal abuse in family court and further development of policy and practice that recognizes and responds to it.

Litigation Training for Attorneys Who Represent DV Survivors

The ABA Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence—with funding from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women—offers the Trial Skills Institute and other domestic violence litigation training for free. The commission prioritizes Office on Violence Against Women grantees and attorneys at legal services and nonprofit organizations that could be grantees. If there are open seats, it also accepts other attorneys who represent survivors in gender-based violence civil cases.

Family Justice Center Alliance

The Family Justice Center Alliance (FJCA) is a program of Alliance for HOPE International, one of the leading domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and intervention organizations in the United States. The FJCA serves as the clearinghouse, research center, and national affiliation organization for Family Justice Centers and other multi-agency models that serve victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, child abuse, and/or human trafficking.

Lessons Learned from the Pandemic: Understanding and Enhancing Litigants' Experiences in Domestic Violence Cases - April 2022

With support from the Office on Violence Against Women, NCSC planned two critical conversations to explore and examine state court practices developed during the pandemic specifically to address domestic violence (DV) cases. This report summarizes the first conversation.

The Miami Inclusion Alliance (MIA) YouTube Channel

The Miami Inclusion Alliance (MIA) is a collaboration of four partner agencies in Miami-Dade County, FL. Our mission is to learn about the intersection of disability and domestic violence and/or sexual assault in order to promote a culture of inclusion within and between all collaborating agencies. The four partner agencies are: Disability Independence Group, a disability rights advocacy center, CVAC, the one-stop family justice center for Miami-Dade County, MUJER, a certified sexual assault center that provides domestic violence and sexual assault education, direct response, and support services, and Legal Aid, a civil legal services provider with a DV unit.

Recommended Court Security Measures for Cases Involving Domestic Violence - A Guide for Courts - 2020

The Center for Court Innovation has created this guide that summarizes a series of recommendations for courts to consider to address the security needs surrounding cases involving domestic violence.

Florida 2023 Domestic Violence Benchbook

The 2023 Florida Domestic Violence Benchbook is a comprehensive resource guide for judges who will hear cases involving domestic violence. The benchbook provides information about the various forms of domestic violence and the court process surrounding each. This benchbook includes flowcharts, benchcards, and references to case law.

Community Approaches to Sexual Assault: VAWA’s Role and Survivors’ Experiences - 2021

This article reviews two types of community-based approaches to addressing sexual assault that survivors may encounter. The article explores the process of seeking care; the role of sexual assault forensic exams and community advocates. The article also discusses the difficulty in obtaining accurate research due to a need for improvements in victim reports to police and the lack of comprehensive literature on the full range of experiences of survivors.

Protection Order Repositories, Web Portals and Beyond: Technology Solutions to Increase Access and Enforcement - 2020

This report was produced by the National Center for State Courts in collaboration with the Center for Court Innovation and the National Center for Protection Orders and Full Faith and Credit and supported by Grant No. 2016 TA-AX-K054 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. It provides an overview of state protection order repositories and issues that impact transmission of data to the NCIC POF; offers guidance on the basic elements of designing, developing, and improving the quality and security of protection order data exchanges; and highlights state efforts to apply innovative technologies to their protection order systems.

Video Remote Interpreting Implementation Tip Sheet: Benefits and Limitations for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivors with Limited English Proficiency - 2020

This tip sheet was created by the National Center for State Courts on using video remote interpreting in domestic violence and sexual assault cases.

Interpreting for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Cases - 2020

This online free course was developed by the National Center for State Courts to assist interpreters who are working in courts hearing domestic violence cases.

Working Effectively with Interpreters in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Cases - 2020

This online free course for judges was developed by the National Center for State Courts to assist them with interpreters in domestic violence and sexual assault cases. Although the audience for the course is judges, the course should be useful for any court staff or attorney interested in improving their practice in this area.

Integrating Procedural Justice in Domestic Violence Cases: A Practice Guide

The Center for Court Innovation developed an excellent resource guide for courts wanted to increase procedural justice and perceptions of fairness in domestic violence court.

Procedural Fairness Benchcard

Research has shown that higher perceptions of procedural fairness lead to better acceptance of court decisions, a more positive view of individual courts and the justice system, and greater compliance with court orders. This Procedural Fairness Benchcard was created by the National Center for State Courts, the American Judges Association, the Center for Court Innovation, and the National Judicial College.

The Battered Women's Justice Project

This website This national resource center on civil and criminal justice responses to intimate partner violence. The organization provides technical assistance and training to professionals.

The Civil Injunction for Protection Brochure for Petitioners - 2023

This brochure discusses the types of injunctions available to petitioners, what protection may be available, and what to expect during the injunction process. These brochures have been sent to every courthouse where domestic violence petitions may be filed. This insert also explains what happens when a petitioner drops or dismisses the petition.

The Civil injunction for Protection Brochure for Respondents - 2023

This brochure explains what a temporary injunction means, what the respondent can and cannot do while the temporary injunction is in effect, what to expect at the hearing in court, and what possible restrictions the judge may order if a final injunction is ordered. These brochures have been sent to every courthouse where domestic violence injunction hearings may be held.

Checklist for Litigants Seeking an Injunction for Protection

This checklist explains the five different types of civil protective orders available in Florida.

The Florida Council Against Sexual Violence

This Florida based group was established to provide information and training on issues pertaining to sexual violence.

The Florida Department of Children and Families Domestic Violence Program Office

This executive branch office has additional information for participants and other stakeholders in the domestic violence process. The program acts to oversee state and federal funding for domestic violence services.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

This website offers a host of research and resources, including safety planning materials, financial education for victims, and nationwide statistics.

How to Gather Technology Abuse Evidence for Court - February 2018

This guide, published by the NCJFCJ, will help the petitioner “capture” the evidence of the harassment, so she/he can bring it to court and have the judge consider the evidence from different devices during the hearing.

10 Steps for Presenting Evidence in Court

A judge needs to hear the litigants' information, called evidence, before she/he can decide the case. This evidence may include information the parties or someone else tells to the judge (“testimony”) as well as items like email and text messages, documents, photos, and objects (“exhibits”). If the party doesn't have an attorney, the party will need to gather and present her/his evidence in the proper way. Courts have rules about evidence so that judges will make decisions based on good information, not gossip and guesswork. Although the rules can be confusing, they are designed to protect the parties' rights. This guide helps the parties now how to prepare evidence for court. A video on this topic is also available, as well as resources in Spanish.

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Animal Cruelty and Domestic Violence

The Florida Legislature has expressed that "animal cruelty of any kind is a type of interpersonal violence that often co-occurs with child abuse and other forms of family violence, including elder abuse and domestic abuse. Early identification of animal cruelty is an important tool in safeguarding children from abuse, abandonment, and neglect; providing needed support to families; and protecting animals.” (§ 39.208, Florida Statutes) Florida's Animal Abuse Benchcard - OSCA May 2023

The National Link Coalition

This group is a multi-disciplinary, collaborative initiative to increase awareness and address public policy, programs and research. They serve as the National Resource Center on The Link between Animal Abuse and Human Violence. They strive to stop the cycle of violence that often affects multiple family members.

Jacksonville Link Coalition

A new Link coalition is being organized in the Jacksonville area, where the North Florida Link Project is beginning to work to expand community awareness and empower action that results in the prevention of animal, child, domestic, and elder abuse. Using data driven research and statistics, the North Florida Link Project provides free educational resources exposing The Link between animal cruelty and human violence. The Link Project endeavors to inspire and empower citizens to take action resulting in the prevention of harm for a safer society.

NCJFCJ Resolution - July 2019

The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) released its latest resolution regarding animal cruelty and its link to other forms of violence.

Empirical research demonstrates a direct link between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence including intimate partner abuse, child abuse, juvenile justice, and elder abuse. Ninety-nine percent of pet owners consider their animals to be companions or family members. In homes where serious animal abuse has occurred, there is an increased probability that some other type of family violence is also happening. As of last year, 32 states, including D.C. and Puerto Rico, have enacted laws that include pets in domestic violence protection orders. The resolution recommends to minimize an abuser’s access to animals; increase access to offense specific psychological assessments, evaluation and treatment for individuals charged with animal cruelty offenses; and collaboration and communication with various welfare agencies including those devoted to animal welfare, the prevention of domestic abuse, child welfare, and the care of the elderly and individuals with disabilities to better detect and address concurrent forms of abuse.

