Safety and Security

Operations Division

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

A grant from the [Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC)] (http://cjcc.georgia.gov/about-cjcc) made this site possible.

In 1994, the U.S. Congress enacted the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), a comprehensive legislative package focused on violence against women. VAWA recognized the devastating consequences that violence has on women, families, and society as a whole. VAWA also acknowledged that violence against women requires specialized responses to address unique barriers that prevent victims from seeking assistance from the justice system.

The U.S. Congress reauthorized VAWA in 2000, 2005, 2013, and 2022 in order to continue the movement in preventing and responding to violent acts against women. The University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents is committed to supporting programing and resources for the USG campus communities to combat violence against women on our college campuses. This site has been developed to offer students, faculty, counselors and law enforcement referrals for victim assistance and education about crime.

The Violence Against Women Steering Committee was formed to identify practices for preventing and responding to violent acts against women. The VAWA Steering Committee is comprised of members of the USG community to include women’s center counselors, public safety administrators, licensed psychologists, student affairs executives, and student housing directors. In addition, the VAWA Steering Committee also includes members of the greater Georgia community; local prosecutors and prevention network representatives. The Steering Committee meets throughout the year to discuss the challenges that campuses across the University System of Georgia face in combating violence against women. Each challenge discussed is met with suggested solutions for campus-based personnel to enact at their institution.

  • For Students

    Domestic Violence

    Georgia Coalition Against Violence – The mission of the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (GCADV) is to support its member programs to achieve safety and justice for domestic violence victims. Crisis line: 1-800-33-HAVEN (4-2836)
    http://www.gcadv.org

    National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) – The Mission of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) is to organize for collective power by advancing transformative work, thinking and leadership of communities and individuals working to end the violence in our lives. Phone: 303-839-1852; TTY: 303-839-8459; Fax: 303-831-9251
    Email: mainoffice@ncadv.org | http://www.ncadv.org/contactus.php

    Raksha – meaning “protection” in several South Asian languages – is a Georgia-based nonprofit organization for the South Asian Community. Raksha’s mission is to promote a stronger and healthier South Asian community through confidential support services, education, and advocacy. Guided by values of consensus in decision-making, diversity in leadership, and the dignity and worth of every individual, Raksha strives to empower and serve the South Asian community.
    Call Raksha toll free: 1-866-725-7423; Office: 404-876-0670; Help Line: 404-842-0725
    http://www.raksha.org

    United 4 Safety – To reduce the incidence of intimate partner violence within the LGBTQQI community by improving the community’s understanding of and response to intimate partner violence through education, training and resource development. HELPLINE: 404-200-5957 | http://www.united4safety.org

    Caminar Latino – The mission of Caminar Latino is to create possibilities for Latino families affected by violence to transform their lives and their communities.If you need help or know someone who needs help please call our information line: 404-413-6348
    http://www.caminarlatino.org

    Refugee Family Services – To support the efforts of refugee women and children to achieve self-sufficiency in the United States by providing education and economic opportunity. Open Mon - Thurs 8:30 am - 4:30pm
    phone: 404-299-6217 | http://www.refugeefamilyservices.org/index.php?/site/tp_about/

    loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline – loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline was launched in February 2007 with help from founding sponsor, Liz Clairborne Inc. It is a national 24-hour resource that can be accessed by phone or the internet, specifically designed for teens and young adults. The Helpline and loveisrespect.org offer real-time one-on-one support from trained Peer Advocates. Managed by the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH), loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline operates from a call center in Austin, Texas.
    1-866-331-9474, or TTY 1-866-331-8453
    http://www.loveisrespect.org

    Stalking

    The Stalking Resource Center – The Stalking Resource Center is a program of the National Center for Victims of Crime. Launched in July 2000, with initial funding from the Office on Violence Against Women of the U.S. Department of Justice, our dual mission is to raise national awareness of stalking and to encourage the development and implementation of multidisciplinary responses to stalking in local communities across the country. http://www.ncvc.org/src/Main.aspx

    Betsy Ramsey – stalking expert and author of Stop the Stalker - A Guide for Targets. http://betsyramsey.com

