Background & Purpose: In 1999, the South Dakota Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault (The Network) began operation to meet its mission: “Working together to promote victims’ rights for a safer South Dakota.” The Network is a state-level non-profit agency focused on addressing violence through the life course, with an emphasis on domestic violence and sexual assault. This document focuses specifically on The Network’s efforts to address sexual violence across South Dakota.
Report Process: The Network contracted with the Center for Rural Health Improvement (CRHI) in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine (USD) for this report. This report was completed by Bridget Diamond-Welch, Ph.D. Diamond-Welch is an Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Associate Director of CRHI overseeing the team’s research & evaluation portfolio. Diamond[1]Welch has over a decade of experience with research, data management, and analysis. Her research specialization is in interpersonal violence with a focus on sexualized victimization. Diamond-Welch’s efforts were assisted by Network staff and interns. The staff and interns provided overviews of The Network’s program operations.