The NCJFCJ also released a technical assistance bulletin in July 2019 entitled Animal Cruelty Issues: What Juvenile and Family Court Judges Need to Know. This new bulletin provides guidance for judicial officers regarding the link between animal cruelty and family and interpersonal violence; animal cruelty in relation to family violence, child abuse and neglect, juvenile offender, and elder abuse cases; and screening and assessment recommendations.

Animal Cruelty Issues, What Juvenile and Family Court Judges Need to Know - August 2019

This guide, presented by the NCJFCJ and the Animal Legal Defense Fund, explores issues surrounding the link between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence.

Batterer Compliance

BIP vs. Anger Management

This handy chart describes the differences between the two programs.

Compared to What? A Meta-Analysis of Batterer Intervention Studies Using Non-treated Controls or Comparisons - 2019

This article, written by Shih-Ying Cheng, Maxine Davis, Melissa Jonson-Reid and Lauren Yaeger, updates the literature on the effectiveness of batterer intervention programs in decreasing recidivism of domestic violence.

Current Research on Batterer Intervention Programs and Implication for Policy - Dec. 2017

While the Duluth model remains one of the primary BIP models today, BIP programs that utilize and/or incorporate a cognitive behavioral model have more recently been recognized as also effective in changing batterer behavior. This article by K. Ferraro discusses the differences between the two models.

Get Psych'd About Batterer Compliance

This video discusses the OCI Best Practices Guide for Enforcing Batterer Accountability (available in PDF format). It also discusses some of the newer technologies that can be used to stalk victims of domestic violence.

This video has been distributed to stakeholders throughout Florida, including Guardians ad Litem, court personnel, and judges who may be involved with the domestic violence injunction process.

Domestic Violence Compliance Dockets

Judge Raag Singhal from the 17th Judicial Circuit discusses how the courts and court staff can address enforcing domestic violence injunction orders.

In this short video, Chief Judge Jack Tuter from the 17th Circuit gives a brief overview of how the courts and court staff should address risk protection orders.

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Children's, Teen's, and Parenting Issues

Online Safety Toolkit

Children’s increased online presence may put them at greater risk of child exploitation. Parents, guardians, caregivers, and teachers
can take the following measures to help protect children from becoming victims of online child predators. This document reviews several apps, games, and internet sites that kids frequent, offers an internet safety plan, and more.

Custody and Parenting Time Orders: Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Strategies for Courts - February 2022

This document provides a set of suggested practices and strategies for consideration by courts seeking to improve compliance with custody and parenting time orders. Main topics include exercising judicial leadership, crafting orders with enforceability and compliance in mind, suggested instructional materials to litigants on enforcement and modification, and addressing non-compliance.

Parenting Plans after Family Court Findings of Domestic Violence: Promoting Safety, Accountability and Healing for Victims, Perpetrators, and Children - NCJFCJ Oct. 2022

This brief focuses on parenting plans in the aftermath of domestic violence. Parents with a history of domestic violence may need different resolutions that involve supervised or no contact with children, even for a limited period, depending on safety concerns for children and the non-offending parent.

Teen Dating Violence: Cyber Abuse, Social Media, and the Courts

With more teens than ever using social media to connect with their friends, it is important that courts and court staff stay abreast of the latest trends and techniques used to abuse. Moreover, with nearly half of middle school students reporting they were victims of electronic dating violence, this webinar, created by the NCJFCJ, provides a better understanding of teen culture and the role technology plays in teen dating violence.

8 Things Every Judge Should Know About Teen Dating Violence - February 2020

This article was written by Marshall Murray, a member of the NCJFCJ, and provides promising practices for dealing with teen violence cases.

10 Things to Know about Parenting Plans in Cases Involving Domestic Violence - October 2019

This guide by the Resource Center on Domestic Violence: Child Protection and Custody, a project of the NCJFCJ, can help create a safe parenting plan for domestic violence survivors and their children.

Identifying and Reinforcing Resiliency in Children Exposed to Maltreatment and Domestic Violence: Some Initial Considerations - October 2019

This is the first in a series of technical assistance briefs on resiliency by the Resource Center on Domestic Violence: Child Protection and Custody, a project of the NCJFCJ. This brief focuses on clarifying and refining the concept of resiliency, provides an overview of the research on this important topic, and offers some initial considerations as courts attempt to further reinforce resiliency in applicable cases.

Defining Child-Related Relief in Civil Protection Orders to Enhance Safety - July 2019

This guide is intended to provide direction on how to design civil protection orders that address and implement safety safeguards when children are involved in an interpersonal violence case.

Teen Dating Violence

Barbara Oudekerk, Ph.D., Dara R. Blachman-Demner, Ph.D., and Carrie Mulford, Ph.D. Teen Dating Violence: How Peers Can Affect Risk & Protective Factors, National Institute of Justice, Research In Brief, November 2014. This article provides an overview of the dynamics of teen dating violence, including socio-economic and interpersonal factors, and suggests that peers can act as first responders and intervenors for their friends who may be victims or engaging in forms of dating violence. The researchers conclude that programs and policies aimed at preventing teen dating violence or promoting healthy teen relationships are likely to be most effective if they take into consideration the potential ways in which peers and peer contexts shape teens’ experiences within close relationships. This is pertinent to the courts in that peer-involved resolution such as “teen courts” may provide effective case resolution in such cases.

Patty Branco, M.A., Senior Technical Assistant and Resource Specialist-National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, Preventing and Responding to Teen Dating Violence , VAWnet.org Resource Library (January 2019). This “Special Collection” resource article emphasizes collaborative and multi-level approaches to the prevention of and response to teen dating violence (“TDV”). Drawing on the work of many organizations, the article provides general information about TDV, as well as resources for different populations, including 1) young people, 2) parents and caregivers, 3) men and boys, 4) teachers and school-based professionals, 5) health care professionals, 6) pregnancy prevention programs, and 7) domestic and sexual violence service providers. The article concludes with examples of national programs that address TDV with a link to national and statewide laws, legislation, organizations and programs. This information is pertinent to the courts in that teen violence must be seen as systemic, not just isolated incidents, which can inform a judge that wholistic resolution and disposition may provide more effective case resolution.

Supervised Visitation

The Clearinghouse on Supervised Visitation was created in to provide statewide technical assistance on issues related to the delivery of supervised visitation services. This site includes manuals, materials, a list of Florida visitation programs, and standards and best practices.

Sex Trafficking Brochure for Parents

The Arizona State University (ASU) School of Social Work, Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research, along with The McCain Institute for International Leadership at ASU, developed a very informative brochure for parents that discusses common myths surrounding sex trafficking, details how juveniles can become victims of sex traffickers, and highlights ways in which parents can protect their children from becoming victims. Please review this brochure for very valuable information.

Custody and Visitation in Civil Protection Orders: Guiding Principles and Suggested Practices for Courts and Communities - 2017

This publication, developed by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, provides guiding principles and encourages judges to consider and address custody/visitation issues in protection orders.

The Office of Juvenile Justice Toolkit: Enhancing Police Responses to Children Exposed to Violence - 2017

This Toolkit provides practical tools and resources to assist law enforcement agencies in building or enhancing effective operational responses to children exposed to violence (with or without a mental health partner). This toolkit contains tools targeted to police leaders and frontline officers. .

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study and Domestic Violence - June 2021

This ACEs overview, presented by the Centers for Disease Control, is part of an interactive website that provides a wealth of information, demographics, and outcomes that result from childhood ACEs.

Patterns of Adjustment among Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence: a Person-centered Approach - June 2016

This study examined profiles of adjustment in an ethnically diverse sample of 291 school-age children recruited from community-based domestic violence services. Results provided support for three distinct profiles of socio-emotional functioning among children: Resilient, Struggling, and Severe Maladjustment.

