Laws and Policies

This guide examines the use of polygraph tests and other truth-telling devices (sometimes called “lie-detector tests”) in sexual assault investigations. It is meant to support the Violence Against Women Act and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (VAWA 2005) provision that truth-telling devices must not be used with sexual assault victims as a condition of charging or prosecution of an offense. This guide examines special issues relevant to using truth-telling devices with sexual assault victims.

This manual contains a variety of information around understanding the federal legislative process, including action tools such as tips for meeting with your legislator.

Publish Date

2008

This protocol was designed as a guide for criminal justice and health care practitioners who respond to victims of sexual assault.

 A National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations: Adults/Adolescents

Publish Date

2004

"This monograph will explore different psychological and behavioral responses to sexual violence and why these responses appear to be 'counterintuitive' to the general public."

Publish Date

2007

This report published by the Justice Policy Institute explores the negative impact that state compliance with the Adam Walsh Act will have on youth, communities, and states. Registering Harm: How Sex Offense Registries Fail Youth Communities

Publish Date

2008

This report presents information on the consequences of rape and sexual assault for female victims. The study provides the percentages of completed rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault of females that were reported to the police in 1992-2000. The report provides the percentage of victims that were injured and treated from a completed rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault. It presents the percentage of those who reported to the police, and the percentage of those victims who received treatment and whose victimization was reported to the police.

This resource provides information on Public Law 280, a substantial transfer of jurisdiction from the federal government to the states in Indian Country and its impact on victims of crime.

Public Law 280: Issues and Concerns for Victims of Crime in Indian Country

Publish Date

2004

This report explains the laws enacted in different states to afford victims of crime privileged communication with their counselor.  Privacy of Victims’ Counseling Communications

Publish Date

2002

The second volume for this NSVRC publication! Featured inside: Talking to Men About Rape, Blind Reporting, VAWNet, Coalition Spotlight... and more.

Publish Date

Fall/Winter 2001

The fifth volume for this NSVRC publication! Featured inside: A Trip to the Rape Capital of the World, OCR Issues Decision in Harvard "Corroboration Rule" Case, Focus on Clergy Misconduct. Putting a Face to Rape. Six Elements to Public Advocacy . . . and more

Publish Date

Spring/Summer 2003