Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) | Prosecutor Guide
Prosecutor Guide
DOJ Framework for Prosecutors to Strengthen Our National Response to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Involving Adult Victims
In May 2024, the Justice Department announced the release of a Framework for Prosecutors to Strengthen our National Response to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Involving Adult Victims. Written by prosecutors for prosecutors, this guide provides a blueprint for building provable cases in a trauma-informed manner that treats victims with humanity and ensures due process for defendants. It sets out five practical principles that, if implemented, will lead to better outcomes for victims, safer communities, and greater accountability for perpetrators of gender-based violence.
This guide is intended for prosecutors at all levels of government with all levels of experience: lawyers new to the courtroom; seasoned prosecutors who have spent years in the courtroom but only sometimes handle sexual assault or domestic violence cases; prosecutors specializing in handling these crimes; and supervisors who oversee these cases.
It is a blueprint for a stronger, consistent, and more effective prosecution response to sexual assault and domestic violence involving adult victims.
This guide for prosecutors also serves as a complement to the Justice Department’s 2022 updated guidance on Improving Law Enforcement Response to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence by Identifying and Preventing Gender Bias.
This guide is intended for prosecutors at all levels of government with all levels of experience: lawyers new to the courtroom; seasoned prosecutors who have spent years in the courtroom but only sometimes handle sexual assault or domestic violence cases; prosecutors specializing in handling these crimes; and supervisors who oversee these cases.
It is a blueprint for a stronger, consistent, and more effective prosecution response to sexual assault and domestic violence involving adult victims.
This guide for prosecutors also serves as a complement to the Justice Department’s 2022 updated guidance on Improving Law Enforcement Response to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence by Identifying and Preventing Gender Bias.
Tools and Resources to Implement the Principles
- Principle One: Rely on the Evidentiary Value of the Victim's Account and Use it to Frame the Investigation
- Principle Two: Meet the Victim (Where They Are) and Work with Investigators and Victim Specialists to Do So
- Principle Three: Use the Law and Evidentiary Rules Strategically and Effectively
- Principle Four: Be Thoughtful About What Accountability and Justice Look Like
- Principle Five: Sustain a Productive, Healthy, and Committed Workforce by Redefining Success