Pathways from Witnessing Parental Violence during Childhood to Involvement in Intimate Partner Violence in Adult Life: The Roles of Depression and Substance Use - January 2017

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of witnessing parental violence (WPV) during childhood and of current intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization and aggression in a Brazilian sample, in order to verify pathways between WPV and involvement in IPV as an adult. The mediating roles of substance use and depression were investigated. WPV was associated with being a victim of IPV in adult life, but not with becoming a perpetrator, regardless of being a victim of physical violence during childhood. There was a direct effect of WPV on IPV mediated by depressive symptoms. Alcohol and cocaine consumption and age of drinking initiation mediated only when combined with depressive symptoms. Intergenerational transmission models of IPV through exposure during childhood can help to explain the high rates of domestic violence in Brazil. Our findings provide evidence to implement targeted prevention strategies where they are needed most: the victims of premature adverse experiences.

The Effects of Exposure to Domestic Violence on Babies and Children

This video, produced by the 11th Circuit, provides valuable information about the severe and lasting negative impact that exposure to domestic violence has on babies and children. This video also teaches that babies and children who live in a home where a parent is being abused are effected and hurt even if they never directly witness the actual violence.

The Effects of Exposure to Domestic Violence

Promising Practices for Time Sharing in Domestic Violence Cases

In 2015 the OCI developed a promising practices guide to provide guidance on temporary parenting plans and temporary time-sharing schedules in domestic violence injunction proceedings to enable petitioners to navigate parenting arrangements safely and knowledgably.

Florida Supervised Visitation Directory

This directory displays supervised visitation providers throughout Florida.

Domestic Violence and Timesharing

This e-learning module, presented by Judge Karen Cole of the 4th Judicial Circuit, reviews the law surrounding time sharing when handled in domestic violence injunction cases.

Practice Guides for Family Court Decision-making in Domestic Abuse-related Child Custody Matters - 2015

This compilation of research-based practice guides is designed to support and enhance substantive and procedural decision-making by family court professionals involved in domestic abuse-related child custody matters. It provides guidance on how to identify, understand and account for the nature, context and implications of abuse at every stage of the family court proceeding by any person who is involved in the case. It promotes informed decision-making that focuses upon the lived experiences of the parents and children whose lives are being adjusted by and within the family court system.

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Coercive Control

Coercive Control E-Training Module for Judges and Court Staff

"Coercive control” means a pattern of threatening, humiliating, or intimidating actions by one family or household member against another family or household member, which actions are used to harm, punish, or frighten the family or household member and make him or her dependent on the other family or household member by isolating, exploiting, or regulating him or her. This interactive e-module will introduce users to the concept of coercive control, and explain many of the nuances of the topic.

Understanding Context and Coercive Control

This e-module is presented by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ), and was created specifically for Florida's judges and court staff.

Coercive Control and Domestic Violence - March 2021

This webinar was presented by Evan Stark. His Powerpoint slides are also available.

COVID-19/Coronavirus

Frequently Asked Questions about Electronic Filing in Cases Involving Domestic Violence

Impact Report: COVID-19 and Domestic Violence Trends - February 2021

This article reviews multiple studies that compared changes in the number of domestic violence incidents before and after jurisdictions put lockdown restrictions in place.

Alarming trends in US domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic - April 2020

This article shows the alarming increase of the prevalence of Domestic Violence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The article explores the increase in domestic violence related crimes from Police departments in four locations: Jefferson, Alabama; Portland, Oregon; San Antonio Texas; New York City, New York. In two of the studied states, domestic violence related offenses increased by 20%.

COVID-19 and Victims of Addiction, Mental Illness and Domestic Violence -May 2020

PODCAST GAVEL TALKS | SEASON 2 - EPISODE 7. Judge Richard Ginkowski speaks with Guida Brown, Executive Director of the Hope Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, about the impact COVID-19's social/physical distancing and stay-at-home orders on victims of addiction, mental illness and domestic violence and the challenges providers trying to serve these constituencies face during the pandemic.

COVID-19: Courtroom Communication During a Crisis

PODCAST May 19, 2020. Gavel Talks | Season 2 - Episode 8. In this edition of Gavel Talks, Judge Richard Ginkowski interviews Dan Ronan, former CNN correspondent and crisis communications expert, about how courts can effectively communicate with our public stakeholders during the COVID-19 emergency.

Resources and Updates

The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) has collected a variety of court related resources that can help users navigate the impact of the virus.

The National Center for State Courts is also compiling news, court orders, and resources on their pages on a daily basis.

The Alliance for Hope, which focuses on sexual violence and strangulation, has resources for judges, court personnel, and litigants that are involved in interpersonal violence cases.

criminal domestic violence and homicides icon

Criminal DV and Homicides

Ohio Domestic Violence Network

This website contains several valuable resources, including an overview fact sheet regarding invisible injuries that occur when a survivor is choked or sustains a head injury, and an Invisible Injuries Booklet.

STOPgrant.org

STOPGrants.org is a website for STOP Administrators, STOP planning partners, and anyone else interested in STOP. STOPGrants.org contains tools and resources designed to assist with STOP planning and implementation.

STOPgrant.org Tip Sheets on DV homicides

The issue of domestic violence homicides is one of the biggest challenges in the field of gender-based violence. These Tip Sheets were developed to provide information and actionable steps to encourage you to think about new prevention approaches that support victims from culturally specific communities and protect those disproportionately at risk of domestic violence homicide. The Tip Sheets present both general knowledge and more advanced material to consider when building your implementation plan, developing relationships with communities, and collecting data.

Economic Security and Child Support

Florida's Office of the State Court Administrator's Web Page on Child Support

This web page lists valuable information, links, videos, and other resources regarding child support in Florida, including the Child Support Benchbook.

How the Courts Should Address Economic Security for Victims of Interpersonal Violence

Judge Alice Blackwell from the 9th Judicial Circuit discusses the various issues that should be addressed to ensure victims have the tools they need to survive after experiencing interpersonal violence.

Crafting Civil Protection Orders to Enhance Economic Security for Victims and Children
Technical Assistance Brief - Darren Mitchell, NCJFCJ Consultant

This Brief outlines strategies to help courts effectively tailor comprehensive economic relief provisions and other protective measures in CPOs, enabling courts to provide immediate remedies to address the economic needs of victims and their children.

The Impact of Safe Housing on Survivors of Domestic Violence - Sept. 2021

This article, written by the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), discusses the intersection of domestic violence, homelessness, and housing insecurity.

How to Utilize the Department of Revenue Child Support Excel Spreadsheet

Watch this webinar that was presented in December 2021 to hear DOR staff teach users how to properly fill in and interpret the data from their regularly updated Excel worksheet. While primarily designed for judicial officers, lawyers, court staff, and other interested stakeholders may also want to watch this webinar if they are using the DOR spreadsheet to determine child support.

Eligible mediators can claim 1.2 CME's by contacting DRCmail@aprender-a-bailar.com. Eligible attorneys can claim 1 CLE hour by contacting the Florida Bar and referencing course 2110102N (valid until 6/30/2023).

If you are a judicial officer and need the latest version of the excel spreadsheet to use from the bench, please contact the virtual court support at vcsupport@aprender-a-bailar.com.

The Best Practices Model on Child Support in Domestic Violence

The Best Practices Model on Child Support in Domestic Violence provides helpful guidelines for judges facing child support issues in a domestic violence case. This training video helps users understand how to properly access the excel spreadsheet to determine child support.

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Elder Abuse

Elder Options

This Mid-Florida Agency is the state-designated area agency on aging (AAA), Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC), and Helpline (1-800-262-2243). Elder Options' mission is to ensure that communities have a trusted and unbiased place to turn for information, resources and assistance. They advocate for and cooperatively work with communities to strengthen support systems and create new and innovative service options that focus on personal choice and independence.

Florida Department of Elder Affairs

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs is responsible for developing policy recommendations for long-term care, combating ageism, creating public awareness of aging issues, understanding the contributions and needs of elders, advocating on behalf of elders, and serving as am information clearinghouse. Their website includes information about how to contact the Ombudsman Program, which is an advocate for people who live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes. All services are confidential and free of charge.

Florida Council on Aging

The Florida Council on Aging is committed to serving Florida's diverse aging interests through education, information-sharing and advocacy. Their website contains a wealth of information, including a resources section with tips and links.

