Homicide
2008 Status of Egyptian Women Report (pdf)
"The Egyptian Center for Women's Rights recently released its 2008 report on the status of Egyptian women. The report evaluated the current situation for women in Egypt, identifying the particular areas where action is most urgently needed in order to advance women's rights within the country."
American Indians and Crime: A BJS Statistical Profile, 1992-2002 (pdf)
"A summary of data on American Indians in the criminal justice system and reports the rates and characteristics of violent crimes experienced by American Indians. This report updates a previous BJS report, American Indians and Crime, published in 1999. The findings include the involvement of alcohol, drugs, and weapons in violence against Indians. The report describes victim-offender relationships, the race of those involved in violence against Indians, and the rate of reporting to police by victims. It discusses the rates of arrest, suspect investigations and charges filed, and incarceration of Indians for violent crimes."
Dowry and Its Link to Violence Against Women in India
"This article conducts a feminist psychological analysis of the dowry phenomenon, its link to domestic violence against women, and the role of the perpetrators. Existing and new explanations of the dowry system and its ramifications are explored. Psychologically based interventions and the implications of dowry related violence in the larger context of Asian Indians living in North America and the United Kingdom are discussed."
Facts About Intimate Partner Stalking in Minnesota and the United States (pdf)
A fact sheet created by the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women as part of a statewide training for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and advocates titled the Anatomy of Strangulation.
Facts About Intimate Partner Strangulation (pdf)
A recent fact sheet created by the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women as part of a statewide training for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and advocates titled the Anatomy of Strangulation.
Hate Violence against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People in the United States (pdf)
This is a report about bias-motivated incidents targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gender, queer, and questioning (LGBT) individuals in the U.S. during the year 2008. The report includes statistics on violence against LGBT people, stories from survivors, information on where to get help, safety tips, and information on hate crime laws.
Information about Murder-Suicides (pdf)
A fact sheet created by the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women as part of a statewide training for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and advocates titled the Anatomy of Strangulation.
National Trends in Intimate Partner Homicides: Explaining Declines in Canada, 1976 to 2001
"In the past decade, research has begun to identify factors that may be contributing to declines in spousal homicide. The authors address two gaps in the Canadian literature: (a) the documentation of trends, including subgroup variations, and (b) the identification of factors that may be associated with declines. Results indicate that shifts in relative employment and divorce rates appear to be associated with declining rates for women, whereas shifts in men's education and divorce rates appear to be associated with declining rates of spousal homicide for men."
New York City Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee Annual Report 2008 (pdf)
This report describes family-related homicides that occurred in New York City between 2002 and 2007. Includes key findings, risk factors, and action steps in response to findings.
Stalking Resource Center Statistics
The Stalking Resource Center website offers various links to research,fact sheets, and statistics on stalking related crimes.
Surveillance for Violent Deaths -- National Violent Death Reporting System, 16 States, 2005
"This report summarizes data from CDC's National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) regarding violent deaths from 16 U.S. states for 2005. Results are reported by sex, age group, race/ethnicity, marital status, location of injury, method of injury, circumstances of injury, and other selected characteristics."
Understanding DNA Evidence: A Guide for Victim Service Providers
"Forensic DNA technology is revolutionizing the way law enforcement officers investigate violent crimes, including crime scene investigation, counseling rape victims to not wash away critical evidence, accurate conviction of offenders, and connecting offenders to other brutal crimes. This 12-page document examines the uses of DNA, evidence collection and preservation, testing methods and interpretation of test results and post conviction for DNA testing. A glossary of terms and a reference / resource list are also included. "
When Men Murder Women: An Analysis of 2002 Homicide Data (pdf)
"Annual report which details national and state-by-state information on female homicides involving one female murder victim and one male offender."
When Men Murder Women: An Analysis of 2004 Homicide Data (pdf)
"This annual report details national and state-by-state information on female homicides involving one female murder victim and one male offender."
When Men Murder Women: An Analysis of 2005 Homicide Data (pdf)
"This annual report details national and state-by-state information on female homicides involving one female murder victim and one male offender."
When Men Murder Women: An Analysis of 2007 Homicide Data (pdf)
The report details national and state-by-state information on female homicides involving one female murder victim and one male offender. The study uses the most recent data available from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s unpublished Supplementary Homicide Report.
When Men Murder Women: An Analysis of the 1996 Homicide Data
"Provides a comparative ranking of female homicide rates across the U.S. states by analyzing U.S. Supplemental Homicide Report data as submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)."
World Report on Violence against Children
"This book addresses all violence against children within the family, schools, alternative care institutions and detention facilities, places where children work and communities. It lists the relevant international and national legal instruments and standards. It also describes the nature and impact of all forms of violence, indicating possible risk and causal factors. Finally, and most important, based on existing evidence and concrete examples, it provides detailed recommendation on measures to be taken to enhance the protection of children from violence."
Corporal punishment
Corporal punishment as a Stressor Among Youth (pdf)
"This article addresses the impact of corporal punishment by parents on the psychological well being of youth. Based on the authors' findings, the research indicates a positive association between the frequency of corporal punishment and both psychological distress and depression."
"The author presents the results of meta-analyses of the association between parental corporal punishment and 11 child behaviors and experiences. Parental corporal punishment was associated with all child constructs, including higher levels of immediate compliance and aggression and lower levels of moral internalization and mental health. The author then presents a process– context model to explain how parental corporal punishment might cause particular child outcomes and considers alternative explanations. The article concludes by identifying 7 major remaining issues for future research."
"Using data on 4,401 couples who participated in the National Family Violence Survey, this article reports modeling of cultural norms or other processes that could account for the link between corporal punishment and partner violence. Because corporal punishment of adolescents occurs in over half of U.S. families, the findings suggest that elimination of this practice can reduce some of the psychological and social processes that increase the likelihood of future marital violence and perhaps other violence as well."
Factors Associated with the Use of Violence among Urban Black Adolescents (pdf)
The researchers examine the variables that are connected to violence involvement among black teenagers. They looked at how previous exposure to violence, family conflict, degree of corporal discipline,and victimization in the community influenced the use and nonuse of violence among black adolescents.
Global War and Violence: Implications for US Social Workers
The Center for Victims of Torture has published a curriculum for social work instructors who want to prepare their students to work with torture survivors and war-traumatized refugees.
Impulsive Corporal Punishment by Mothers and Antisocial Behavior and Impulsiveness of Children
"This study tested the hypothesis that corporal punish- ment (CP), such as spanking or slapping a child for purposes of correcting misbehavior, is associated with antisocial behavior (ASB) and impulsiveness by the child. It was found that the more CP experienced by the child, the greater the tendency for the child to engage in ASB and to act impulsively. The results of this study suggest that CP is an important risk factor for children developing a pattern of impulsive and antisocial behavior which, in turn, may contribute to the level of violence and other crime in society."
Religious Influence on Parental Attitudes Toward the Use of Corporal Punishment (pdf)
"The purpose of this research was to determine if persons affiliated with religious denominations which emphasized a literal belief in the Bible would demonstrate less appropriate attitudes with regard to disciplining children than their counterparts who were affiliated with religious denominations which do not subscribe to a literal interpretation of the Bible. Statistically significant differences were noted with persons, regardless of gender or their level of education, who were members of churches subscribing to a literal belief in the Bible preferring the use of corporal punishment over alternate methods of discipline as compared to their nonliteral counterparts."
"This study examined college students' attitudes toward spanking as a function of the situational context and age of the child. Respondents were more likely to find spanking appropriate for preschool (ages 3–4) and early school age children (ages 7–8) than for older children (ages 11–12). Physical punishment was also viewed as more suitable when the child's misbehavior was disrespectful, or violated strongly held norms, and less appropriate for age-related or less serious misbehavior. Gender and race differences emerged, with males and blacks showing more support for corporal punishment than females and whites. In general, findings revealed strong support for spanking, although there was evidence of some ambivalence, especially among white and female respondents. Implications of the findings are discussed."
