Many survivors of domestic violence have criminal records due to coerced criminal acts experienced at the hands of their partner. Survivors with a criminal record face significant challenges in accessing employment and achieving economic security. This tool is designed to help survivors better understand their employment rights, and offers tips and resources as they prepare for the job search process.

Every October, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and other organizations across the country take time to raise awareness about the 12 million women and men who are victims of domestic violence each year in the United States. Throughout the month, advocates mobilize to mourn the lives lost to domestic violence, celebrate domestic violence prevention and intervention efforts, and connect to a community that collectively strives for the safety and wellbeing of all its citizens.

This resource from the U.S. Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services summarizes findings and evidence from various reviews of studies and program evaluations to help stakeholders address childhood exposure to violence and improve outcomes for children, families, and communities.

The Family Violence Prevention and Services Program, a Division of the Family and Youth Services Bureau in the Administration for Children and Families, provides support for domestic violence programs across the nation. It also supports the National Domestic Violence Hotline, a tool used for victims of domestic violence to reach out for help.

February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and unfortunately, 1 in 10 American teenagers suffers physical violence at the hands of a boyfriend or girlfriend; many others are sexually or emotionally abused. The Family Violence Prevention and Services Program (FVPSA) has provided a 2015 Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month events calendar. In addition to attending events this month, please take an opportunity to share and explore the following online resources, starting with the FVPSA website and LoveisRespect.org. Additionally, the National Criminal Justice Reference Service has posted a "Special Feature: Teen Dating Violence", a compilation of publications and resources to support teen dating violence prevention.

This article summarizes a Michigan study that surveyed battered women’s experiences with their TANF caseworkers around intimate partner violence (IPV) discussion and safety planning. Battered women were asked a series of questions surveying the experience level of the worker. Results from the report concluded that trained workers were more likely than untrained workers to discuss the women’s fear and physical harm and to help them develop a safety plan. In addition, trained workers were generally perceived as more helpful.

This Crime Victims' Institute resource describes the strengths and limitations of several intimate partner violence (IPV) risk assessment instruments, including the Danger Assessment and Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment. In addition, it summarizes a few studies that examined the predictive validity of various risk assessment instruments. Finally, it describes how risk assessment instruments are being used as part of IPV response protocols by first responders in certain States.

The Maryland Network against Domestic Violence (MNADV) site provides an overview of the Lethality Assessment Program—Maryland Model (LAP). It also includes information about implementation of the model nationally. Created by MNADV in 2005, LAP is based on the Danger Assessment, a protocol created by Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell. Together with LAP, service providers use a tool called the Lethality Screen for First Responders -- an evidence-based series of questions -- used to assess an individual suspected of being in danger. Jurisdictions in at least 31 States have implemented LAP.

The Region VI State TANF Meeting: Building a Path to Family Stability, convened by the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance, took place on September 23 - 25, 2014 in Dallas, Texas. The meeting brought together TANF program directors, stakeholders, and State administrators to learn strategies, engage in dialogue, and build linkages with peers to improve program outcomes and promote economic and social well-being for individuals, children, and families. Specific topics covered during the meeting included: moving towards evidence-based practices; engaging non-custodial parents to improve child and family outcomes; improving effective programming for families facing homelessness; working with victims of family violence; and addressing the needs of rural TANF participants.

This resource packet contains guidance on integrating safety planning into policies, programs, and program evaluations. In addition, this packet of resources was compiled to guide advocates, systems practitioners, and policymakers on innovative thinking about the safety of women in surrounding communities. The resource offers a broadened perspective on safety evaluation for battered women and their children.