How Elders Become Victims

Yuliya Mysyuk, Ph.D., Rudi G. Johannes Westendorp, M.D.,Ph.D., Jolanda Lindenberg, Ph.D., How Older Persons Explain Why They Became Victims of Abuse, Age and Ageing, Volume 45, Issue 5, Pages 696–702 (September 2016) . The authors engaged in a thorough study of 6 elder males and 11 females considered abused within residential care or nursing homes. The findings show that the victims saw the causes of elder abuse as stemming from mutual dependency, power and control imbalances, loneliness and a marginal social position of being “older persons.” The effects of abuse include psychological, physical, material and financial effects, loss of norms and values and low self-efficacy. Coping strategies included seeking informal or professional help and self-help strategies. The conclusion for caregivers/healthcare professionals is to pay close attention to a mutual dependency of victim and perpetrator that results in increased isolation, unexplained physical symptoms, depression and low self-efficacy. This information is pertinent to the courts in that resolution of liability, probate and related criminal actions for abuse of elders can become more evidence based and wholistic which provides more effective case resolution.

Jason Burnett, Ph.D., Carmel B. Dyer, M.D., Leslie E. Clark, BSN, RN-BC, and John M. Halphen, M.D., J.D. A Statewide Elder Mistreatment Virtual Assessment Program: Preliminary Data, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, VOL. 67, NO. 1, pgs. 151-155 (2019). The article notes that over 500,000 elder adults are referred for abuse assessments annually in the United States. Due to age and frailty as well as mental state, such persons are in need of timely assessments and protection plans to minimize harm. This study describes the Texas Elder Abuse and Mistreatment Institute Forensic Assessment Center Network (TEAM‐FACN), a novel statewide elder mistreatment (EM) virtual assessment program using low‐cost videophone technology and web‐based coordination with Adult Protective Services (APS), its clients, and a centralized geriatric and EM expert medical team for virtual in‐home assessments. This technology helps increase access to expert geriatric and EM protective service assessments for older adults who are being mistreated. This information is pertinent to the courts in that resolution of liability and related criminal actions for abuse of elders can become more evidence based and referred more quickly for court interventions.

Elder Abuse Community Action Plan for Victoria - February 2018

Elder abuse is a form of family violence that tends to be under-reported. The unique dynamics of elder abuse require a different approach. In Victoria, this is the first action plan developed specifically to assist the community to tackle elder abuse. The plan, developed by the National Aging Research Institute with support from Seniors Rights Victoria, the Office of Public Advocate, and community service providers, identifies gaps and sets out 10 priorities to address elder abuse.

The priorities include:

The need to clarify the relationship between family violence and elder abuse
Raise community awareness of elder abuse and promote a positive image of older people to reduce ageism
Increase ways to help older people disclose elder abuse without fear, and
Provide education and training on elder abuse for all health professionals in health and aged care services

Preventing Abuse - May 2017

Philip Robert Baker, Ph.D., Daniel Peter Francis, Ph.D., Noran Naqiah Mohd Hairi, M.D., Sajaratulnisah Othman, M.D., Wan Yuen Choo, M.D. Interventions For Preventing Elder Abuse: Applying Findings of A New Cochrane Review, Age and Ageing, Volume 46, Issue 3, Pages 346–348. In response to the fact that elder abuse is a significant international public health issue with great costs to many societies and countries, the authors undertook an evidence based intervention assessment study. A review of interventions to prevent elder abuse suggests that, “the quality of the evidence available for decision making is very low and there is little to guide practice.” There is some evidence that teaching coping skills to family carers of persons with dementia might make the situation better. We argue that poor quality and wasteful research needs to be avoided, and front-line agencies be supported in undertaking comparative evaluation of their services.” The researchers call for reliable comparative new research to develop and coordinate more effective intervention approaches or strategies. This information is pertinent to the courts in that resolution of liability and related criminal actions for abuse of elders can become more evidence based and reliable to enhance appropriate court resolution.

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Evidence and Florida Law

Medical Forensic Sexual Assault Examinations: What Are They and What Can They Tell the Courts?

Inaccurate assumptions about medical evidence in adult victim sexual assault trials undermine fairness in the justice system. These trials bring with them expectations about the kinds of injuries “real” victims sustain, the kind of medical evidence that will be offered, who will present it, and what the medical evidence can “prove”. This webinar will provide accurate information about the purposes and processes of medical forensic sexual assault examinations and what they can and cannot “prove.” It will also explore some of the legal issues these examinations raise for judicial resolution. The CLE reference number for this webinar is: 2301960N.

Mythbreakers: Chapter 39 Injunctions

This video discusses common myths and misconceptions associated with the Chapter 39 injunction process. It also discusses the differences between Chapter 39 injunctions and Chapter 741 injunctions.

(Transcript RTF and PDF)

Use of Facility Dogs in Judicial Proceedings

Ellen O’Neill-Stephens, JD, and Celeste Walsen, DVM, presented a one hour webinar on the use of facility dogs in judicial proceedings on February 9, 2017. Topics of discussion within the webinar are: the law in Florida and other states; recent appellate decisions in Florida and other states; recently proposed legislation in Florida; circumstances in which a facility dog may be used; and jury instructions. One hour of CJE has been approved for judges who attended the presentation on February 9, 2017. One hour of CLE has been approved; the course number is 2301918N.

Analysis of Duties, Obligations, and Requirements under Chapter 741 Florida Statutes, and Rule 12.610 and Form(s) 12.980, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, Regarding Domestic Violence and Injunctions for Protection - April 2018

This guide, created by Judge Christine Greider, 20th Judicial Circuit, is designed to outline the law and the responsibilities of the various stakeholders throughout the injunction process.

Aequitas - The Prosecutor's Resource on Violence Against Women

This website has a wealth of documents and resources available on vital issues such as elder abuse, witness intimidation, and more.

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Federal Law

"Immigration - Options for Victims of Crime" by Elizabeth Ricci and Neil Rambana

This webinar was presented on May 7, 2015, by immigration lawyers, Elizabeth Ricci and Neil St. John Rambana. For more information on the background of the webinar, please see this brochure. Due to technical issues, the webinar was not recorded; however, you may click here for a link to the PowerPoint. Florida Bar members can report their CLE credits online at www.floridabar.org. Course number: 1504620N

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Firearms

Addressing the Lethal Intersection of Teen Dating Violence and Firearms - Jan. 2024

This article, written by Jennifer Becker, Esq., notes several statistics and other information about teen violence.

Firearms Technical Assistance Project 2023

This project focused on six communities around the country that have been working to enhance their response to domestic violence cases involving firearms. NCJFCJ provided in-depth technical assistance and training to stakeholders in these communities from 2019 through most of 2022. Throughout the project, NCJFCJ gathered numerous resources and forms from many jurisdictions to share with the six sites and with other communities interested in furthering efforts to remove firearms from prohibited abusers.

Upstream Violence Prevention: The Role of Extreme Risk Protection Orders in Mitigating Gun Violence - October 2022

Presented by the NCJFCJ's Firearms Technical Assistance Project (FTAP). Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), also known as “Red Flag Laws", are a promising tool of intervention but are relatively unknown to prosecutors across the nation. ERPOs are court orders that temporarily restrict access to firearms for individuals at elevated risk of harming themselves or others. This engaging presentation discusses how criminal justice professionals can utilize ERPOs to restrict firearm access for individuals exhibiting a wide variety of high-risk behaviors. They also explore the efficacy of ERPOs to reduce gun violence.

Strategies to Improve the Response to Firearms in Civil Protection Order (CPO) Cases: A Checklist for Judges - February 2022

This document provides a checklist of strategies for judges to improve the response to firearms in civil protection order cases. Main topics include steps to assemble multi-disciplinary collaborative teams, mapping the civil protection process to identify gaps and challenges, and strategies to consider for each stage of the civil protection order process.

Firearms and Civil Protection Orders: Answers to Judges' Frequently Asked Questions - February 2022

This document answers frequently asked questions relating to firearms and civil protection orders. Main topics include enforcement of jurisdiction and federal protection order laws, suggested collaboration efforts, information regarding a respondent’s access to firearms, addressing order violations, and effective mechanisms for compliance.