Crime
A Global Report on Trafficking in Persons (pdf)
"A new report on human trafficking that provides a global overview on legislation, the criminal justice response, trafficking patterns, intra-and-international flows, and monitoring. The UNODC also highlights the situation of a variety of countries from all regions of the world."
American Indians and Crime (pdf)
"Reports rates and characteristics of violent crimes experienced by Native Americans and summarizes data on Native Americans in the criminal justice system."
American Indians and Crime: A BJS Statistical Profile, 1992-2002 (pdf)
"A summary of data on American Indians in the criminal justice system and reports the rates and characteristics of violent crimes experienced by American Indians. This report updates a previous BJS report, American Indians and Crime, published in 1999. The findings include the involvement of alcohol, drugs, and weapons in violence against Indians. The report describes victim-offender relationships, the race of those involved in violence against Indians, and the rate of reporting to police by victims. It discusses the rates of arrest, suspect investigations and charges filed, and incarceration of Indians for violent crimes."
Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Victims of Crime (pdf)
"This report focuses on the victimization experiences of Asians, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders in the United States. It examines nonfatal and fatal violent victimization and property victimization. It also includes comparisons between the victimization of Asians, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders and other racial or ethnic groups, as well as information on victimization trends."
Blueprints for Violence Prevention
This report by the OJJDP describes 11 model programs and 21 promising programs that demonstrated evidence of effectiveness in delinquency, violence, and substance abuse prevention and reduction. The report describes the Blueprints programs, presents lessons learned about program implementation and provides recommendations for program designers, funders, and implementing agencies and organizations.
Crime and the Nation's Households, 2003
"Presents national prevalence estimates for the percentage of households with one or more persons who were victimized by crime as measured by the National Crime Victimization Survey."
Crime and the Nation's Households, 2004 (pdf)
"Presents information on the percentage of households or persons in households who are victimized as measured by the National Crime Victimization Survey. Findings are presented by region; urban, suburban or rural location; and by household size."
Criminal Victimization, 2008 (pdf)
"The report includes data on violent crimes (rape/sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault and simple assault), property crimes (burglary, motor vehicle theft and property theft), and personal theft (pocket picking and purse snatching), and the characteristics of victims of these crimes. The report also includes estimates of intimate partner violent crime and use of firearms and other weapons in the commission of violent crime overall."
A new report from the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) contains case descriptions of each attack that includes sexual assault. The report notes that because crimes committed against homeless persons often go unreported, the actual numbers of non-lethal attacks is likely much higher. Rapes and sexual assaults also tend to go unreported. The report recommends that state legislatures add homeless persons as a “protected class” to hate crime legislation, and encourages police trainings so law enforcement officers will better understand homelessness and how to prevent hate crimes.
Hispanic Victims of Violent Crime, 1993-2000 (word)
"Examines violent crimes committed against Hispanic victims including rape, sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated and simple assault. Crime victimizations are compared with those of four non-Hispanic groups: whites, blacks, American Indians, and Asians."
Homicides of Children and Youth
October 2001 Bulletin report. Provides a statistical portrait of juvenile homicide victimization by drawing on FBI and other data. As part of OJJDP's Crimes Against Children Series, the Bulletin offers detailed information about overall crime patterns and victim age groups. Specific types of juvenile homicide, including maltreatment homicides, abduction homicides, and school homicides, are discussed in further detail. The Bulletin also explores initiatives designed to prevent homicides of children and youth.
How to obtain U Interim Relief: A Brief Manual for Advocates Assisting Immigrant Victims of Crime (pdf)
This manual provides U Visa information for advocates who assist victims of crime, including domestic violence. The author outlines the definition, requirements, and application process for U Visa Interim relief and also offers information on obtaining permanent residency and derivative status for family members.
National Crime Victimization Survey Criminal Victimization, 2007 (pdf)
"Presents estimates of rates and levels of personal and property victimization for 2007 and describes the substantial fluctuations in the survey measures of the crime rates from 2005 through 2007. The report includes data on violent crimes (rape/sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault and simple assault), property crimes (burglary, motor vehicle theft and property theft), and personal theft (pocket picking and purse snatching), and the characteristics of victims of these crimes."
National Crime Victimization Survey: Criminal Victimization, 2004 (pdf)
This report presents estimates of national levels and rates of personal and property victimization for the year 2004. Rates and levels are provided for personal and property victimization by victim characteristics, type of crime, victim-offender relationship, use of weapons, and reporting to police. A special section is devoted to trends in victimization from 1993 to 2004. Estimates are from data collected using the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), an ongoing survey of households that interviews about 76,000 persons in 42,000 households twice annually. Violent crimes included in the report are rape/sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault and simple assault (from the NCVS), and homicide (from the FBI's UCR program). Property crimes examined are burglary, motor vehicle theft, and property theft.
A Prevention Institute memo highlighting opportunities for improving safety and well-being in our nation’s urban areas while saving money and stimulating the economy.
Privacy of Victims' Counseling Communications
This document provides an overview of state laws and current issues related to the privacy of communications between victims and their counselors. Although several state legislatures have enacted laws on this issue, statutes vary greatly depending on the type of counselor covered by the privilege and the extent of the protection afforded crime victims.This bulletin and the others in the Legal Series highlight various circumstances in which relevant laws are applied, emphasizing their successful implementation. This document is also available for download as a PDF file at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/publications/bulletins/legalseries/bulletin8/ncj192264.pdf.
Prosecuting Conflict-Related Sexual Violence at the International Criminal Court (pdf)
"The report assesses the effectiveness of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in reducing acts of sexual violence in armed conflict. The report explores whether the existence of the ICC acts as a deterrent for gender-based violence in conflict situations, and whether perpetrators of sexual violence can be brought to justice under provisions of the Rome Statute specifically addressing gender violence. The report also offers recommendations for improving the ICC’s ability to actually and symbolically reduce violence against women by characterizing gender-based violence in conflict situations as an international war crime."
So Much to Fear: War Crimes and the Devastation of Somalia (pdf)
A Human Rights Watch report on the human rights violations being committed in the ongoing conflict in Somalia. It studies the conflict since late 2006, when the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) came to the aid to Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to overthrow the Islamic Courts Union (ICU). The report also includes several recommendations to the parties, as well as the African and European Unions, and the United Nations.
The Impact of Conflict on Women and Girls in West and Central Africa and the UNICEF response (pdf)
"This first-of-its-kind study by UNICEF on the situation of war-affected girls and women in the region highlights innovative programmes being implemented with partners to address the impact of conflict, and recommends how UNICEF can more proactively champion the rights of girls - particularly adolescent girls."
The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants (pdf)
Manual on the preparation, filing and processing of applications pursuant to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Also includes detailed information on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for Children Under Juvenile Court Jurisdiction, and U and T Non-Immigrant Visas (Victims of Crime and Trafficking). A good resource for advocates and legal professionals working with these victims.
The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants, Index of Appendices 1-100 (pdf)
Contains a list of appendices in connection with The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants.
The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants, Index of Appendices 101-200 (pdf)
Contains a list of appendices in connection with The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants.
The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants, Index of Appendices 201-300 (pdf)
Contains a list of appendices in connection with The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants.
The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants, Index of Appendices 301-380 (pdf)
Contains a list of appendices in connection with The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants.
Understanding DNA Evidence: A Guide for Victim Service Providers
"Forensic DNA technology is revolutionizing the way law enforcement officers investigate violent crimes, including crime scene investigation, counseling rape victims to not wash away critical evidence, accurate conviction of offenders, and connecting offenders to other brutal crimes. This 12-page document examines the uses of DNA, evidence collection and preservation, testing methods and interpretation of test results and post conviction for DNA testing. A glossary of terms and a reference / resource list are also included. "
Update on global trends in trauma
This review updates the recent trends in trauma with emphasis on the causes and manifestations of trauma on a global scale.
