Summary:

Cyberstalking involves repeated use of technology to contact and harass someone else, causing them to fear for their safety. Cyberstalking is a form of cyberbullying which occurs when someone uses technology to demean, inflict harm, or cause pain to another person through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices. Both are common among teens. What is the impact of cyberstalking and cyberbullying on teens? What can teachers and schools do to prevent or reduce their incidence? How do you report cyberstalking and cyberbullying? What laws are in place to protect teens?

Summary:

Drunk, drugged, or distracted drivers are more likely to cause traffic crashes and cause harm or death. Drugged driving is increasing due to the opioid crisis, the prevalence of prescription drugs, and the laws legalizing recreational marijuana use. Distracted driving—engaging in other activities while driving—is increasingly common. How can victim service providers best provide services to survivors, families, and friends following an impaired driving incident?

Summary:

Given the positive effects on survivors, many victim service providers have added or are considering adding a professionally trained facility dog to their programs. During this session, experts provide practical information about how you can incorporate a courthouse facility dog into your Child Advocacy Center, District Attorney’s Office, Family Courts, Tribal Courts, or other direct victim service programs. Learn how these highly trained facility dogs can work alongside victim service and law enforcement professionals to provide emotional support and positive interactions with children and other survivors. Discover the training required to become a facility dog handler and find accredited assistance dog organizations through Assistance Dogs International.

Summary:

The International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program (ITVERP) is a unique federal program that provides financial reimbursement to victims of international terrorism and their families for expenses related to medical and mental health care, funeral and burial, repatriation of the victim’s remains, property loss, and miscellaneous expenses such as emergency travel. Eligible victims include U.S. citizens and foreign nationals working for the U.S. Government at the time of the terrorist act who suffer direct physical or emotional injury from an act of terrorism while outside the United States.

ITVERP is funded through the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve (the Emergency Reserve), a component of the Crime Victims Fund (the Fund). The Fund is financed by fines, penalties, and forfeitures paid by convicted federal criminal offenders as well as gifts, donations, and private bequests; it does not use tax dollars. This session provides an overview of ITVERP and provides an example of a typical claim and the process for responding to claims.

Summary:

This Q&A session, presented by staff from the U.S. Department of Justice National Elder Fraud Hotline To Assist Victims of Financial Fraud, provides examples of common types of financial fraud that occur among the older adult population, along with tips on how to identify a scam. Presenters also provide ideas for caregivers to help identify when an older adult may be experiencing a fraudulent situation and how to address it with the older adult.

Summary:

What does a community do when one day they experience a mass shooting and the next day the same community is hit with a devastating tornado? Preparing a comprehensive response to incidents of mass violence or terrorism includes planning for the possibility that an incident could occur when another community crisis is taking place, such as a natural disaster or health response. While all communities have natural disaster response plans and some are prepared for incidents of mass violence and terrorism, we seldom consider that a co-response (responding to two incidents at the same time) may be necessary. This session discusses some of the points of consideration when creating a co-response plan, including suggestions and challenges.

Summary:

This session provides information on understanding sexual assault reporting options in the military, in addition to immediate and long-term support services available to survivors. This session ensures that sexual assault victim advocates have a better understanding of potential gaps in services, as well as assistance, support, and interventions available to victims.

Summary:

Non-fatal strangulation is an insidious form of violence that often goes unreported. This session is an opportunity for advocates, law enforcement, and other allied professionals to increase their awareness and understanding about the serious health, neurological, and emotional effects of non-fatal strangulation within the context of domestic violence and sexual assault. Victims of non-fatal strangulation are at higher risk of death, so it is essential for those working with victims to recognize possible indicators of strangulation injuries and understand the critical importance of referring for medical assistance, even when no visible injuries are present.

Summary:

Launched in March 2020 and managed by OVC, the hotline is available to assist older adults who may be victims of financial fraud in reporting fraud to the appropriate agencies. As a result of the session, participants will be able to identify services available to victims through the hotline and identify resources and approaches for referring potential victims of financial fraud for additional support.

Summary:

In this session, participants will learn about strategies to recognize and respond to work-related trauma exposure and how this exposure may impact successful working relationships with victims of crime in their communities. The session also highlights resources available to first responders to address secondary traumatic stress and vicarious trauma.