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and Firearms

This project is a partnership between the Office on Violence Against Women, the Battered Women’s Justice Project, including its National Center on Protection Orders and Full Faith and Credit, and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. The organization's goal is to promote the effective implementation and enforcement of federal, state and Tribal firearms prohibitions in domestic violence, dating violence and stalking cases.

The website includes a comprehensive library of information and tools on firearms and domestic violence. Through this project, communities will have the information, training and support necessary for developing and implementing effective enforcement mechanisms to disarm domestic violence offenders.

Some of their materials include:

Firearm Checklist for Judges

Firearm Checklist for Prosecutors

Miami-Dade Procedures and Forms for Firearms, Ammunition, and Concealed Weapons Permit Surrender

General Topics and Statistics

The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Publishes Revised Chapter Four of the Model Code on Domestic and Family Violence

The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ), the nation’s oldest and largest judicial membership organization, has released its publication “Revised Chapter Four of the Model Code” on Domestic and Family Violence, which is referred to as the family and children chapter. The Model Code is considered the preeminent resource for judges, court professionals, and professionals working in domestic and family violence. It has provided a framework for promoting effective responses to domestic violence by criminal, civil, and family courts, encouraging consistency across the country for nearly three decades.

Improving Safety and Privacy in Civil Protection Order Cases: In-Person and Virtual Court Considerations - August 2022

Civil Protection Orders: Strategies for Safe and Effective Service of Process - August 2022

For civil protection orders to be enforced, they must first be served on the respondent. While most states require that protection orders be personally served on the respondent, this can often prove to be a difficult task to accomplish. This publication includes strategies and resources for effectuating service of process in a safe and effective manner as well as a preliminary look at the use of electronic service of process in the civil protection order system.

The DV AWARE Project: Helping Courts Implement Protocols for DV Analysis, Warning, Action, Recovery, and Engagement

This toolkit is designed to support juvenile and family court systems around the country to anticipate, identify, and mitigate incidents in their courthouses associated with domestic violence. Resources in this Toolkit will provide court staff with the knowledge and resources needed to respond to domestic violence-related threats and emergencies, and to help courts and communities recover from violence with trauma-informed and healing strategies.

Steps to Best Practices for Court Building Security - 2022

Now in its fourth edition, this guide, prepared by the National Center for State Courts , delivers updated guidance on a diverse array of court security topics. Examples include recommendations for implementing remote hearings for in-custody defendants and recommendations for security technology. The 2022 update also reinforces fundamental security concepts for courts of all shapes and sizes.

Judicial Engagement in Coordinated Community Responses to Domestic Violence - October 2021

This guide, written by Elise Jensen for the Center for Court Innovation, discusses the coordinated community response (CCR) model as an interagency group between the criminal justice system (e.g., law enforcement, corrections, prosecutors, courts), civil and family courts, and community-based organizations (e.g., victim advocates, social services, abusive partner intervention programs). The specific focus of local efforts may differ (e.g., prevention, victim services, justice system responses), but overarching goals of CCRs are generally to increase victim safety and hold offenders accountable. CCR members work together to provide a unified response to domestic violence by sharing information with each other, such as available resources for victims; standardizing policies and procedures; and educating members as well as the community at large. Judges are less likely to be involved, but there is some evidence that they can play an important role in CCRs. This study examined the extent and nature of judicial engagement in CCRs through a national survey and three in-depth case studies. This video features members of the judiciary in Winnebago County, IL discussing the importance of domestic violence courts and how a domestic violence court can contribute to a coordinated community response against domestic violence.

The 14 judges of the Domestic Violence Division of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in Miami-Dade County, Florida, handle both civil and criminal cases involving domestic violence. This video looks at the work week of the court, highlighting efforts to keep victims safe, hold offenders accountable and coordinate an effective community response to domestic violence. The court was selected by the Office on Violence Against Women as a domestic violence mentor court. Contact the Center for Court Innovation's Gender Justice team at dvinfo@courtinnovation.org to learn more about mentor courts and how they are providing support to communities interested in implementing a specialized domestic violence court or enhancing their current responses to domestic violence cases.

How can faith communities support survivors experiencing domestic violence and housing instability - September 2021

One of the most significant unmet needs for Domestic Violence survivors is for shelter and housing. Emergency shelter, transitional housing, and long-term housing are vital in helping survivors permanently escape violence and access safety. This article discusses barriers for communities face in confronting domestic violence, and offers models for faith communities to follow when addressing housing and other needs of domestic violence survivors.

Judicial Wellness for Florida Judges and Court Staff: Tools for Self Care in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Cases

Sexual violence has traumatic effects on victims; judges and court staff can also experience secondary trauma as a result of hearing sexual violence cases. Wellness is an important component to good judicial decision making, job satisfaction and professional health. In this webinar, participants will identify tools for wellness for court professionals facing compassion fatigue and vicarious (secondary) trauma. Internationally recognized trauma expert Dr. Peter Jaffe, and National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges faculty Hon. Elizabeth Berns, along with Andrew Wentzell, from the Office of Court Improvement, will also discuss anonymous survey data collected by the Florida Office of the State Court Administrator from court professionals. This data speaks to the levels and perceptions of secondary trauma and knowledge of coping mechanisms by court professionals, judges and attorneys. Don't miss this exciting webinar which is relevant for all professionals who work with domestic violence and sexual assault cases. This webinar is available for CLE, course number 2301919N.

The Economic Cost of Intimate Partner Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking - August 2017

This fact sheet summarizes findings from research literature on the economic consequences and costs of interpersonal violence, sexual assault, and stalking for victims and survivors. The costs highlighted include medical expenditures, lower wages resulting from diminished educational attainment, lost wages from missed work and job loss, debt and poor credit, and costs associated with housing instability.

Adjudicating in an Unsecured Workplace - How to Assess and Stay Safe - Spring 2018

This article, written by John Muffler and published in The Judges' Journal, Volume 57, Number 2, Spring 2018, discusses judicial safety in the courtroom.

The National Judicial College

This website offers several free and fee based training programs for the judiciary on a variety of topics, as well as several resources.

The American Judges' Association

AJA offers complimentary, comprehensive, web-based domestic violence (DV) education for new and experienced judges.

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Human Trafficking

Florida's Office of the State Courts Administrator's Web Page on Human Trafficking

This web page lists valuable information, links, and resources regarding human trafficking in Florida.

The Office on Trafficking in Persons, an Office of the Administration for Children & Families, U.S. Department of Human Services

This office has begun a new campaign entitled Look Beneath the Surface to help raise community awareness of human trafficking issues.

The Polaris Project

This website discusses legislation, policies, and trends related to human trafficking across the nation.

The Typology of Modern Slavery: Defining Sex and Labor Trafficking in the United States - The Polaris Project - March 2017

Polaris analyzed more than 32,000 cases of human trafficking documented between December 2007 and December 2016 through its operation of the National Human Trafficking Hotline — one of the largest data set on human trafficking in the United States ever compiled and publicly analyzed. Polaris’s research team analyzed the data and developed a classification system that identifies 25 types of human trafficking in the United States. Read the report.

The Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking

This nonprofit organization was created by the Florida Legislature to provide funding, support and assistance to the statewide effort to end human trafficking. They have designed a one-hour online course that is free and focuses on detecting human trafficking, best practices for reporting human trafficking, and the interventions and treatment for survivors of human trafficking.

Human Trafficking Overview

This document is an overview of the relevant federal and Florida law regarding human trafficking cases, as well as tips for how a judge can recognize these types of cases, steps to follow if a human trafficking victim appears in court, an initial list of remedies available for victims, service needs of victims, and an initial resource list. More information can be found on the OFC "human trafficking" pages of this website. See above.

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Military Issues

A Judicial Resource Guide on Military Families and the Courts - June 2023

When War Comes Home: The Effect of Combat Service on Domestic Violence - May 2016

This study is the first to estimate the effect of war service in the Global War on Terrorism on domestic violence. Results show that assignment to combat substantially increases the probability of intimate partner violence and child abuse.

