Justice Department Honors Research Team With Crime Victims Research Award

           WASHINGTON – The Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime, a division of the Office of Justice Programs, presented the Crime Victims Research Award to the Polyvictimization Demonstration Initiative Team. The National Crime Victims’ Service Awards category honors individual researchers or teams that significantly contribute to the nation’s understanding of crime victim issues.

          “The Polyvictimization Demonstration Initiative Team is helping to build a critical body of evidence-based knowledge and statistical information about ‘polyvictims,’ those who tragically have experienced multiple types of violence,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “This knowledge is invaluable in gaining a comprehensive understanding of a victim’s needs and vulnerabilities, based on a lifetime of experiences, and it is enabling service providers to get victims the help they need in the most effective way possible.”

          The team conducted research that led to development and implementation of the Polyvictimization Assessment Tool. The tool helps service providers evaluate trauma experienced by victims of multiple crimes. It increases providers’ understanding of the impact multiple types of crimes, and exposure to violence, has on victims. It also helps channel resources to where they are most needed.

          Research to develop the tool involved the review of hundreds of intake forms from many community-based organizations across the United States and Europe, and the assistance of six Family Justice Centers. The FJC model calls for co-located multidisciplinary teams to assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other crimes.

          “We are grateful for the thoughtful work undertaken by this extraordinary team of researchers,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “Victims of crime, many of whom have experienced more than one kind of trauma, will be better served thanks to their invaluable contributions.”

          The Department’s Office for Victims of Crime, a component of OJP, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights. President Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, calling for greater sensitivity to the rights and needs of victims. This year’s observance took place April 19-25 and featured the theme, “Seek Justice | Ensure Victims’ Rights | Inspire Hope.” The award recipients were honored privately and virtually with friends, family and Office of Justice Programs leadership.