Resource Database
U.S. Department of Justice - Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Scarleteen
https://www.scarleteen.com/about
Founded in December of 1998, Scarleteen is visited by about 5 million people from all around the world each year – thousands of whom we speak with directly – most between the ages of 15 and 30. We were one of the first and remain one of the few websites and organizations focused on directly providing sex, relationships and bodies information and support for and to young people. We’re also one of the rare and remaining independent, grassroots feminist media sources left online: we are not affiliated with any other organization, company or governmental agency. Our leadership, volunteers and contributors are mostly queer, women, trans or gender-expansive, diverse in our ethnicities, locations, embodiments and economic class, and quite a few of us live with disability and frequently are not or have not been considered generally respectable by people generally concerned with respectability
VCU Project Empower
https://www.vcuhealth.org/services/injury-and-violence-prevention/ivpp-programs/project-empower
When experts from many different areas come together, we can make a difference. That’s why the team at Project Empower works around-the-clock to help families who experience violence intimate partner (domestic) violence, sexual violence or human trafficking, and are connected to VCU Health, VCU or the communities we serve. You may be eligible for services if you are a patient or employee of VCU Health, pregnant and have children younger than 2, or if you are a student or employee of VCU.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/about/about-child-sexual-abuse.html
This page of the CDC website provides a definition of child sexual abuse; provides quick facts and stats, outcomes, prevention information, and what the CDC is doing to address child sexul abuse.
Reporting Abuse or Suspected Abuse
https://www.dss.virginia.gov/abuse/
Guidance from the Virginia Department of Social Services on how to report abuse or suspected abuse.
Stop Sexual Assault in Schools
https://stopsexualassaultinschools.org/
The mission of Stop Sexual Assault in Schools (SSAIS) is to educate students, families, and schools about the right to an equal education free from sexual harassment. We proactively address the epidemic of traumatic sexual harassment impacting our nation’s students. We provide students, K-12 schools, and organizations resources so that the right to an equal education is not compromised by sexual harassment, sexual assault, and gender discrimination.
Sexetc
Comprehensive sex ed information for youth including videos and blogs written by teens
Virginia Poverty Law Center (VPLC)
https://www.acluva.org/en/get-help/links-other-resources
ACLU of Virginia's Resource List
Partnership for People with Disabilities
The Partnership for People with Disabilities is Virginia’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). It is one of a national network of UCEDDs in major universities and teaching hospitals across the country. The mission of UCEDDs is to serve as liaisons between the academic expertise of institutions of higher learning and service delivery systems to positively affect the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families by increasing their independence, productivity, and integration into communities. UCEDDs work with people with disabilities, members of their families, state and local government agencies, and community providers in projects that provide training, technical assistance, service, research, and information sharing, with a focus on building the capacity of communities to sustain all their citizens. The Partnership for People with Disabilities, an affiliate of the School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University, is Virginia's only University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities funded by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities. Founded in 1985, the mission of the Partnership is to partner with people with disabilities and others to build communities where all people can live, learn, work, and play together.
Safe Kids Thrive
Safe Kids Thrive provides free tools and resources to schools, childcare centers, and other youth-serving organizations to prevent child sexual abuse.
Darkness to Light
Darkness to Light empowers adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse through awareness, education, and stigma reduction.
Tipping the Scales Training
https://web.partnership.vcu.edu/tippingthescales/
Online Training Modules available through the Partnership for People with Disabilities.
American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC)
The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, now in partnership with The New York Foundling, was founded in 1986 and is a nonprofit, national organization focused on meeting the needs of professionals engaged in all aspects of services for maltreated children and their families.
Child Protective Services (Virginia)- Information Needed to Make a Report
Handout with guidance on what is needed to make a report in Virginia.
Adult Protective Services
https://www.dars.virginia.gov/aps/AdultProtServ.htm
Adult Protective Services (APS) receives and investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults 60 years of age or older and incapacitated adults age 18 or older. If protective services are needed and accepted by the individual, local APS workers may arrange for a wide variety of health, housing, social and legal services to stop the mistreatment or prevent further mistreatment. Services offered may include home-based care, transportation, adult day services, adult foster care, nutrition services and legal intervention in order to protect the adult. Services may also be arranged for individuals in emergency situations who lack the capacity to consent to services.