Domestic Violence and the US Military - July 2016

Circuit Judge Howard McGillin, Jr., of the Seventh Judicial Circuit presented a one hour webinar on Domestic Violence and the US Military. Military families are subject to extraordinary stresses. This one hour training is intended to enable attendees to understand those stress factors while helping to ensure that abusers are held accountable for their actions. Judge McGillin explains the Department of Defense’s policy concerning DV and discusses the differences between military protective orders and civil injunctions for protection. He also identifies services offered within the military for victims, family members, and the abuser. CLE (#2301917N) has been approved.

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How Intimate Partner Violence Affects Women Veterans - 2018

This article features a discussion with Dr. Katherine Iverson, a clinical psychologist and researcher in the Women's Health Division of the National Center for PTSD.

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Revised Chapter Four: Families and Children Model Code on Domestic and Family Violence

The focus of this Revised Chapter is on an approach that requires a careful analysis and tailored response, which means that adequate information is obtained (safely and ethically) and provided to the court, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the context, nature, and effects of domestic abuse on the parent who is abused and children who experienced domestic abuse.

Revised Chapter Four Model Code Toolkit

This e-module will help participants learn more about the Revised Chapter Four, its history, updates, and implementation.

National Issues, Newsletters, and other Resources

The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)

This federal agency within the U.S. Department of Justice provides federal leadership in developing the national capacity to reduce violence against women and administer justice for and strengthen services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

National Judicial Education Program

This website provides current interdisciplinary research from law, medicine and the social sciences that is applicable to judicial decision-making and case management. The site can be treated as a course or as a resource to be consulted as needed. An article is available for judges regarding sexual abuse. The term "intimate partner sexual abuse" encompasses a continuum of behaviors ranging from verbal degradation relating to sexuality to felony-level sexual abuse and torture.

The National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI)

This federal offers judicial training through funding from the federal government on a variety of technology topics.

Supplement to Civil Protection Orders: Community Supervision - May 2019

In 2010, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) published Civil Protection Orders: A Guide for Improving Practice (CPO Guide), which contains strategies for various disciplines involved in the civil protection order process. This supplement addresses the role of Community Supervision professionals in improving civil protection order practice and provides concrete strategies for their involvement. A parallel supplement addresses the role of Court Staff and Court Administration.

Witness Intimidation in Domestic Violence Cases: Emerging Promising Practices and Coordinated Community Responses

These slides, prepared by Jeff Greipp to accompany his presentation, address:
• Understanding victim dynamics and how abusers manipulate victim vulnerabilities.
• Examine solutions for the justice system and coordinated community responses.
• Understand how these solutions enhance evidence-based prosecution practices.
• Discuss emerging national resources.

The Impact of Opioids on the Courts

Widespread use of opioids has had a devastating impact on many U.S. communities. This impact is evident on court dockets across the country on a daily basis. Courts must play an active role in providing solutions to this deadly epidemic. The National Center for State Courts has launched a webpage with statistics and other resources about opioids and the Courts.

The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ)

The NCJFCJ, in collaboration with a number of other agencies and organizations, has developed a large online library of webinars, devoted to a number of family court and domestic violence court issues. The NCJFCJ has also developed several publications for subjects such as domestic violence and child dependency.

The National Center for State Courts (NCSC)

The NCSC has several online resources available on their website.

The National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence

The National Center has an award-winning website that provides direct access to information for local, state and national professionals and volunteers.

VAWA and the Courts

This project by the National Center for State Courts, has a wealth of online documents and information available.

The National Judicial Institute on Domestic Violence

This national group is organized to provide skills-based trainings to judges and judicial officers.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

This national group was established to provide information and training on issues pertaining to domestic violence.

Futures without Violence

For more than 30 years, FUTURES has been providing groundbreaking programs, policies, and campaigns that empower individuals and organizations working to end violence against women and children around the world.

National Center for Victims of Crime

The mission of the National Center for Victims of Crime is to forge a national commitment to help victims of crime rebuild their lives. They are dedicated to serving individuals, families, and communities harmed by crime.

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

The NCADV’s mission is to lead, mobilize and raise voices to support efforts that demand a change of conditions that lead to domestic violence such as patriarchy, privilege, racism, sexism, and classism. They are dedicated to supporting survivors and holding offenders accountable and supporting advocates.

CAVNET

The CAVNET is a listserve aimed at providing a network for advocates, researchers, and experts addressing violence against women, crime victims with disabilities, human rights, child abuse, and elder abuse, across disciplines. CAVNET is a partner with Lifetime Television's End Violence Against Women Campaign and a Ms. Foundation for Women Grantee.. To apply for membership, send resume and request to mdubin@pobox.com.

Synergy

The National Council for Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ), Family Violence and Domestic Relations Department (FVDR) produces a bi-annual newsletter, Synergy , that highlights special topics in the area of child protection and custody and provides updates on statutes, case law, and efforts to address family violence. The Fall 2016 newsletter has an excellent article from Florida Judge Lynn Tepper, on accounting for domestic violence from the bench when hearing petitions for child support or applications for financial relief in protection orders. PDF

The Domestic Violence Report (Civic Research Institute)

This series of newsletters is a valuable resource for anyone interested in current, topical issues pertaining to domestic violence research, legislation, and practice.

The Sexual Violence Report (Civic Research Institute)

This series of reports brings together ideas from experts in criminal and civil law, nursing and emergency medicine, law, nursing and emergency medicine, law enforcement, counseling and social services. Each issue examines health and forensic research programs and initiatives around the world, survivor support programs and therapies, innovative criminal and civil remedies, medical findings, therapeutic innovations, and more.

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Offender Research

Mass Murder and Domestic Violence: A Comprehensive Study of Mass Murder Precipitants and Motivations of Offenders - May 2016

Much speculation has been made in the media as to the causes of mass murder in the United States, yet little empirical research exists to verify factors leading to violence. Prior research primarily relies on case study methodologies or small data sets, but none have focused on the underlying issues observed in a comprehensive national sample. Data for the current study include 152 mass murders reported through the FBI’s Supplementary Homicide Reports and USA Today from 2007 to 2011, which were then matched with media reports for each event. The current study shows that mass murders typically occur following a triggering event, are committed by non-strangers, and are rarely committed by persons with mental illnesses. A more realistic image of these incidents is critical, as misperceptions of offenders and case characteristics can improperly shape public policies.

Are Batterers Different from Other Criminals? An fMRI Study - February 2016

Thus, the main aim of this study was to compare the brain functioning of batterers to that of other criminals when they are exposed to IPV or general violence pictures. Results demonstrated that batterers, compared to other criminals, exhibited a higher level of activity in three specific areas of the brain as well as a lower level of activity in one specific area of the brain.

Antisocial Traits, Distress Tolerance, and Alcohol Problems as Predictors of Intimate Partner Violence in Men Arrested for Domestic Violence - 2018

Men with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) traits are at an increased risk for consuming alcohol and perpetrating intimate partner violence (IPV). However, previous research has neglected malleable mechanisms potentially responsible for the link between ASPD traits, alcohol problems, and IPV perpetration. Efforts to improve the efficacy of batterer intervention programs (BIPs) would benefit from exploration of such malleable mechanisms. The present study is the 1st to examine distress tolerance as 1 such mechanism linking men’s ASPD traits to their alcohol problems and IPV perpetration.

From Social Merchandising to Social Spectacle: Portrayals of Domestic Violence in TV Globo’s Prime-time Telenovelas - 2017

This article addresses the representation of domestic violence in two Brazilian primetime TV Globo telenovelas—Mulheres Apaixonadas and A Regra do Jogo—through the use of social merchandising
about domestic violence. We conclude that, although the story lines in these two programs might seem progressive and empowering to women who seek to leave their abusers, ultimately they fall
short in one important aspect: Women’s way out is usually through a new romantic relationship. We also note that a recent insertion of domestic violence social merchandising has failed, turning the
depiction of domestic violence, instead, into a spectacle. Another interesting finding is that domestic violence is portrayed solely as a women’s issue and not a domestic one involving power.

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Remote Hearings

Remote Proceeding Toolkit 2023

This toolkit has been developed by the National Center For State Courts to help courts consider what the best practices are for remote hearings.

Guiding Principles for Post-Pandemic Court Technology July 2020

This resource can help to guide courts with adopting principles and best practices as they continue to embrace technology.