Working Together To Ensure Safe Communities
"The COPS Office's Community Partnerships CD provides community members and law enforcement professionals the information they need to build a working partnership to address crime and public safety issues in their communities. The CD includes concise, easily accessible resources that describe real-world best practices and success stories. "
Working with Victims of Crime with Disabilities
This is a product of the Symposium on Working with Crime Victims with Disabilities, funded by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and coordinated by the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA). They developed recommendations for OVC and the victim assistance field on improving the response in serving crime victims with disabilities.
Economic abuse
Economic Violence To Women and Girls: Is It Receiving the Necessary Attention?
"This paper seeks to draw attention to the types of economic violence experienced by women, and describes its consequences on health and development. Recommendations for practice, policy, and research are also given."
Human Rights Dialogue: Violence Against Women (pdf)
This special edition of the magazine explores how women's advocates are challenging the public/private divide, the cultural and religious objections to granting women's rights, and the common blindness to linkages between violence against women and the deprivation of other rights, specifically economic and social rights.
"This report provides extensive research of the mail-order bride industry in the United Kingdom. The industry is linked to the promotion of trafficking, prostitution, pornography and slavery. The report suggests that this industry not only exploits vulnerable groups of women but also reinforces racial and ethnic stereotypes. Recommendations are given on what the government can do to further protect women."
Progress of the World's Women 2000
UNIFEM's first issue in the biennial investigation of progress made towards a world where women live free from violence, poverty and inequality. Topics covered include women's economic security and rights, engendering governance and leadership and promoting women's human rights.
Progress of the World's Women 2002, Volume 2: Gender Equality and the Millennium Development Goals
This is the second edition of a biennial publication to track and measure the world's commitment to gender equality. It examines progress for women, or the lack of it, in education, literacy, non-agricultural wage employment and parliamentary representation.
Psychological Abuse: A Discussion Paper (pdf)
"This paper is a review of research on psychological abuse in interpersonal and family relationships including in settings such as long-term care residences.The paper presents research findings on the personal, economic and health related costs of psychological abuse to the individual and to society, and briefly outlines legal recourses for victims. It concludes by exploring ways to recognize and address psychological abuse, while emphasizing the importance of developing holistic approaches "
Report on the Taliban's War Against Women
Released November 17, 2001. Includes an Executive Summary, information on the Taliban's War Against Women; quotes by and about women in Afghanistan; and electronic resources on women in Afghanistan.
The Economic Dimensions of Interpersonal Violence (pdf)
This document examines the economic effects of interpersonal violence, including sexual violence, as well as the economic effects of interventions seeking to reduce violence and the ways in which economic factors such as poverty and income inequality contribute to violence.
The Impact of Conflict on Women and Girls in West and Central Africa and the UNICEF response (pdf)
"This first-of-its-kind study by UNICEF on the situation of war-affected girls and women in the region highlights innovative programmes being implemented with partners to address the impact of conflict, and recommends how UNICEF can more proactively champion the rights of girls - particularly adolescent girls."
"This briefing paper addresses the needs of the women of the Gulf Coast region and uncovers the multiple disadvantages experienced by women affected by both hurricane Katrina and Rita."
Violence Against General Practitioners in Turkey
"A descriptive cross-sectional study based on a self-administered questionnaire answered by a convenience study population consisting of 522 health care practitioners. Of the participating respondents, 82.8% reported that they experienced violence, including sexual violence. Perpetrators were patients and/or their relatives in 91.1% of the events. The authors conclude that workplace violence against health care practitioners warrants more attention and as part of prevention efforts, more attention should be paid to continuous professional, administrative, and legal support from the government along with systematic, coordinated implementations independent from daily political concerns."
Violence against Women – Facts and Figures (pdf)
"This article provides facts and figures on violence against women to illustrate the devastating toll on women’s lives, on their families, and on society as a whole."
This report shares findings garnered from a series of interviews held with a diverse group of women from throughout the Gulf region. In telling their stories, it provides an analysis of women's increased vulnerability during times of natural disasters and lays out policy recommendations that pinpoint how best to address those needs in the wake of this disaster, and in anticipation of the next.
Genocide
The Right to Survive: Sexual Violence, Women and HIV/AIDS
This report describes the unparalleled situation experienced by women who were raped and infected with HIV/AIDS during the Rwandan genocide.
Hate crimes
American Indians and Crime: A BJS Statistical Profile, 1992-2002 (pdf)
"A summary of data on American Indians in the criminal justice system and reports the rates and characteristics of violent crimes experienced by American Indians. This report updates a previous BJS report, American Indians and Crime, published in 1999. The findings include the involvement of alcohol, drugs, and weapons in violence against Indians. The report describes victim-offender relationships, the race of those involved in violence against Indians, and the rate of reporting to police by victims. It discusses the rates of arrest, suspect investigations and charges filed, and incarceration of Indians for violent crimes."
Anti-Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender National Hate Crimes Report in 2005 (pdf)
Discusses hate crimes of violence towards the lesbian, gay, transgender, and bisexual communities.
Anti-Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Violence in 2004 (pdf)
This report is about bias related incidents targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals in the US.
Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Victims of Crime (pdf)
"This report focuses on the victimization experiences of Asians, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders in the United States. It examines nonfatal and fatal violent victimization and property victimization. It also includes comparisons between the victimization of Asians, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders and other racial or ethnic groups, as well as information on victimization trends."
Close the Book on Hate: Responding to Hate Motivated Behaviors in Schools
Discusses hate incidents and hate crimes. Gives lesson plans and teaching tips regarding responding to hate-motivated behavior in schools, holiday activities guidelines, anti-bias education, creating a positive environment in which to raise diversity issues, and resources.
Criminal Victimization, 2008 (pdf)
"The report includes data on violent crimes (rape/sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault and simple assault), property crimes (burglary, motor vehicle theft and property theft), and personal theft (pocket picking and purse snatching), and the characteristics of victims of these crimes. The report also includes estimates of intimate partner violent crime and use of firearms and other weapons in the commission of violent crime overall."
Global War and Violence: Implications for US Social Workers
The Center for Victims of Torture has published a curriculum for social work instructors who want to prepare their students to work with torture survivors and war-traumatized refugees.
Hate Crime in America Summit Recommendations
The 1998 IACP Hate Crime in America Summit produced 46 recommendations to: Prevent Hate Crime; Respond to Hate Crime; and Measure the Effectiveness of Prevention and Response Efforts.
Hate Crimes Against People with Disabilities
This paper examines hate crimes perpetrated against people with disabilities. The paper outlines some of the differences between hate crimes committed against people with disabilities and those committed against other members of the community.
Hate Violence against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People in the United States (pdf)
This is a report about bias-motivated incidents targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gender, queer, and questioning (LGBT) individuals in the U.S. during the year 2008. The report includes statistics on violence against LGBT people, stories from survivors, information on where to get help, safety tips, and information on hate crime laws.
A new report from the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) contains case descriptions of each attack that includes sexual assault. The report notes that because crimes committed against homeless persons often go unreported, the actual numbers of non-lethal attacks is likely much higher. Rapes and sexual assaults also tend to go unreported. The report recommends that state legislatures add homeless persons as a “protected class” to hate crime legislation, and encourages police trainings so law enforcement officers will better understand homelessness and how to prevent hate crimes.
Healing the Hate: A National Hate Crime Prevention Curriculum (pdf)
Originally designed to be used in classroom settings, these materials have also proven useful in a variety of other venues: working with youth who commit hate crimes, working with schools experiencing specific bias crime problems, in after-school programs, and in teacher training settings.
Hispanic Victims of Violent Crime, 1993-2000 (word)
"Examines violent crimes committed against Hispanic victims including rape, sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated and simple assault. Crime victimizations are compared with those of four non-Hispanic groups: whites, blacks, American Indians, and Asians."