    Sexual Assault

    GNESA – The Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault, is a non-profit coalition of sexual assault agencies and concerned individuals that share the common goal of ending sexual assault. We are a membership organization. Current membership includes 23 rape crisis centers, several supporting organizations, and individual members.
    404-815-5261 (Phone); 1-866-354-3672 (Toll Free)
    http://www.gnesa.org/about_GNESA/about.asp

    The National Sexual Violence Resource Center – The National Sexual Violence Resource Center serves as the nation’s principle information and resource center regarding all aspects of sexual violence. It provides national leadership, consultation and technical assistance by generating and facilitating the development and flow of information on sexual violence intervention and prevention strategies. The NSVRC works to address the causes and impact of sexual violence through collaboration, prevention efforts and the distribution of resources.
    717-909-0710 Phone; 717-909-0714 FAX; 717-909-0715 TTY; 877-739-3895 Toll Free
    http://www.nsvrc.org/contact/nsvrc

    RAINN – The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is the nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organization. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE and the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline at rainn.org, and publicizes the hotline’s free, confidential services; educates the public about sexual assault; and leads national efforts to prevent sexual assault, improve services to victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE
    http://www.rainn.org

    Other Allied Groups

    Men Stopping Violence – Men Stopping Violence is a social change organization dedicated to ending men’s violence against women.
    http://www.menstoppingviolence.org

    National Organization for Victim’s Assistance – NOVA’s mission is to promote rights and services for victims of crime and crisis everywhere. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1-800-TRY-NOVA (1-800-879-6682) or (703) 535-NOVA (6682)
    http://www.trynova.org

    GBI – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) serves to aid criminal justice and law enforcement officials throughout the state of Georgia with scientific, information and investigative services and resources.

    Georgia Sex Offender Database http://www.ganet.org/georgia-sex-offender-registry/

    Ahimsa House, Inc. – Perpetrators of domestic violence often hurt family pets to control and intimidate their victims. Ahimsa House, Inc. - a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization - is dedicated to helping the human and animal victims of domestic violence across Georgia reach safety together. “Ahimsa” is a Sanskrit word meaning non-violence.
    404-496-4038; 24-Hour Crisis Line: 404-452-6248 | http://www.ahimsahouse.org/contact/contact-us

  • For Faculty and Staff

    Domestic Violence

    Georgia Coalition Against Violence – The mission of the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (GCADV) is to support its member programs to achieve safety and justice for domestic violence victims.
    Crisis line: 1-800-33-HAVEN (4-2836) | http://www.gcadv.org

    National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) – The Mission of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) is to organize for collective power by advancing transformative work, thinking and leadership of communities and individuals working to end the violence in our lives.
    Phone: 303-839-1852; TTY: 303-839-8459; Fax: 303-831-9251
    Email: mainoffice@ncadv.org | http://www.ncadv.org/contactus.php

    Raksha – meaning “protection” in several South Asian languages – is a Georgia-based nonprofit organization for the South Asian Community. Raksha’s mission is to promote a stronger and healthier South Asian community through confidential support services, education, and advocacy. Guided by values of consensus in decision-making, diversity in leadership, and the dignity and worth of every individual, Raksha strives to empower and serve the South Asian community.
    Call Raksha toll free: 1-866-725-7423; Office: 404-876-0670; Help Line: 404-842-0725
    http://www.raksha.org

    United 4 Safety – To reduce the incidence of intimate partner violence within the LGBTQQI community by improving the community’s understanding of and response to intimate partner violence through education, training and resource development.
    HELPLINE: 404-200-5957 | http://www.united4safety.org

    Caminar Latino – The mission of Caminar Latino is to create possibilities for Latino families affected by violence to transform their lives and their communities.If you need help or know someone who needs help please call our information line: 404-413-6348 | http://www.caminarlatino.org

    Refugee Family Services – To support the efforts of refugee women and children to achieve self-sufficiency in the United States by providing education and economic opportunity. Open Mon - Thurs 8:30 am - 4:30pm
    phone: 404-299-6217 | http://www.refugeefamilyservices.org/index.php?/site/tp_about/

    loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline – loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline was launched in February 2007 with help from founding sponsor, Liz Clairborne Inc. It is a national 24-hour resource that can be accessed by phone or the internet, specifically designed for teens and young adults. The Helpline and loveisrespect.org offer real-time one-on-one support from trained Peer Advocates. Managed by the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH), loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline operates from a call center in Austin, Texas.
    1-866-331-9474, or TTY 1-866-331-8453 | http://www.loveisrespect.org