Remote and Virtual Hearings Technology Considerations

This document introduces a courtroom technology framework based on the Guiding Principles for Post-Pandemic Court Technology to guide courts through the selection, installation and management of technologies for both remote and hybrid hearings. It includes several case studies of courts that support hybrid hearings today using currently available technologies. In
the future, it is hoped that the framework will also help providers adapt their solutions to better suit the specific needs of courts.

Inflection Point: Can Courts Use Technology to Spur Transformational Change or will they Return to the Traditional Way of Doing Business? 2021

This article situates the use of technology by courts in recent guiding principles disseminated by CCJ/COSCA with examples from across the country of courts using technology well to solve problems. This document also provides a framework for addressing how any process improvements and technology solutions to come out of the pandemic can be evaluated, continued, and strengthened. Zach Zarnow and Danielle Elyce Hirsch, Georgetown Law Technology Review, 5 Geo.L.Tech.Rev. 135 (2021)

Contracting Digital Services May 2022

This white paper is focused on helping courts and court personnel to begin to incorporate the principles and approaches into the contract terms that define their digital infrastructure.

Sexual Assault

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) provides information and tools to prevent and respond to sexual violence. NSVRC translates research and trends into best practices that help individuals, communities and service providers achieve real and lasting change. They have created resources for the COVID-19 response, as well as a library of other resources on a variety of topics.

Responding to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault through Court Watch: A Collaborative Approach - June 2019

This document was developed by the Center for Court Innovation, and offers information and best practices about procedural justice, cultural responsiveness, and responding to trauma.

Stalking

Judicial Officer Guide & Bench Card: Responding to Stalking

This benchcard and comprehensive Judicial Officer Guide for Responding to Stalking are meant to be used together as a reference when considering the role of stalking in Federal courts; Tribal courts; immigration courts; state family, juvenile, civil, and criminal court cases; and administrative law adjudications including immigration and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission adjudications.

The Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center (SPARC)

This resource center is a federally funded project providing education and resources about the crime of stalking. SPARC aims to enhance the response to stalking by educating the professionals tasked with keeping stalking victims safe and holding offenders accountable. SPARC ensures that allied professionals have the specialized knowledge to identify and respond to the crime of stalking.

Working with Stalking Victims

This document was prepared by the Stalking Resource Center.

Using Technology to Stalk

This document was prepared by the Stalking Resource Center.

The Stalking Resource Center at the National Center for Victims of Crime and the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women

This resource center is a nonprofit organization that advocates for victims’ rights, trains professionals who work with victims, and serves as a trusted source of information on victims’ issues. The National Center is, at its core, an advocacy organization committed to — and working on behalf of — crime victims and their families. The mission of the Stalking Resource Center is to enhance the ability of professionals, organizations, and systems to effectively respond to stalking.

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Strangulation

WHAT FLORIDA JUDGES SHOULD KNOW When Faced with NON-FATAL STRANGULATION

This benchcard, created in partnership between the Strangulation Training Institute and the Office of Court Improvement within the Office of the State Courts Administrator, addresses the law, lethality, and other issues surrounding strangulation when it occurs in domestic violence cases.

Domestic Violence Report - This article, published in February/March of 2020, summarizes how a Family Justice Center that integrates trauma-informed and hope-centered practices can address the needs of victims of interpersonal violence.

Strangulation Assessment Card - This two-page document summarizes the signs and symptoms that a victim may experience in a strangulation case.

How to Identify the Dominant Aggressor in Strangulation Cases Webinar

This webinar is presented by Gael Strack from the Alliance for Hope International. It is challenging for Law Enforcement to arrive on a scene and find both parties with injuries and their own versions of what took place. Law Enforcement is then asked to identify a Dominant Aggressor. Strangulation impacts all professionals working on sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking cases, in particular. Today, we know unequivocally that strangulation is one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence. Unconsciousness may occur within seconds and death within minutes. Identifying the true dominant aggressor is never an easy task in any domestic violence case. Professionals cannot rely on visible injuries alone. There are at least 10 important factors to consider – watch the webinar to find out more.

Choking? Strangulation? Whatever you Call it, it Happens Way Too Often (Radio Show / Podcast)

Victims often say, “he choked me,” but experts call it strangulation. Whatever you call it, it happens way too often, is really hard to spot, and it has really disastrous long-term consequences. Can we treat it? Can we prevent it?

Gael B. Strack is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder for Alliance for HOPE International, discusses what strangulation means, why it’s often overlooked by victims and health professionals alike, and what can be done about it in this podcast. Hosted by: Heather Stark.

The Alliance for Hope International / Family Justice Center

This institute has a variety of resources and training programs that focus on sexual violence and strangulation issues, including a resource library that contains a range of information valuable to those working in the field of family violence prevention. Resources are organized by category, and the type of resource is grouped by profession.

On the Edge of Homicide: Strangulation as a Prelude

This article, written by Gael B. Strack and Casey Gwinn, brings attention to the graveness and lethality of strangulation. The article discusses how strangulation has become a heavily studied topic in the criminal justice system, and advocates for that education to extend to the civilian public.

Getting a Grip on Strangulation: Enumerating Strangulation in the UCMJ Will Help the Fight Against Domestic Abuse

This article, written by Captain Kaley S. Chan, discusses the growing recognition of the life-threatening nature of strangulation and the difficulty in prosecuting these offenses as felonies has led jurisdictions across the country and the globe to enact strangulation-specific statutes or include strangulation-specific language in existing statutes.

Evidence Based Investigations and Prosecution of Domestic Violence Cases

This webinar was created by the Alliance for Hope International Casey Gwinn, JD, President of the Alliance, and Kelsey McKay, JD, Assistant DA, Travis County Texas, will present on the evidence-based investigation and prosecution of domestic violence cases. They will discuss the history of evidenced-based investigation and prosecution, the history around Crawford v. Washington, and the impact of collaborative services (including Family Justice Centers, MDTs, and CCRs) on evidenced-based investigation and prosecution.

Signs and Symptoms of Strangulation

This reference guide shows the possible visual, audio, and neurological signs that might be noticed on a strangulation victim.

Online Strangulation Training

This module, created by the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention to aid investigators, gives an overview of strangulation and the major issues.

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Polyvictimization, Trauma, and the Science of HOPE

Casey Gwinn, JD, co-author of HOPE Rising: How the Science of HOPE Can Change Your Life (2018), the first book of its kind to present the science of hope, along with Alliance for HOPE International CEO Gael Strack, JD, will provide tangible and practical ways for judges and court personnel to apply the latest research on trauma and the science of hope in judicial practice. This session will focus on the predictive nature of childhood trauma on adolescent and adult illness, disease, victimization, and perpetration. It will also touch on the powerful, transformative impact of rising hope in the lives of adult and child trauma survivors including how to measure hope and resiliency in program participants. Attendees will be introduced to the life-changing truth that hope is measurable, cultivatable, and predictive of long-term healing and health in survivors of violence, trauma, and abuse. This session will also provide hands-on direction to apply hope-centered research to address burnout and vicarious trauma in professionals. Hope has the power to transform every workplace, every family, and every relationship. Attendees will walk away with tools to increase hope in your life, the lives of hurting families you serve, as well as friends and family members.

CLE is available for people who attended the webinar live, and for people who view the webinar after its initial presentation. The CLE number is 2301821N.

Strangulation: All Things Legal

In this 1.5 hour webinar designed specifically for judges and court staff, Gael Strack, JD, and Casey Gwinn, JD, discuss strangulation laws, typical legal defenses, the identification of the dominant aggressor, recent case law, and the use of experts in the courtroom. Gael and Casey will also share promising practices, national resources available at the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention.

CLE is available for people who attended the webinar live, and for people who view the webinar after its initial presentation. The CLE number is 2301819N.

Strangulation: All Things Lethal and Medical

In this 1.5 hour webinar designed specifically for judges and court staff, Gael Strack, JD, and Casey Gwinn, JD, cover key medical terms, the medical signs and symptoms of strangulation, the seriousness and lethality of strangulation and suffocation assaults, and the short and long term consequences of asphyxia for victims. Gael and Casey will also share promising practices and national resources available at the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention, and answer questions posed by the live audience.

