The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, led by Henry C. Leventis, has endorsed the Department of Justice’s new resource for prosecutors titled “Framework for Prosecutors to Strengthen Our National Response to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Involving Adult Victims.” The announcement was made at the Conference on Crimes Against Women in Dallas, TX by Rosemarie Hidalgo, Director of the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW).
This framework, authored by prosecutors for prosecutors, outlines five key principles designed to improve outcomes for victims, enhance community safety, and ensure accountability for perpetrators of sexual assault and domestic violence. The principles focus on leveraging the victim’s account, collaborating with victims and specialists, effective application of laws, thoughtful justice and accountability, and maintaining a committed workforce.
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Henry C. Leventis emphasized the importance of addressing allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence with seriousness and thoroughness. He highlighted that the newly-released framework provides practical guidance to ensure comprehensive investigations and effective prosecutions.
Rosemarie Hidalgo noted that the framework underscores the commitment to justice for all survivors and the importance of a trauma-informed approach in prosecuting these crimes. This approach aims to end gender-based violence through a coordinated community response that includes support services for survivors.
The framework addresses common misconceptions about sexual assault and domestic violence and aims to equip prosecutors with the tools needed to build strong cases. It includes contributions from over 120 professionals, including state, Tribal, military, and federal prosecutors, as well as advocates, academics, and investigators.
In conjunction with the framework’s release, OVW has launched a new webpage with resources to assist prosecutors in implementing the framework’s principles. This initiative complements the Justice Department’s 2022 guidance on Improving Law Enforcement Response to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence by Identifying and Preventing Gender Bias.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee continues to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, representing the federal government in various litigations, and leading efforts to enhance public safety. More information about the office can be found here.
The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), created in 1995, administers financial and technical assistance to communities to develop programs aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Further details about OVW’s initiatives are available here.
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