Supporting Survivors of Abuse with Disabilities
https://supportingsurvivors.partnership.vcu.edu/
Online Training Modules about how to support a survivor of abuse with a disability
Mama Bear Effect
https://themamabeareffect.org/
The Mama Bear Effect is a nonprofit organization changing the way people think, talk, and respond to child sexual abuse. The Mama Bear Effect® was established in 2013 in response to the perceived need for down-to-earth awareness and prevention education that was not only accessible but inspiring. Child sexual abuse is not necessarily an epidemic because abusers are so effective at perpetrating, but because the taboo, and consequent discomfort and fear, hold protective adults back from being aware, effectively empowering children, and responding appropriately.
Bikers Against Child Abuse
https://bacaworld.org/mission/
Bikers Against Child Abuse, Inc. (B.A.C.A.) exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. We exist as a body of Bikers to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live. We stand ready to lend support to our wounded friends by involving them with an established, united organization. We work in conjunction with local and state officials who are already in place to protect children. We desire to send a clear message to all involved with the abused child that this child is part of our organization, and that we are prepared to lend our physical and emotional support to them by affiliation, and our physical presence. We stand at the ready to shield these children from further abuse. We do not condone the use of violence or physical force in any manner, however, if circumstances arise such that we are the only obstacle preventing a child from further abuse, we stand ready to be that obstacle.
Amaze
AMAZE envisions a world that recognizes child and adolescent sexual development as natural and healthy, a world in which young people everywhere are supported and affirmed and the adults in their lives communicate openly and honestly with them about puberty, reproduction, relationships, sex and sexuality. In such a world, young people across the globe would have access to the information and support they need to develop into sexually healthy adults.
Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired
https://www.dbvi.virginia.gov/
The Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) is an agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia that is dedicated to its mission of providing quality services to assist Virginia's citizens who are blind, vision impaired or deafblind in achieving their desired level of employment, education, and personal independence. The Department provides a wide array of specialized services and programs for Virginia residents of all ages who are experiencing significant vision impairments attain the skills, confidence and positive outlook that are critical to independence. Our primary focus is to assist blind Virginians in achieving quality employment outcomes. Vocational evaluation, job training, job development, placement, follow-up and other services are provided to assist consumers in obtaining jobs in the public and private sectors. Training for and employment as food service managers and vendors are available in cafeterias, snack bars, and other vending facilities in public and private buildings. The Virginia Industries for the Blind provides another employment option for blind Virginians at its two plant locations in Charlottesville and Richmond, its satellite store operations and administrative service positions across the Commonwealth.
Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living
https://vacil.org/cils-in-virginia/
VACIL is a statewide association of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) that advocates for the integration and inclusion of people with disabilities into all aspects of society. The association also promotes the professional development, improvement, and expansion of community-based, consumer-controlled CILs, and promotes community education throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Elevatus Training
https://www.elevatustraining.com/
As national leaders in the field of sexuality and intellectual developmental disabilities and autism, we offer evidence and trauma-informed curriculum, online training, in-services, and workshops to help professionals, educators, self-advocates, and parents skillfully and confidently navigate the topic of sexuality.
Greater Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now)
SCAN provides the awareness, support, advocacy, treatment and education needed to enhance the lives of children. SCAN’s services promote positive parenting, strengthen families and help create a community that values and cares for its children. Our programs include: The Family Support Program (FSP), The Child Advocacy Centers (CAC), Richmond Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), The Circle Preschool Program (CPP) and Community Programs.
Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention (LEAP) at the Partnership for People with Disabilities
https://leap.partnership.vcu.edu/
Provides training on healthy relationships and information about preventing abuse for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Mad Hatter Wellness
https://madhatterwellness.com/
Mad Hatter Wellness creates comprehensive sex ed and health curriculum that educates and empowers people with intellectual disabilities and their support systems. We work with people of all abilities and specialize in health and sex education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We provide training for families, caregivers, educators and direct support professionals.
Virginia Department for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
https://www.vddhh.virginia.gov/
The Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH) removes barriers to effective communication so that persons who are Deaf and hard of hearing can fully participate in programs and services throughout the Commonwealth.
Virginia Department of Social Services, Child Protective Services - Trainings & Resources
https://www.dss.virginia.gov/abuse/cps.cgi
The goal of Child Protective Services (CPS) is to identify, assess and provide services to children and families in an effort to protect children, preserve families, whenever possible, and prevent further maltreatment. CPS is non-punitive in its approach and is directed toward enabling families to provide adequate care for their children.
Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance
We are a non-profit network of survivors, Sexual and Domestic Violence Agencies, and allies working to strengthen how communities across Virginia respond to and prevent sexual and intimate partner violence.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
https://www.thehotline.org/about/
24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse. Contacts to The Hotline can expect highly-trained, expert advocates to offer free, confidential, and compassionate support, crisis intervention information, education, and referral services in over 200 languages.