CLE is available for people who attended the webinar live, and for people who view the webinar after its initial presentation. The CLE number is 2301817N.

Gael Strack and Casey Gwinn are attorneys and recognized as national experts in strangulation and founders of the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention, a project the National Family Justice Center Alliance. They have authored numerous articles and manuals in strangulation, including the Domestic Violence Report in August/September 2014 which dedicated an entire issue to this subject. To learn more about their work go to www.strangulationtraininginstitute.com.

Please also see the e-modules trainings on strangulation created by the same presenters.

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Supervised Time Sharing

View guidelines for persons who are supervising time sharing. They are also available in Spanish.

Trauma & Neuroscience

North Carolina Aces-Informed Courts Benchcard - 2023

Trauma is a harmful or threatening event that can have lasting effects across a person’s lifespan. Statistics indicate that the large majority (80%+) of court-involved youth and at least two-thirds of adults have encountered adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The Chief Justice’s Task Force on ACEs-Informed Courts compiled this Benchcard for Judicial Branch officials and
staff to use in their daily interactions with court visitors and participants.

Podcasts on Trauma with Sr. Retired Judge Tepper - March 2022

Episode 1 Cat, Jack & Nichole chat with Sr. Retired Judge Lynn Tepper about her experiences in the courtroom and her evolution to creating a trauma informed courtroom.

Episode 2 Cat, Jack, & Nichole continue their chat with Sr. Retired Judge Lynn Tepper about her experiences in the courtroom and her evolution to creating a trauma informed courtroom.

Episode 3 Cat, Jack, & Nichole continue their chat with Sr. Retired Judge Lynn Tepper about her experiences in the courtroom and her evolution to creating a trauma informed courtroom.

The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit

The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit (VTT) was developed by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Victim's of Crime, on the premise that exposure to the traumatic experiences of other people—known as vicarious trauma—is an inevitable occupational challenge for the fields of victim services, emergency medical services, fire services, law enforcement, and other allied professionals; however, organizations can mitigate the potentially negative effects of trauma exposure by becoming vicarious trauma-informed.

CompassionFatigue.org

This organization's mission is to promote an awareness and understanding of compassion fatigue and its effect on caregivers and others who deal with traumatic experiences. They are committed to gathering, documenting, and disseminating useful information that can be readily introduced into caregiving environments in order to impact the lives of caregivers in a positive way.

Introducing ACE's into BIP

This article, written by Jane Stevens, discusses how a handful of people around the U.S. are integrating trauma-informed and resilience-building practices based on the science of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) into batterer intervention programs with astounding results.

Assessing Trauma for Family and Juvenile Courts - June 2019

The information presented in this publication includes key findings developed by an analysis of 269 recommendations from 23 trauma consultations performed by NCJFCJ staff in 18 states from 2013-2017. Findings focus on: (a) the need for consistent trauma screenings; (b) the environment’s role on traumatic stress reactions; and (c) the prevalence of secondary traumatic stress in court personnel. The publication also includes a set of concrete recommendations that courts can follow in order to become more trauma responsive. It concludes with a discussion of next steps the NCJFCJ can take to further this promising trauma consultation work.

Everyone Can be Trauma-Informed - 2020

This document clarifies trauma-informed practice and shares effective strategies for using it in everyday life.

The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit - Office of Justice Programs, 2019

The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit was developed on the premise that exposure to the traumatic experiences of other people—known as vicarious trauma—is an inevitable occupational challenge for the fields of victim services, emergency medical services, fire services, law enforcement, and other allied professionals; however, organizations can mitigate the potentially negative effects of trauma exposure by becoming vicarious trauma-informed. This toolkit includes tools and resources tailored specifically to these fields that provide the knowledge and skills necessary for organizations to address the vicarious trauma needs of their staff.

Trauma, ACES, and the Courts

Retired Judge Lynn Tepper from the 6th Judicial Circuit discusses how trauma affects the litigants that appear in court.

The Florida Family Court Tool Kit: Trauma and Child Development (Office of Court Improvement)

The information and practices in this tool kit will improve judicial decision making and improve outcomes for children. The practices are in keeping with guiding principles from In re: Report of the Family Court Steering Committee, 794 So. 2d 518 (Fla. 2001). Federal regulations, state statutes, Florida Supreme Court opinions, and a judicial canon support these practices and authorize trauma screening and treatment.

Domestic Violence, Developing Brains, and the Lifespan: New Knowledge from Neuroscience

The author suggests that, before reading this article, you go to YouTube.com and watch the video First Impressions: Exposure to Violence and a Child’s Developing Brain (15 minutes) featuring Dr. Bruce Perry, senior fellow of the Child Trauma Academy in Houston, Texas, and Dr. Linda Chamberlain, founding director, Alaska Family Violence Prevention Project.

The New England Journal of Medicine published an article in 2014 titled “Silent Victims—An Epidemic of Childhood Exposure to Domestic Violence.” It called on healthcare providers to understand the prevalence and neurobiological consequences of children’s exposure to domestic violence and take action to mitigate it."

Essential Components of Trauma-Informed Judicial Practice

This issue brief provides information, specific strategies, and resources that many treatment court judges have found beneficial.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network's Benchcard for the Trauma-informed Judge

These two benchcards provide judges with useful questions and guidelines to help them make decisions based on the emerging scientific findings in the traumatic stress field.

Patterns of Adjustment among Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence: a Person-Centered Approach - June 2016

This study examined profiles of adjustment in an ethnically diverse sample of 291 school-age children recruited from community-based domestic violence services.

Intimate Partner Sexual Abuse: The Hidden Dimension of Domestic Violence

Lynn Hecht Schafran, Esq., Director, National Judicial Education Program

The term “intimate partner sexual abuse” encompasses a continuum of behaviors from verbal degradation relating to sexuality to felony-level sexual abuse and torture. Cases involving this type of abuse present complex challenges for the judiciary, beyond the overarching goal of protecting victims and their children while ensuring due process for the accused. This webinar provides current interdisciplinary research from law, medicine and the social sciences. Participants will learn about the implications for the courts of the severe impact of intimate partner sexual abuse, how the law itself often undermines victim safety, how to create a court environment in which victims feel safe disclosing, cultural issues that affect disclosure, which risk assessment instruments include intimate partner sexual abuse as a factor, how to assess the capability of batterer intervention and sex offender treatment programs to address intimate partner sexual abuse and more. The CLE reference number for this webinar is: 2301972N.

Seeing Individuals Through a Trauma Lens: Getting from ACEs to Trauma-informed Justice

Circuit Judge Lynn Tepper of the Sixth Judicial Circuit presented a one hour webinar on March 30, 2016, on the importance of viewing individuals through a trauma lens. The webinar: discusses the effects of trauma; explains Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs); discusses how these experiences have the potential to carry lifelong mental and physical consequences; examines the factors that contribute to an abused or neglected child’s resiliency; and stresses the importance of presuming a trauma history of all litigants in judicial proceedings. CLE has been approved through course number 2301993N.

The webinar material can be viewed by downloading the following pdf. PDF
Additional online resources can be found here.

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Tribal Materials

Tribal Court Judge Sexual Assault Benchbook

This benchbook was written by the Tribal Law and Policy Institute in 2011.

If you are interested in submitting an article or resource to the FIIV, please send an email to vcsupport@aprender-a-bailar.com. Thank you.

Violence Against Women and Men

Andre B. Rosay, Ph.D ., Violence against American Indian and Alaska Native Women and Men, NIJ Journal Vol. 277 (June 2016). This report examines the prevalence of violence against American Indian and Alaska Native women and men, using a large nationally representative sample from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS). The study provides estimates of sexual violence, physical violence by intimate partners, stalking, and psychological aggression by intimate partners. It also provides estimates of interracial and intraracial victimizations and briefly examines the impact of violence. Results should be used to raise awareness and understanding about violence against American Indian and Alaska Native women and men, specifically. On a national scale this level research can help inform the courts that many victims and perpetrators from non-white, different from working middle-class communities, exhibit different acculturation experiences related to such violence. Appropriate intervention and awareness of ethnic differences lends to more fair and helpful court resolutions.

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Domestic Violence

Last Modified: March 04, 2024