May 07, 2026: Assault Offenses: Incorporation of Victim Services to Enhance Responses
Each year, the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) offers a clearer picture of crime trends, victimization, and how systems respond. The 2024 data reveals a striking gap. More than 94 percent of aggravated assaults and over 93 percent of simple assaults reported to law enforcement involved no use of victim services to address victims' rights, safety, or support needs. Victim services personnel embedded within law enforcement agencies are uniquely positioned to help close this gap. Because they have access to incident reports, work alongside sworn personnel, and can be integrated into agency practices early in the response, they are often able to reach victims at a critical moment. This is especially important in assault cases that do not move forward to prosecution or remain unresolved, where victims may otherwise lose access to information, advocacy, and services. This webinar explores how law enforcement-based victim services units can be more intentionally incorporated into responses to assault offenses. Participants will examine practical considerations for structuring and prioritizing responses, supporting staff capacity, and strengthening connections between victims and services when other system pathways fall short. During the session, participants will take a closer look at: - How assault-related caseloads can be assessed and managed within a victim services unit - Practical criteria for prioritizing responses based on risk, impact, and available resources - Training tools and resources that support effective victim services engagement in assault cases