More Than A Name: State Sponsored Homophobia and Its Consequences in Southern Africa (pdf)
This report evaluates the effects of State-sponsored homophobia on the human rights of sexual and gender minorities in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Preventing Youth Hate Crimes: A Manual for Schools and Communities, 1998
Promotes the discussion, planning, immediate action, and long-term responses of hate crime to assist schools and communities in confronting and eliminating harassment, intimidation, violence, and other hate-motivated behavior among young people.
Stolen Sisters: Discrimination and Violence Against Indigenous Women in Canada
This report examines the role of discrimination in acts of violence carried out against Indigenous women in Canadian towns and cities. This discrimination takes the form both of overt cultural prejudice and of implicit or systemic biases in the policies and actions of government officials and agencies, or of society as a whole. This discrimination has played out in policies and practices that have helped put Indigenous women in harm’s way and in the failure to provide Indigenous women the protection from violence that is every woman’s human right.
The Impact of Hate Violence on Victims: Emotional and Behavioral Responses to Attacks
From Social Work, May 1994, pp. 247-251, posted by the National Asssociation of Social Workers. This study explored the nature of hate attacks and victims' responses to them. The sample consisted of 59 victims and included black, white, and Southeast Asian people. Data were obtained through focus group meetings, individual interviews, and questionnaires. More than half of the victims reported experiencing a series of attacks rather than a single attack. Anger, fear, and sadness were the emotional responses most frequently reported by victims. About one-third of the victims reported behavioral responses such as moving from the neighborhood or purchasing a gun. The responses of hate violence victims were similar to those of victims of other types of personal crime. Implications for social work intervention are discussed.
The Right to Survive: Sexual Violence, Women and HIV/AIDS
This report describes the unparalleled situation experienced by women who were raped and infected with HIV/AIDS during the Rwandan genocide.
Working with Victims of Crime with Disabilities
This is a product of the Symposium on Working with Crime Victims with Disabilities, funded by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and coordinated by the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA). They developed recommendations for OVC and the victim assistance field on improving the response in serving crime victims with disabilities.
Internet/media violence
A High-Tech Twist on Abuse: Technology, Intimate Partner Stalking, and Advocacy
This Violence Against Women Online Resources commissioned document summarizes the existing knowledge on the use of technology to stalk. The author uses both published literature and contributions provided by numerous survivors’ reports to provide current information on the variety of sophisticated tools that are being used to stalk current and former intimate partners. The article also provides specific strategies for advocates, including safety planning information, a resource list, and a handout for survivors.
An Educators' Guide To Cyberbullying and Cyberthreats (pdf)
This document provides information about cyberbullying and cyberthreats for educators and other professionals who focus on youth safety and well-being and sets forth recommendations for a comprehensive school and community based approach to address these concerns.
Helpful or Harmful?: How Innovative Communication Technology Affects Survivors of Intimate Violence
This paper explores: 1) the prevalence of web usage by both survivors of intimate violence and the organizations that serve them; 2) the ways in which batterers misuse communication technology to monitor and control their partners activities; and 3) precautions that survivors and organizations can employ to safeguard themselves from liability, harm, and ethical conundrums.
Article on how to erase history lists and cache files on your browser.
Pornography and Sexual Violence
This paper explores possible connections between men's use of pornography and sexual violence, and highlights definitions of terms, appropriate methods of investigation, relevant aspects of current disputes, and how pornography reinforces and sexualizes a subordinate status of women.
Survivors of Intimate Violence Seek Help Online: Implications of Responding to Increasing Requests
March 19, 2001. This article documents a one-year study of unsolicited email requests sent to Violence Against Women Online Resources. This article explores some of the implications of responding to requests from survivors online; and seeks to raise awareness about one particular website's increasing number of electronic help-seeking requests. The author calls for a national discussion on responding to such requests and underscores the importance of developing a strategic plan to address the issue.
The Internet and Cyberstalking (pdf)
This paper focuses upon cyberstalking because in this way it becomes possible to discern what is special about criminality that takes advantage of the unique possibilities offered by the Internet.
Warning!!: How an Abuser Can Discover Your Internet Activities (pdf)
This article discusses email safety and methods for clearing the computer cache of visited sites.
Law enforcement violence/military/war crimes
15 Years of the United Nations Rapporteur on Violence against Women, Its Causes and Consequences (pdf)
This report reviews the status of violence against women as researched in 14 annual reports, 32 country mission reports, and 11 communication reports published as recently as December 2008. The report focuses on reproductive health and rights, poverty, migration, internally displaced persons (IDPs), women refugees, trafficking, aging, and adolescent girls. It also highlights how the mandate on violence against women has changed, what has been learned, and problems still to be addressed.
All Too Familiar: Sexual Abuse of Women in US State Prisons
This report examines the sexual abuse of female prisoners largely at the hands of male correctional employees at eleven state prisons located in the north, south, east, and west of the United States.
"This study examines lifetime trauma exposure rates in women with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), or neither diagnosis and whether this is related to measures of PTSD, depression, hostility, health symptoms, and health care utilization. Findings indicate that multiple trauma exposures were prevalent in this sample and PTSD and MDD groups reported greater past year health conditions and health care utilization."
Everything Left Behind: Internal Displacement in Colombia (pdf)
"According to a new report there are currently between 3 and 4 million internally displaced people in Colombia, among the highest in the world. Internal displacement disproportionately affects women who are indigenous, Afro-descendant, or peasant farmers. For displaced women and girls, sexual assault, exploitation, and abuse are constant threats from armed groups or people who believe the women and girls are involved with armed groups. Displaced women and girls face discrimination from the communities they move to, presenting a significant barrier to assistance for victims of violence."
Family Violence in the Military: A Review of the Literature
"This literature review critically reviews studies that examine child maltreatment and spouse abuse among military families and compares family violence in military versus nonmilitary populations."
Gender Approaches in Conflict and Post-Conflict Situations (pdf)
This manual aims to increase effectiveness of humanitarian and recovery interventions through integration of a gender perspective in conflict and post-conflict situations. It includes a chart to depict different levels of possible gender violence dimensions along the timeline of pre-conflict and post-conflict.
This report intends to improve international and local capacities when addressing gender-based violence in refugee, internally-displaced and conflict settings.
Global War and Violence: Implications for US Social Workers
The Center for Victims of Torture has published a curriculum for social work instructors who want to prepare their students to work with torture survivors and war-traumatized refugees.
Guide to the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict (pdf)
"A guide to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child related to children in armed conflict. It describes the context surrounding its adoption, efforts supporting its objectives, key provisions and the legislative processes involved for signature and ratification or accession."
Hate Violence against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People in the United States (pdf)
This is a report about bias-motivated incidents targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gender, queer, and questioning (LGBT) individuals in the U.S. during the year 2008. The report includes statistics on violence against LGBT people, stories from survivors, information on where to get help, safety tips, and information on hate crime laws.
A new report from the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) contains case descriptions of each attack that includes sexual assault. The report notes that because crimes committed against homeless persons often go unreported, the actual numbers of non-lethal attacks is likely much higher. Rapes and sexual assaults also tend to go unreported. The report recommends that state legislatures add homeless persons as a “protected class” to hate crime legislation, and encourages police trainings so law enforcement officers will better understand homelessness and how to prevent hate crimes.
Helping Children Cope with the Stresses of War: A Manual for Parents and Teachers (pdf)
"A tool for parents and teachers in helping children cope with the stresses of war and other forms of systematic violence. This book provides illustrative drawings by children portraying experiences of stress. Guidelines on handling problematic behaviors with which children of various ages respond to stress are also provided."
Immigration, Domestic Violence, and the Military: The Case of "Military Brides"
"This study addresses the abuse experiences of immigrant women married or engaged to U.S. servicemen and the response of military social service and legal systems.The findings confirm the role of military context, culture, and priorities in the abuse and the military systems' responses. The immigration circumstances and status interact with the military context to compound the abuse, further marginalize victims/survivors, and weaken the military social service and legal systems' response. The implications of the findings for military efforts to address domestic violence within the ranks are discussed."
