Resources

Myths and Misconceptions: Criminalized Survivors

by the National Defense Center for Criminalized Survivors

October 2023

Myths and misconceptions about domestic violence and victims of intimate partner violence are widespread and often negatively impact victims and survivors.

While these false narratives can lead to barriers for all survivors, criminalized survivors are at particular risk of being harmed by mistaken beliefs about domestic violence. For example, misinformation can undermine a survivor’s legal defense, limit options to seek safety, or be used by the victim-defendant’s partner as a tool to further abuse.

Related resources

S.A.F.E. Tool

The SAFE tool will assist survivors with evaluating if, when, how, and for what period they may want to request…

Reentry Checklist For Advocates Working with Reentering Survivors

Victims of battering face additional layers of complexity including heightened risks from an abusive partner who continues to sabotage their…

Matrices

Sealing or Expunging a Civil Protection Order This matrix compiles the statutory provisions from states and other U.S. jurisdictions for…