Virginia Victim Assistance Network
For over 40 years, the Virginia Victim Assistance Network (The Network) has advocated for the needs of crime victims and provided victim assistance training for professionals. The Network is the only statewide nonprofit organization that provides services to any victim of any crime, and it is the sole membership and network organization for systems-based victim assistance programs that help crime victims throughout the Commonwealth. The Network’s membership organizations assist over 75,000 victims of crime annually. We are proud to offer programs and services for crime victims and those who serve them. Our goal is to fill critical gaps in services for victims of crime through direct service programs and professional support of victim advocates and organizations.
Virginia Anti-Violence Project
At the Virginia Anti-Violence Project (VAVP), we are dedicated to supporting and advocating for the safety and well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly those who are BIPOC and youth. As a national organization rooted in Virginia, we address the pervasive impact of state and domestic violence through direct aid, resources, training, advocacy, and mental health support. Our commitment to disability justice and the empowerment of vulnerable communities guides our work as we strive to create a safer, more inclusive world for all.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
We are here to serve all those impacted by relationship abuse 24/7 confidentially. Due to high demand, you may experience longer wait times to connect with a live advocate. If you are unable to wait safely or aren’t ready to call, chat or text — you can search our Local Resources section anytime for resources and support in your area.
RAINN
RAINN is committed to supporting survivors of sexual violence, cultivating communities of anti-sexual violence activism, and promoting policies that deliver justice and hold perpetrators accountable. Since July 27th, 1994, RAINN has answered the call on the National Sexual Assault Hotline and supported 5 million survivors and their loved ones.
I-CAN! Virginia
https://vacourtformhelp.courts.state.va.us/
An online system where users can fill out the paperwork to file for a Protective Order in Virginia.
Latinos en Virginia Centro de Empodermiento
https://latinosenvirginia.org/
LIVE Center is the only organization in Virginia that both specializes in domestic and sexual violence and provides those services through bi-lingual and bi-cultural trained advocates. We are also the only provider that can guarantee 24/7 access to bi-lingual domestic and sexual violence crisis support for Virginia’s Latino community. Some people we talk with ask why it is important to provide domestic and sexual violence services specific to the Latino community. The hard truth is that, due to language and cultural barriers, immigration status, or other fears, very few Latinos who experience domestic or sexual violence seek help or support. LIVE is here to bridge the gap to safety and healing for Virginia’s Latino community, making sure that no Latino feels it is safer to continue suffering domestic or sexual violence than it is to seek help.
Love is Respect
https://www.loveisrespect.org/
Love is respect is the national resource to disrupt and prevent unhealthy relationships and intimate partner violence by empowering young people through inclusive and equitable education, support, and resources.
Arc of the United States - Talk About Sexual Violence Initiative
https://thearc.org/our-initiatives/criminal-justice/talk-about-sexual-violence/
This webpage provides easy-to-use access tools. By empowering survivors with disabilities in the reporting process and giving health care professionals the tools to more effectively identify victims, connect them to appropriate services, and help build their self-advocacy skills, we can better navigate and better prevent sexual violence.
Advocates for Youth
https://www.advocatesforyouth.org/
Reproductive and sexual health and rights advocacy and information for young people.
Ease: Empowerment, Advocacy and Sexuality Education
Ease offers online sex ed classes for teens and adults with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities.
PEATC
https://peatc.org/sexual-health-and-wellness/
Resources to assist parents in talking with their child about sexual health and wellness and developing skills in this area.
Talking with the parent after their child has disclosed abuse
Talking with the parent after their child has disclosed abuse: A guide to talking with a parent after their child has disclosed abuse. Includes tips on supporting the parent emotionally and next steps for the parent to consider.
Families Forward
https://www.familiesforwardva.org/about-child-abuse-neglect
Families Forward Virginia is aligned with the Centers for Disease Control’s Essentials for Childhood Framework which highlights the five strategies to prevent child abuse and neglect: 1. Strengthen economic supports for families; 2. Change social norms to support parents and positive parenting; 3. Provide quality care and education early in life; 4. Enhance parenting skills to promote healthy child development; 5. Intervene to lessen harms and prevent future risk.
Mothers of Sexually Abused Children
The MOSAC site is designed specifically for mothers who have experienced the sexual abuse of one of their children. This site is designed to be a comprehensive source of information about sexual abuse and to offer support and resources.
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