    Stalking

    The Stalking Resource Center – The Stalking Resource Center is a program of the National Center for Victims of Crime. Launched in July 2000, with initial funding from the Office on Violence Against Women of the U.S. Department of Justice, our dual mission is to raise national awareness of stalking and to encourage the development and implementation of multidisciplinary responses to stalking in local communities across the country. http://www.ncvc.org/src/Main.aspx

    Betsy Ramsey – stalking expert and author of Stop the Stalker - A Guide for Targets. http://betsyramsey.com

    Sexual Assault

    [GNESA}(http://www.gnesa.org/about_GNESA/about.asp) – GNESA, the Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault, is a non-profit coalition of sexual assault agencies and concerned individuals that share the common goal of ending sexual assault. We are a membership organization. Current membership includes 23 rape crisis centers, several supporting organizations, and individual members.
    404-815-5261 (Phone); 1-866-354-3672 (Toll Free) | http://www.gnesa.org/about_GNESA/about.asp

    The National Sexual Violence Resource Center – The National Sexual Violence Resource Center serves as the nation’s principle information and resource center regarding all aspects of sexual violence. It provides national leadership, consultation and technical assistance by generating and facilitating the development and flow of information on sexual violence intervention and prevention strategies. The NSVRC works to address the causes and impact of sexual violence through collaboration, prevention efforts and the distribution of resources.
    717-909-0710 Phone; 717-909-0714 FAX; 717-909-0715 TTY; 877-739-3895 Toll Free
    http://www.nsvrc.org/contact/nsvrc

    RAINN – The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is the nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organization. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE and the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline at rainn.org, and publicizes the hotline’s free, confidential services; educates the public about sexual assault; and leads national efforts to prevent sexual assault, improve services to victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE
    http://www.rainn.org

    Other Allied Groups

    Men Stopping Violence – Men Stopping Violence is a social change organization dedicated to ending men’s violence against women. http://www.menstoppingviolence.org

    National Organization for Victim’s Assistance – NOVA’s mission is to promote rights and services for victims of crime and crisis everywhere. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Call 1-800-TRY-NOVA (1-800-879-6682) or (703) 535-NOVA (6682) | http://www.trynova.org

    GBI – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) serves to aid criminal justice and law enforcement officials throughout the state of Georgia with scientific, information and investigative services and resources.

    Georgia Sex Offender Database | http://www.ganet.org/georgia-sex-offender-registry/

    Ahimsa House, Inc. – Perpetrators of domestic violence often hurt family pets to control and intimidate their victims. Ahimsa House, Inc. - a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization - is dedicated to helping the human and animal victims of domestic violence across Georgia reach safety together. “Ahimsa” is a Sanskrit word meaning non-violence.
    404-496-4038; 24-Hour Crisis Line: 404-452-6248 | http://www.ahimsahouse.org/contact/contact-us

  • For Law Enforcement

    Domestic Violence

    Georgia Coalition Against Violence – The mission of the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (GCADV) is to support its member programs to achieve safety and justice for domestic violence victims. Crisis line: 1.800.33.HAVEN (4-2836)
    http://www.gcadv.org

    Raksha – meaning “protection” in several South Asian languages – is a Georgia-based nonprofit organization for the South Asian Community. Raksha’s mission is to promote a stronger and healthier South Asian community through confidential support services, education, and advocacy. Guided by values of consensus in decision-making, diversity in leadership, and the dignity and worth of every individual, Raksha strives to empower and serve the South Asian community. Call Raksha toll free: 1-866-725-7423 Office: 404-876-0670 Help Line: 404-842-0725 | http://www.raksha.org

    Caminar Latino – The mission of Caminar Latino is to create possibilities for Latino families affected by violence to transform their lives and their communities. If you need help or know someone who needs help please call our information line: 404-413-6348 | http://www.caminarlatino.org

    Refugee Family Services – To support the efforts of refugee women and children to achieve self-sufficiency in the United States by providing education and economic opportunity. Open Mon - Thurs 8:30 am - 4:30pm phone: (404) 299-6217 | http://www.refugeefamilyservices.org/index.php?/site/tp_about/