International Criminal Justice, Conflict and Its Response to Gender-Based Violence (pdf)
This article illustrates and analyzes the need for accountability and healing for women who suffered gender-based violence during armed conflict.
This report details 173 incidents of rape and other forms of sexual violence, involving 625 girls and women, committed by Burmese army troops in Shan State, mostly between 1996 and 2001. The report reveals that the Burmese military regime is allowing its troops systematically and on a widespread scale to commit rape with impunity in order to terrorize and subjugate the ethnic peoples of Shan State. The report illustrates there is a strong case that war crimes and crimes against humanity, in the form of sexual violence, have occurred and continue to occur in Shan State.
Lives Blown Apart: Crimes Against Women in Times of Conflict
This report attempts to explore some of the underlying reasons for this violence. Evidence gathered by Amnesty International in recent years supports the view that conflict reinforces and exacerbates existing patterns of discrimination and violence against women.
More Than A Name: State Sponsored Homophobia and Its Consequences in Southern Africa (pdf)
This report evaluates the effects of State-sponsored homophobia on the human rights of sexual and gender minorities in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Not Part of My Sentence: Violations of Human Rights of Women in Custody
This document, produced as part of the USA campaign, gives details of the human rights abuses suffered by women in custody for breaking criminal laws. These abuses include the use of restaints, poor health provison, sexual abuse by prison staff and the isolation of women held in high security units.
Police Family Violence Fact Sheet
"Highlights statistics of Police Officers' personal (not-job related) involvement in domestic violence situations. The fact sheet mentions several studies have found that 40% of police officer families experience domestic violence."
Prosecuting Conflict-Related Sexual Violence at the International Criminal Court (pdf)
"The report assesses the effectiveness of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in reducing acts of sexual violence in armed conflict. The report explores whether the existence of the ICC acts as a deterrent for gender-based violence in conflict situations, and whether perpetrators of sexual violence can be brought to justice under provisions of the Rome Statute specifically addressing gender violence. The report also offers recommendations for improving the ICC’s ability to actually and symbolically reduce violence against women by characterizing gender-based violence in conflict situations as an international war crime."
Routinely Targeted: Attacks on Civilians in Somalia
"The report documents sexual violence and killing of Somali civilians by Ethiopian troops, militias, and Transitional Federal Government (TFG) forces."
Sexual Violence and its Consequences among Displaced Persons in Darfur and Chad
This briefing paper documents how the Sudanese security forces, including police deployed to protect displaced persons, and allied Janjaweed militias continue to commit rape and sexual violence on daily basis. Even as refugees in Chad, women and girls fleeing the violence in Darfur continued to face the risk of rape and assault by civilians or militia members when collecting water, fuel or animal fodder near the border.
"The long-standing civil conflict in the Shan States of Burma is investigated as a contributing cause to the trafficking of ethnic Shan women and girls into the Southeast Asian sex industry, and to the subsequent high rates of HIV infection found among these women. The context of chronic human rights abuses in the Shan states is explored, as well as the effects of recent forced population transfers on the part of the Burmese Military Regime."
So Much to Fear: War Crimes and the Devastation of Somalia (pdf)
A Human Rights Watch report on the human rights violations being committed in the ongoing conflict in Somalia. It studies the conflict since late 2006, when the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) came to the aid to Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to overthrow the Islamic Courts Union (ICU). The report also includes several recommendations to the parties, as well as the African and European Unions, and the United Nations.
Stolen Sisters: Discrimination and Violence Against Indigenous Women in Canada
This report examines the role of discrimination in acts of violence carried out against Indigenous women in Canadian towns and cities. This discrimination takes the form both of overt cultural prejudice and of implicit or systemic biases in the policies and actions of government officials and agencies, or of society as a whole. This discrimination has played out in policies and practices that have helped put Indigenous women in harm’s way and in the failure to provide Indigenous women the protection from violence that is every woman’s human right.
The Crushing Burden of Rape: Sexual Violence in Darfur
This report offers a glimpse into the ongoing violence against women in Darfur and includes statistics and short stories from survivors. It concludes by giving recommendations for stopping the rapes in Darfur and in the conflicts throughout the world.
The Impact of Armed Conflict on Women and Girls (pdf)
This report of a consultative meeting is intended to contribute to the United Nations study on the Impact of Armed Conflict on Women and Girls, requested by the United Nations Security Council. This report reflects the purpose of the meeting which was twofold: first, to examine and explore the impact of armed conflict on women and girls; and, second, to formulate strategies and tools to ensure that reproductive health programmes accurately reflect this population’s needs, specifically by addressing them through a comprehensive, gendersensitive approach.
The Impact of Conflict on Women and Girls in West and Central Africa and the UNICEF response (pdf)
"This first-of-its-kind study by UNICEF on the situation of war-affected girls and women in the region highlights innovative programmes being implemented with partners to address the impact of conflict, and recommends how UNICEF can more proactively champion the rights of girls - particularly adolescent girls."
The Military Response to Victims of Domestic Violence: Tools for Civilian Advocates
This handbook is designed for civilian advocates working with military victims of domestic violence—both active duty victims and partners of active duty service members—to help advocates respond to the uniquely challenging needs of this population of survivors.
The Misuse of Police Powers in Officer Involved Domestic Violence
This document outlines some of the basics of the police culture and police training in order to gain insight into the victim’s experience. Being “culturally sensitive” helps to place in context some of the types of abuse only batterers within law enforcement inflict, how these abusers minimize and justify their behavior, and their sense of entitlement to exercise power and control over their victims.
The War Within the War: Sexual Violence Against Women and Girls in Eastern Congo
This report documents the frequent and sometimes systematic use of rape and other forms of sexual violence in the Rwandan-occupied areas of eastern Congo. This report focuses on crimes of sexual violence committed by soldiers and other combatants. But rape and other sexual crimes are not just carried out by armed factions but also increasingly by police and others in positions of authority and power, and by opportunistic common criminals and bandits, taking advantage of the prevailing climate of impunity and the culture of violence against women and girls.
Trapped by Inequality: Bhutanese Refugee Women in Nepal
Following investigations of sexual exploitation and abuse by aid workers in refugee camps in West Africa, several cases of sexual exploitation involving refugee aid workers surfaced in Nepal in October 2002. This report highlights not only the hardship of life in refugee camps, but also the injustice of gender-based violence and discrimination for Bhutanese refugee women in Nepal.
Trauma Among Female Veterans: A Critical Review
"This article reviews the literature documenting the nature and prevalence of traumatic experiences, trauma-related mental and physical health problems, and service use among female veterans."
UNIFEM Facts & Figures on Violence Against Women
The United Nations Development Fund For Women provides statistics on many forms of violence women face including domestic and intimate partner violence, sexual violence, trafficking of women and girls, HIV/AIDS and violence, and more.
Update on global trends in trauma
This review updates the recent trends in trauma with emphasis on the causes and manifestations of trauma on a global scale.
War Related Sexual Violence in Sierra Leone (pdf)
This study is one of the first to scientifically document the extent of sexual violence as a result of war. This population based assessment of war-related sexual violence and other human rights abuses in Sierra Leone, indicate that combatants have committed widespread human rights abuses and international crimes against internally displaced persons in Sierra Leone.
We'll Kill You If You Cry: Sexual Violence in Sierra Leone Conflict
The report presents evidence of horrific abuses against women and girls in every region of Sierra Leone by the rebel Revolutionary United Front (RUF), as well as other rebel, government and international peacekeeping forces. The report is based on hundreds of interviews with victims, witnesses and officials, details crimes of sexual violence committed primarily by soldiers of various rebel forces —the RUF, the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), and the West Side Boys. The report also examines sexual violence by government forces and militias, as well as international peacekeepers.
