Networks: Summer/Fall 2006

Despite knowing that law enforcement officers are often the first officials to encounter victims in distress, they have not always recognized the importance of these interactions. Many victims do not report crimes because they do not believe they will be treated well. Learn how the FBI has transformed with the creation of its Office for Victim Assistance. Also in this issue: explore how to better support victims with disabilities and see what role victim compensation plays in state support systems.

Networks: Summer/Fall 2005

Where do offenders with persistent mental illness belong in the criminal justice system? Explore the innovative systems some jurisdictions are using with this often marginalized population and find out what it means for victims and victim advocates. Also in this issue: learn about citizen lobbying and how to make your voice heard, and see why the National Center's first National Conference has drawn raves.

Networks: Winter/Spring 2005

Each year 600,000 to 800,000 men, women, and children are trafficked across international borders in an illegal trade estimated to be worth seven billion dollars. Learn about the scope of the problem in the United States and how your agency can help identify and assist victims of this insidious form of slavery. Also in this issue: learn about investigating funding sources and effective ways to raise funds, and hear from reporter Kate Bramson, winner of the 2004 Dart Award for Excellence in Reporting on Victims of Violence.

Networks: Spring/Summer 2004

Traditionally thought of only as harmful, vicarious trauma is proving to have beneficial effects as well. Our cover article explores what most of us believe, but seldom express: supporting victims of crime can greatly enrich our professional and personal lives. Also in this issue: David Kennedy proposes a challenging new framework for the treatment of domestic violence by law enforcement, and the National Center presents a summary of its groundbreaking new report on our nation's system of victim compensation.

Networks: Fall/Winter 2004

Less likely to report crimes against them than any other age group, teens are particularly reluctant to report violence they experience from a dating partner. In this issue, NETWORKS details barriers to reporting teen dating violence, explores how several programs are addressing this crime, and reports on the alarming incidence of campus dating violence. Also featured are an illuminating depiction of PTSD and the challenges facing immigrant stalking victims. 

Networks: Summer 2003

In the wake of a tragic murder, an extraordinary family, Lifetime Television, and the National Center for Victims of Crime brought this urgent issue to Capitol Hill, highlighting more effective strategies for law enforcement and supporting a resolution for National Stalking Awareness Month. Summaries of civil cases illustrate how more and more stalking victims are successfully pursuing civil lawsuits against their stalkers and other responsible parties.

Networks: Winter/Spring 2003

As law enforcement continues to apply DNA testing with increasing sophistication, the new technology is revolutionizing evidence collection and having a profound impact on victims and those who support them.

Networks: Summer/Fall 2002

The numbers of men who report having been sexually abused varies by study—anywhere from one in twelve to one in six. It can be reasonably said, however, that for most male victims of sexual abuse, recovery is either never started or is stalled after initial attempts to begin the healing process. Before reaching out to men, victim service providers need to understand the formidable barriers that men must overcome to enter into the recovery process.

Networks: Winter/Spring 2002

NETWORKS spoke with victim service providers who responded to the terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, DC, and to the Oklahoma City bombing. In this issue of NETWORKS, they share their first-hand experiences and the lessons of these tragedies for the larger victim service community. Among varying experiences reported and despite the huge scope of these crimes, one theme emerged over and over: Traditional principles of victim assistance work. As with victims of robbery, rape, identity theft, or domestic violence, victims of terrorist acts need crisis support and practical assistance to rebuild their lives. This is what victim serice providers do every day.