Specific Information on Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is one of the most underreported crimes in the United States and includes a wide range of unwanted behaviors that are attempted or completed against a victim's will or when a victim cannot consent because of age, disability, or the influence of alcohol or drugs. Sexual assault can have devastating effects that can last a lifetime. According to the National Violence Against Women Survey, 1 in 6 American women has been the victim of a completed or attempted sexual assault during her lifetime. In addition to the immediate trauma, victims face the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. Long-term mental health effects can include depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, yet many victims do not report.

In cases where victims do report, few cases make it through the criminal justice system. NIJ is particularly interested in applications that build on existing research and address the following issues:

Sexual violence in underserved groups. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that examine sexual violence experienced by women from diverse backgrounds. Such an examination might address one or more of the following factors: racial or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, cognitive or physical ability, homeless status, or employment history. NIJ is particularly interested in studies of victimization rates, reporting behaviors, service needs, and use of support services for these populations.

Reporting, processing, and attrition of sexual assault cases. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that examine potential barriers to reporting posed by the criminal justice system in communities or on campuses. NIJ is also interested in innovative initiatives that attempt to reduce or remove such barriers in both stranger and non-stranger cases. In addition, NIJ is interested in supporting studies that examine the relationship between specialized investigation or prosecution units, victim/perpetrator/case characteristics and case attrition rates and outcomes.

Forensic Compliance. NIJ is interested in funding research that addresses the needs of victims and provides organizations with information that aids in their efforts to provide forensic exams to sexual assault victims. After implementation of the Violence Against Women Act some victims reported that they could receive a forensic medical exam only if they planned to cooperate with law enforcement and/or pay for the cost of the exam. Federal STOP grant program eligibility provisions enacted in 2006, however, have the effect of requiring participating States to incur the full out-of-pocket cost of forensic medical exams to victims of sexual assault without the requirements for participation in the criminal justice system or cooperation with law enforcement (see 42 U.S.C. § 3796gg-4).
 
NIJ seeks to fund a multi-site gap analysis to examine law enforcement, prosecution, healthcare, and advocacy adherence to the requirements of this Act. Applicants may limit their estimates to specific geographical areas (e.g. three or more local jurisdictions, a single state or multiple states). Questions include but are not limited to:

• Are some victims still being charged either directly or indirectly for the cost of a forensic medical exam?
• Are victims still being required to cooperate with law enforcement in order to receive a forensic medical exam?
• Do policies and practices related to the maintenance of rape kits vary based on victims’ intent to report?
• How are states working toward implementing changes to their policies and procedures to ensure that the needs of sexual assault victims are being addressed (e.g., the provision of training or awareness programs)?

Read Full Solicitation.
 
 
Karen.Bachar@usdoj.gov.
For assistance with any other requirement of this solicitation, contact: for sexual violence, Karen Bachar, Social Science Analyst, at 202–514–4403 or by e-mail to