Women at the Edge: Colombian Refugees in Ecuador (pdf)
"The study looks at the differential impact of armed conflict on women and men. Women in Colombia represent more than half of the total displaced population and suffer the consequences of conflict to a higher degree putting them in a more vulnerable situation than men. This study analyzes the situation of women that are legally recognized as refugees as well as the experiences of women who have been pressured to migrate by army movements because of their country situation." This publication is printed in Spanish.
This study was developed to inform programming and advocacy within the context of UNIFEM programming, and builds on country-level visits conducted in early 2007. The study looks at five areas of intervention: peacebuilding and conflict resolution initiatives, reconciliation mechanisms, increasing access to justice, access to support services, and conflict monitoring systems. These sections examine the barriers women face and highlights examples of women’s successful engagement in peacebuilding at the community level.
This report covers many areas of concern, from the gender dimensions of violence and displacement during conflict to the role of peacekeepers and the need for women to play a central part during peace negotiations and reconstruction. Key recommendations focus on finding ways to protect and empower women.
Political violence
An Islamic Perspective on Violence Against Women
This is a statement describing how those who perpetrate violence against women are not following the true tenants of the Quran.
European Parliament Report on Female Genital Mutilation in the European Union (pdf)
"This new report found that over 500,000 women in Europe, especially refugees and immigrants, have been subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM). The report highlights various reasons for the prevalence of FGM and incorporates different frameworks for addressing the problem, including the human rights perspective, a women’s rights view, and children’s rights."
Everything Left Behind: Internal Displacement in Colombia (pdf)
"According to a new report there are currently between 3 and 4 million internally displaced people in Colombia, among the highest in the world. Internal displacement disproportionately affects women who are indigenous, Afro-descendant, or peasant farmers. For displaced women and girls, sexual assault, exploitation, and abuse are constant threats from armed groups or people who believe the women and girls are involved with armed groups. Displaced women and girls face discrimination from the communities they move to, presenting a significant barrier to assistance for victims of violence."
Gender Based Violence: Emerging Issues in Programs Serving Displaced Populations (pdf)
This report provides background and current information about gender-based violence programming with populations affected by armed conflict. It gives concrete advice and examples of programming addressing gender-based violence, and lists valuable resources for further information.
This report intends to improve international and local capacities when addressing gender-based violence in refugee, internally-displaced and conflict settings.
Immigrant and Refugee Power and Control Wheel
Throughout the world, women are victims of domestic violence just as there are battered women in the United States. Immigrant and refugee women know that in their countries of origin, women have been tortured with sexual abuse by the army/rebels, kidnapped into prostitution, forced into marriages, killed in honor killings, used for sexual slavery, stoned to death and often experience other gender related abuses. This Immigrant and Refugee Power and Control Wheel is an adaptation of the Duluth Power and Conrol wheel created by attendees Immigrant & Refugee Women Support Group in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
This report details 173 incidents of rape and other forms of sexual violence, involving 625 girls and women, committed by Burmese army troops in Shan State, mostly between 1996 and 2001. The report reveals that the Burmese military regime is allowing its troops systematically and on a widespread scale to commit rape with impunity in order to terrorize and subjugate the ethnic peoples of Shan State. The report illustrates there is a strong case that war crimes and crimes against humanity, in the form of sexual violence, have occurred and continue to occur in Shan State.
Lives Blown Apart: Crimes Against Women in Times of Conflict
This report attempts to explore some of the underlying reasons for this violence. Evidence gathered by Amnesty International in recent years supports the view that conflict reinforces and exacerbates existing patterns of discrimination and violence against women.
More Than A Name: State Sponsored Homophobia and Its Consequences in Southern Africa (pdf)
This report evaluates the effects of State-sponsored homophobia on the human rights of sexual and gender minorities in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Report on the Taliban's War Against Women
Released November 17, 2001. Includes an Executive Summary, information on the Taliban's War Against Women; quotes by and about women in Afghanistan; and electronic resources on women in Afghanistan.
Routinely Targeted: Attacks on Civilians in Somalia
"The report documents sexual violence and killing of Somali civilians by Ethiopian troops, militias, and Transitional Federal Government (TFG) forces."
Sexual Orientation and Human Rights in the Americas (pdf)
This document highlights the human rights violations (institutional and individual) of sexual minorities in the Americas.
Sexual Violence and its Consequences among Displaced Persons in Darfur and Chad
This briefing paper documents how the Sudanese security forces, including police deployed to protect displaced persons, and allied Janjaweed militias continue to commit rape and sexual violence on daily basis. Even as refugees in Chad, women and girls fleeing the violence in Darfur continued to face the risk of rape and assault by civilians or militia members when collecting water, fuel or animal fodder near the border.
"The long-standing civil conflict in the Shan States of Burma is investigated as a contributing cause to the trafficking of ethnic Shan women and girls into the Southeast Asian sex industry, and to the subsequent high rates of HIV infection found among these women. The context of chronic human rights abuses in the Shan states is explored, as well as the effects of recent forced population transfers on the part of the Burmese Military Regime."
So Much to Fear: War Crimes and the Devastation of Somalia (pdf)
A Human Rights Watch report on the human rights violations being committed in the ongoing conflict in Somalia. It studies the conflict since late 2006, when the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) came to the aid to Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to overthrow the Islamic Courts Union (ICU). The report also includes several recommendations to the parties, as well as the African and European Unions, and the United Nations.
The Crushing Burden of Rape: Sexual Violence in Darfur
This report offers a glimpse into the ongoing violence against women in Darfur and includes statistics and short stories from survivors. It concludes by giving recommendations for stopping the rapes in Darfur and in the conflicts throughout the world.
The Impact of Conflict on Women and Girls in West and Central Africa and the UNICEF response (pdf)
"This first-of-its-kind study by UNICEF on the situation of war-affected girls and women in the region highlights innovative programmes being implemented with partners to address the impact of conflict, and recommends how UNICEF can more proactively champion the rights of girls - particularly adolescent girls."
The Invisible Exodus: North Koreans in the People's Republic of China.
This report presents a comprehensive overview of this human rights disaster, grounded in first-hand accounts of North Koreans who escaped to the South, and humanitarian workers who aided them and many less fortunate. It examines the complex and harrowing decision of migrants to leave, an illegal act often deemed tantamount to treason; the months and even years of hiding in China; the desperate circumstances that lead women to sell themselves as sexual companions; and the vulnerability these migrants have that open them to every and any abuse.
The Right to Survive: Sexual Violence, Women and HIV/AIDS
This report describes the unparalleled situation experienced by women who were raped and infected with HIV/AIDS during the Rwandan genocide.
We'll Kill You If You Cry: Sexual Violence in Sierra Leone Conflict
The report presents evidence of horrific abuses against women and girls in every region of Sierra Leone by the rebel Revolutionary United Front (RUF), as well as other rebel, government and international peacekeeping forces. The report is based on hundreds of interviews with victims, witnesses and officials, details crimes of sexual violence committed primarily by soldiers of various rebel forces —the RUF, the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), and the West Side Boys. The report also examines sexual violence by government forces and militias, as well as international peacekeepers.
Women at the Edge: Colombian Refugees in Ecuador (pdf)
"The study looks at the differential impact of armed conflict on women and men. Women in Colombia represent more than half of the total displaced population and suffer the consequences of conflict to a higher degree putting them in a more vulnerable situation than men. This study analyzes the situation of women that are legally recognized as refugees as well as the experiences of women who have been pressured to migrate by army movements because of their country situation." This publication is printed in Spanish.
Women in Mongolia: Mapping Progress under Transition
This publication tells of Mongolian women's experiences in the context of the political and economic transformation of their country. It shares reports of women encouraged to bear many children, inadequate health care or resources, and high rates of maternal mortality. Recommendations informed through case studies are presented for improving their social and economic status and increasing their political participation.
