Building The Reputation Of The Crime Victims' Institute, Especially Within University Administration
To increase the visibility and reputation of the Crime Victims' Institute and increase awareness of the Institute's mission.
Objective
Raise Awareness Of CVI Research Activities
CVI research activities will be featured and distributed through the CVI Newsletter.
KPI
Publish CVI Newsletter Highlighting Research Activities And Issues
The CVI newsletter containing information regarding current and upcoming activities and research will be published and distributed quarterly.
Result
CVI Newsletter
The newsletter was published and distributed on schedule, with four issues (October 2013, January 2014, April 2014, and July 2014).
Action
Newsletter
Continue timely publication and distribution of newsletter highlighting CVI research and service activities.
Objective
Promote Victim Studies/services Related Activities Within University Community
Activities will be performed to promote victim studies/services within the university.
KPI
Organizing And/or Sponsoring Victim Studies/services Related Activities
The Crime Victims' Institute will participate, sponsor, and/or organize at least two victim studies/services activities per year.
Result
Victim Studies/Services Activities
CVI sponsored and participated in multiple campus activities:
*National Crime Victims' Rights Week panel discussion (4/7/14) *Sexual Assault Awareness Month - film screening; Ignite the Night Rally (April 2014) *Voices Lecture Series (organized by CVI; 10/30/13; 11/20/13; 2/12/14 *Domestic Violence Awareness Month - clothesline project; film screening and panel discussion (October 2013)
Action
Victim Studies/Services Activities
CVI will continue to organize, sponsor, and participate in victim studies/services related events and activities on campus. In particular, activities will be organized for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October 2014), National Crime Victims' Rights Week (April 2015), and Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April 2015). CVI will continue to organize speakers and support the Voices lecture series.
Objective
Demonstrate Professional Knowledge Of Victim Services Delivery
The Crime Victims' Institute will take part in training in order to promote a better understanding and knowledge of the victim service delivery process.
KPI
Completion Of Training Relevant To Victimology And/or Victim Services
New CVI Staff and CVI funded students will complete the online Texas Victim Assistance Training within their first six months of employment.
Result
Professional Knowledge
No TVAT training was completed because no new staff joined CVI during this year. However, CVI staff participated in several webinars and other trainings.
Action
TVAT Training
Three new research assistants are assigned to CVI for Fall 2014, and the Institute has a new Assistant Director. All of these individuals will complete the TVAT training by December 31, 2014.
Goal
Excellence In Research
The Crime Victims' Institute will achieve excellence in research by providing the most up to date research and analysis of current and emerging victim issues.
Objective
Produce Peer-Reviewed Research Products
The Crime Victims' Institute will submit publications aligned with Institute research to peer-reviewed journals.
KPI
Peer-reviewed Publications
The Crime Victims' Institue will submit research publications to peer-reviewed journals.
Result
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Three CVI project-related manuscripts were submitted to peer-reviewed academic journals. Two have been accepted for publication, and one is still under review.
Action
Peer-Reviewed Publications
CVI staff and researchers will develop mansucripts based on current research projects to be submitted to peer-reviewed journals.
Objective
Receive External Funding For CVI Research
The Institute will explore and apply for external funding through relevant grants.
KPI
Grant Applications
The Crime Victims' Institute will investigate relevant grant opportunities for submission and will submit at least two grant applications.
Result
Grant Applications
Three grant applications were prepared and submitted:
*Criminal Justice Processing of Strangulation Cases, $74,384, submitted to Office of the Governor, Texas (not funded) *DIsclosure, Trauma, Support, and the Non-Offending Caregiver, submitted to CJA Texas *Harris County Prostitution Court Evaluation, research partner, submitted to National Institute of Justice
Action
Grant Applications
CVI is waiting to hear whether the two outstanding grant applications have been funded. Additional funding opportunities will be explored.
Goal
Connection With Academic Programs
The Crime Victims' Institute will achieve a connection with academic programs through various methods that will involve career development and/or research opportunities for graduate students.
Objective
Support Graduate Students Involved In CVI Research Projects
The Institute will encourage and support graduate students by involving them in research projects.
KPI
Graduate Student Summer Research Fellowship
The CVI summer research program will fund at least one graduate student to conduct research on a topic related to victimization.
Result
Graduate Summer Research Program
Two graduate students were funded through the 2014 summer research program. The projects initiated during summer 2014 are ongoing.
Action
Graduate Student Support
CVI will continue supervising the graduate student projects and will assist those students in completing the projects and preparing manuscripts for submission to conferences and/or peer-reviewed journals.
Objective
Provide Career Development Opportunities For Students Interested In Victim Services
CVI will sponsor events to highlight career opportunities for students interested in victim studies/services.
KPI
Career Development Events
CVI will sponsor at least one event highlighting potential career opportunities for undergraduate and/or graduate students interested in victims studies/services.
Result
Career Development Events
The CVI-sponsored Voices lecture series is intended for Victim Studies majors to expose them to career opportunities in the victim services field. Three lectures were held.
Action
Career Development Activities
CVI will continue to sponsor the Voices lecture series. The next lecture is already scheduled, and additional dates will be developed.