    Law Enforcement Training/Education/Materials

    San Diego Police Department D.V. Unit
    National Model Agency
    San Diego, California Police Department Domestic Violence Unit
    Includes full DV Unit Operations Manual
    Domestic Violence Unit at (619) 531-2387
    Daily, 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

    Domestic Violence Instructor Training Program (DVITP) This instructor development program is designed to increase the effectiveness of those law enforcement professionals tasked with delivering domestic violence related training. The primary focus of this program is to develop adjunct FLETC instructors who will be required to redeliver this material in their respective jurisdictions. Participants attending this program will learn new and creative ways to present various domestic violence related topics such as Dynamics of Domestic Violence, Officer Safety, Law Enforcement Liability and Determining the Predominant Aggressor. Contact: Scott Santora - 800-74FLETC - stateandlocaltraining@dhs.gov
    http://www.sandiego.gov/police/prevention/victim

    First Response to Victims of Crime Who Have Disability – This handbook for law enforcement officers (NCJ 195500) describes how to approach and help victims who have Alzheimer’s disease, mental illness, or mental retardation or who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing. It is designed as a field guide for personnel who respond first to crime victims and includes contacts for assistance.
    http://www.ojp.gov/ovc/publications/infores/firstrep/2002/welcome.html

    Victims with Disabilities: The Forensic Interview-Techniques for Interviewing Victims with Communication and/or Cognitive Disabilities (April 2007) – This 57-minute DVD (NCJ 212894) and companion (PDF 831 kb) provide a specific set of guidelines for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, victim advocates, forensic interviewers, and others for interviewing adults and children with communication and/or cognitive disabilities. A complete transcript of the DVD and a glossary of terms and concepts used in the film are provided.
    http://www.gcadv.org/html/resources/communites.html

    VINE & Vine Link - Early warning system for victims of violence crimes.
    1-502-561-8463
    Fax: 1-502-561-1825
    http://www.appriss.com

    The High Tech Crime Institute – The High Tech Crime Institute was created with one goal in mind: To provide local, state, and federal law enforcement officers, corrections officers, prosecutors, and corporate security specialists with the tools and knowledge they need to effectively target, investigate, and convict cyber criminals.
    Phone: 800-508-6028
    http:://www.hightechcrimeinstitute.com

    Polaroid Corporation - Video on Evidence Collection, Report Writing, Domestic Violence and Digital Photography
    1-800-225-1618
    http://www.polaroidwork.com

    National College of District Attorneys University of South Carolina, Carolina Plaza
    937 Assembly Street
    Columbia, SC 29208
    CALL 803-544-5005
    FAX 803-544-5301

    National Conference on Domestic Violence - Three Tracks: Law Enforcement, Judiciary, Victim Advocates. http://www.ndaa.org/education/ndaa/domestic_violence_training_schedule.html

    Mark Wynn - A national trainer to police executives, patrol officers, training officers, prosecutors, judges, legislators, social service providers, healthcare professionals and victim advocates. A key creator of the largest police domestic violence investigative unit in the United States. A survivor, enabling him to teach both effectively and passionately. Devoted to ending family violence as a police officer, detective, educator, program supervisor, consultant and advisor.
    http://www.markwynn.com

    Faith Based Assistance/Education
    FaithTrust Institute is a national, multifaith, multicultural training and education organization with global reach working to end sexual and domestic violence.
    206-634-1903 | http://www.faithtrustinstitute.org

    LGBTQQI Community
    United 4 Safety – To reduce the incidence of intimate partner violence within the LGBTQQI community by improving the community’s understanding of and response to intimate partner violence through education, training and resource development.
    HELPLINE: 404-200-5957 | http://www.united4safety.org

    Stalking

    Betsy Ramsey – stalking expert and author of Stop the Stalker - A Guide for Targets.
    http://betsyramsey.com

    Pets

    Ahimsa House, Inc. – Perpetrators of domestic violence often hurt family pets to control and intimidate their victims. Ahimsa House, Inc. - a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization - is dedicated to helping the human and animal victims of domestic violence across Georgia reach safety together. “Ahimsa” is a Sanskrit word meaning non-violence. 404-496-4038 24-Hour Crisis Line: 404-452-6248 | http://www.ahimsahouse.org/contact/contact-us