This report covers many areas of concern, from the gender dimensions of violence and displacement during conflict to the role of peacekeepers and the need for women to play a central part during peace negotiations and reconstruction. Key recommendations focus on finding ways to protect and empower women.
Racial/ethnic violence
American Indians and Crime: A BJS Statistical Profile, 1992-2002 (pdf)
"A summary of data on American Indians in the criminal justice system and reports the rates and characteristics of violent crimes experienced by American Indians. This report updates a previous BJS report, American Indians and Crime, published in 1999. The findings include the involvement of alcohol, drugs, and weapons in violence against Indians. The report describes victim-offender relationships, the race of those involved in violence against Indians, and the rate of reporting to police by victims. It discusses the rates of arrest, suspect investigations and charges filed, and incarceration of Indians for violent crimes."
American Indians and Suicide: A Neglected Area of Research
"Published studies indicate that American Indians experience the highest rate of suicide of all ethnic groups in the United States. This article synthesizes the epidemiology and risk factors associated with suicide among American Indians, barriers to research, prevention, mental-health services, and recommendations for research and practice."
Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Victims of Crime (pdf)
"This report focuses on the victimization experiences of Asians, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders in the United States. It examines nonfatal and fatal violent victimization and property victimization. It also includes comparisons between the victimization of Asians, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders and other racial or ethnic groups, as well as information on victimization trends."
Bibliography of Sexual and Domestic Violence in the Jewish Community (pdf)
"In addition to providing a list of organizations working on this issue, this bibliography lists the following types of resources: Periodicals; Books; Journal Articles; Newspaper Articles; Newsletter Articles; and Directories."
Dowry and Its Link to Violence Against Women in India
"This article conducts a feminist psychological analysis of the dowry phenomenon, its link to domestic violence against women, and the role of the perpetrators. Existing and new explanations of the dowry system and its ramifications are explored. Psychologically based interventions and the implications of dowry related violence in the larger context of Asian Indians living in North America and the United Kingdom are discussed."
Gender Approaches in Conflict and Post-Conflict Situations (pdf)
This manual aims to increase effectiveness of humanitarian and recovery interventions through integration of a gender perspective in conflict and post-conflict situations. It includes a chart to depict different levels of possible gender violence dimensions along the timeline of pre-conflict and post-conflict.
Gender Dimensions of Racial Discrimination (pdf)
This publication produced by the United Nations describes gender and racial discrimination women face and the efforts to combat it with recommendations of action.
This report is generated from a two-day meeting held in Seattle February 7 – 8, 2004 by an ad-hoc INCITE! Community Accountability in Organizations Working Group. This group specifically gathered to address gender oppression including patriarchical political and work environments, sexual harassment, domestic violence, and sexual assault committed against women/girls/women-identified persons of color within progressive, radical and revolutionary people of color organizations and movement.
Global War and Violence: Implications for US Social Workers
The Center for Victims of Torture has published a curriculum for social work instructors who want to prepare their students to work with torture survivors and war-traumatized refugees.
Honor Killings: An Islamic Perspective
Discussion of honor killings how the prevailing view that devalues and belittles women is derived from sociocultural factors that are justified by a distorted and erroneous interpretation of religion, especially of Islam.
This report details 173 incidents of rape and other forms of sexual violence, involving 625 girls and women, committed by Burmese army troops in Shan State, mostly between 1996 and 2001. The report reveals that the Burmese military regime is allowing its troops systematically and on a widespread scale to commit rape with impunity in order to terrorize and subjugate the ethnic peoples of Shan State. The report illustrates there is a strong case that war crimes and crimes against humanity, in the form of sexual violence, have occurred and continue to occur in Shan State.
Pakistan: Honor Killings of Girls and Women
January 1999. First Amnesty International report ever to focus on human rights violations not committed by government agents. Reveals that hundreds of women in Pakistan are murdered each year in the name of "honor." Offers recommendations for discouraging "honor killings."
Report on the Taliban's War Against Women
Released November 17, 2001. Includes an Executive Summary, information on the Taliban's War Against Women; quotes by and about women in Afghanistan; and electronic resources on women in Afghanistan.
Routinely Targeted: Attacks on Civilians in Somalia
"The report documents sexual violence and killing of Somali civilians by Ethiopian troops, militias, and Transitional Federal Government (TFG) forces."
So Much to Fear: War Crimes and the Devastation of Somalia (pdf)
A Human Rights Watch report on the human rights violations being committed in the ongoing conflict in Somalia. It studies the conflict since late 2006, when the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) came to the aid to Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to overthrow the Islamic Courts Union (ICU). The report also includes several recommendations to the parties, as well as the African and European Unions, and the United Nations.
The Impact of Hate Violence on Victims: Emotional and Behavioral Responses to Attacks
From Social Work, May 1994, pp. 247-251, posted by the National Asssociation of Social Workers. This study explored the nature of hate attacks and victims' responses to them. The sample consisted of 59 victims and included black, white, and Southeast Asian people. Data were obtained through focus group meetings, individual interviews, and questionnaires. More than half of the victims reported experiencing a series of attacks rather than a single attack. Anger, fear, and sadness were the emotional responses most frequently reported by victims. About one-third of the victims reported behavioral responses such as moving from the neighborhood or purchasing a gun. The responses of hate violence victims were similar to those of victims of other types of personal crime. Implications for social work intervention are discussed.
The Right to Survive: Sexual Violence, Women and HIV/AIDS
This report describes the unparalleled situation experienced by women who were raped and infected with HIV/AIDS during the Rwandan genocide.
Violence against Women – Facts and Figures (pdf)
"This article provides facts and figures on violence against women to illustrate the devastating toll on women’s lives, on their families, and on society as a whole."
"This article explores a hidden yet pervasive form of violence that marks the lives of young women from racialized immigrant communities in western Canada. The article suggests that racism constitutes a significant form of structural violence experienced by these young women. The author argues for an intersectional analysis that takes into consideration their heightened vulnerability to systemic and institutional forms of violence."
War Related Sexual Violence in Sierra Leone (pdf)
This study is one of the first to scientifically document the extent of sexual violence as a result of war. This population based assessment of war-related sexual violence and other human rights abuses in Sierra Leone, indicate that combatants have committed widespread human rights abuses and international crimes against internally displaced persons in Sierra Leone.
Religious violence
Global War and Violence: Implications for US Social Workers
The Center for Victims of Torture has published a curriculum for social work instructors who want to prepare their students to work with torture survivors and war-traumatized refugees.
Honor Killings: An Islamic Perspective
Discussion of honor killings how the prevailing view that devalues and belittles women is derived from sociocultural factors that are justified by a distorted and erroneous interpretation of religion, especially of Islam.
Human Rights Dialogue: Violence Against Women (pdf)
This special edition of the magazine explores how women's advocates are challenging the public/private divide, the cultural and religious objections to granting women's rights, and the common blindness to linkages between violence against women and the deprivation of other rights, specifically economic and social rights.
Pakistan: Honor Killings of Girls and Women
January 1999. First Amnesty International report ever to focus on human rights violations not committed by government agents. Reveals that hundreds of women in Pakistan are murdered each year in the name of "honor." Offers recommendations for discouraging "honor killings."
Report on the Taliban's War Against Women
Released November 17, 2001. Includes an Executive Summary, information on the Taliban's War Against Women; quotes by and about women in Afghanistan; and electronic resources on women in Afghanistan.
Violence against Women – Facts and Figures (pdf)
"This article provides facts and figures on violence against women to illustrate the devastating toll on women’s lives, on their families, and on society as a whole."
Systemic/legal violence
Gender Approaches in Conflict and Post-Conflict Situations (pdf)
This manual aims to increase effectiveness of humanitarian and recovery interventions through integration of a gender perspective in conflict and post-conflict situations. It includes a chart to depict different levels of possible gender violence dimensions along the timeline of pre-conflict and post-conflict.
This report intends to improve international and local capacities when addressing gender-based violence in refugee, internally-displaced and conflict settings.
Helping Children Cope with the Stresses of War: A Manual for Parents and Teachers (pdf)
"A tool for parents and teachers in helping children cope with the stresses of war and other forms of systematic violence. This book provides illustrative drawings by children portraying experiences of stress. Guidelines on handling problematic behaviors with which children of various ages respond to stress are also provided."
Just Die Quietly: Domestic Violence and Women's Vulnerability to HIV in Uganda
The accounts in this report reveal that Ugandan women are becoming infected with HIV, and will eventually die of AIDS, because the state is failing to protect them from domestic violence. The report informs us that HIV/AIDS programs focusing on fidelity, abstinence, and condom use do not account for the ways in which domestic violence inhibits women's control over sexual matters in marriage. The report urges the Ugandan government to enact domestic violence legislation, and to make women's health, physical integrity, and equal rights in marriage a central focus of AIDS programming.
This report details 173 incidents of rape and other forms of sexual violence, involving 625 girls and women, committed by Burmese army troops in Shan State, mostly between 1996 and 2001. The report reveals that the Burmese military regime is allowing its troops systematically and on a widespread scale to commit rape with impunity in order to terrorize and subjugate the ethnic peoples of Shan State. The report illustrates there is a strong case that war crimes and crimes against humanity, in the form of sexual violence, have occurred and continue to occur in Shan State.
Lives Blown Apart: Crimes Against Women in Times of Conflict
This report attempts to explore some of the underlying reasons for this violence. Evidence gathered by Amnesty International in recent years supports the view that conflict reinforces and exacerbates existing patterns of discrimination and violence against women.
More Than A Name: State Sponsored Homophobia and Its Consequences in Southern Africa (pdf)
This report evaluates the effects of State-sponsored homophobia on the human rights of sexual and gender minorities in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Progress of the World's Women 2000
UNIFEM's first issue in the biennial investigation of progress made towards a world where women live free from violence, poverty and inequality. Topics covered include women's economic security and rights, engendering governance and leadership and promoting women's human rights.
Progress of the World's Women 2002, Volume 2: Gender Equality and the Millennium Development Goals
This is the second edition of a biennial publication to track and measure the world's commitment to gender equality. It examines progress for women, or the lack of it, in education, literacy, non-agricultural wage employment and parliamentary representation.
Report on the Taliban's War Against Women
Released November 17, 2001. Includes an Executive Summary, information on the Taliban's War Against Women; quotes by and about women in Afghanistan; and electronic resources on women in Afghanistan.
Sexual Orientation and Human Rights in the Americas (pdf)
This document highlights the human rights violations (institutional and individual) of sexual minorities in the Americas.
Sexual Victimization in Indian Country: Barriers and Resources for Native Women Seeking Help
This paper summarizes the barriers facing and resources available to American Indian victims of sexual victimization, with a focus on systemic barriers found in the organizations and communities most likely to serve native women. Additionally, the paper reviews how an understanding of these issues can enhance services and help eliminate violence against future generations of American Indian women.
Stolen Sisters: Discrimination and Violence Against Indigenous Women in Canada
This report examines the role of discrimination in acts of violence carried out against Indigenous women in Canadian towns and cities. This discrimination takes the form both of overt cultural prejudice and of implicit or systemic biases in the policies and actions of government officials and agencies, or of society as a whole. This discrimination has played out in policies and practices that have helped put Indigenous women in harm’s way and in the failure to provide Indigenous women the protection from violence that is every woman’s human right.
The Impact of Armed Conflict on Women and Girls (pdf)
This report of a consultative meeting is intended to contribute to the United Nations study on the Impact of Armed Conflict on Women and Girls, requested by the United Nations Security Council. This report reflects the purpose of the meeting which was twofold: first, to examine and explore the impact of armed conflict on women and girls; and, second, to formulate strategies and tools to ensure that reproductive health programmes accurately reflect this population’s needs, specifically by addressing them through a comprehensive, gendersensitive approach.
The Right to Survive: Sexual Violence, Women and HIV/AIDS
This report describes the unparalleled situation experienced by women who were raped and infected with HIV/AIDS during the Rwandan genocide.
The War Within the War: Sexual Violence Against Women and Girls in Eastern Congo
This report documents the frequent and sometimes systematic use of rape and other forms of sexual violence in the Rwandan-occupied areas of eastern Congo. This report focuses on crimes of sexual violence committed by soldiers and other combatants. But rape and other sexual crimes are not just carried out by armed factions but also increasingly by police and others in positions of authority and power, and by opportunistic common criminals and bandits, taking advantage of the prevailing climate of impunity and the culture of violence against women and girls.
Trapped by Inequality: Bhutanese Refugee Women in Nepal
Following investigations of sexual exploitation and abuse by aid workers in refugee camps in West Africa, several cases of sexual exploitation involving refugee aid workers surfaced in Nepal in October 2002. This report highlights not only the hardship of life in refugee camps, but also the injustice of gender-based violence and discrimination for Bhutanese refugee women in Nepal.
"This article explores a hidden yet pervasive form of violence that marks the lives of young women from racialized immigrant communities in western Canada. The article suggests that racism constitutes a significant form of structural violence experienced by these young women. The author argues for an intersectional analysis that takes into consideration their heightened vulnerability to systemic and institutional forms of violence."
We'll Kill You If You Cry: Sexual Violence in Sierra Leone Conflict
The report presents evidence of horrific abuses against women and girls in every region of Sierra Leone by the rebel Revolutionary United Front (RUF), as well as other rebel, government and international peacekeeping forces. The report is based on hundreds of interviews with victims, witnesses and officials, details crimes of sexual violence committed primarily by soldiers of various rebel forces —the RUF, the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), and the West Side Boys. The report also examines sexual violence by government forces and militias, as well as international peacekeepers.
Women at the Edge: Colombian Refugees in Ecuador (pdf)
"The study looks at the differential impact of armed conflict on women and men. Women in Colombia represent more than half of the total displaced population and suffer the consequences of conflict to a higher degree putting them in a more vulnerable situation than men. This study analyzes the situation of women that are legally recognized as refugees as well as the experiences of women who have been pressured to migrate by army movements because of their country situation." This publication is printed in Spanish.
Women in Mongolia: Mapping Progress under Transition
This publication tells of Mongolian women's experiences in the context of the political and economic transformation of their country. It shares reports of women encouraged to bear many children, inadequate health care or resources, and high rates of maternal mortality. Recommendations informed through case studies are presented for improving their social and economic status and increasing their political participation.
This report shares findings garnered from a series of interviews held with a diverse group of women from throughout the Gulf region. In telling their stories, it provides an analysis of women's increased vulnerability during times of natural disasters and lays out policy recommendations that pinpoint how best to address those needs in the wake of this disaster, and in anticipation of the next.
This report covers many areas of concern, from the gender dimensions of violence and displacement during conflict to the role of peacekeepers and the need for women to play a central part during peace negotiations and reconstruction. Key recommendations focus on finding ways to protect and empower women.
Terrorism
So Much to Fear: War Crimes and the Devastation of Somalia (pdf)
A Human Rights Watch report on the human rights violations being committed in the ongoing conflict in Somalia. It studies the conflict since late 2006, when the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) came to the aid to Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to overthrow the Islamic Courts Union (ICU). The report also includes several recommendations to the parties, as well as the African and European Unions, and the United Nations.
Update on global trends in trauma
This review updates the recent trends in trauma with emphasis on the causes and manifestations of trauma on a global scale.
Peacemaking
This study was developed to inform programming and advocacy within the context of UNIFEM programming, and builds on country-level visits conducted in early 2007. The study looks at five areas of intervention: peacebuilding and conflict resolution initiatives, reconciliation mechanisms, increasing access to justice, access to support services, and conflict monitoring systems. These sections examine the barriers women face and highlights examples of women’s successful engagement in peacebuilding at the community level.