Illinois Criminal Justice
Jennifer Hiselman manages ICJIA’s InfoNet System, a web based data collection and reporting system used by over 100 victim service providers statewide. She joined ICJIA in 1996 as a researcher with focus areas in victimization, victim services, domestic violence and sexual assault. She worked closely with ICJIA’s Federal and State Grants Unit assessing Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grantees’ performance, developing data collection tools and supporting victim services strategic planning. She lead an evaluation of Illinois’ Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs and the state’s first crime victimization survey of citizens. Jennifer has served as ICJIA’s InfoNet manager since 2005. In addition to continuing research in her focus areas, she oversees the operation of InfoNet, manages project budgets, provides training and technical assistance, hosts user forums to identify new data collection needs, and works closely with victim service providers and other stakeholders using InfoNet’s data for strategic planning. Outside of ICJIA, Jennifer volunteers for a domestic violence service provider in her community.
Jennifer Hiselman is the Authority Infonet Manager.
Victim services, domestic violence, and sexual assault
InfoNet is a web-based, centralized statewide case management system for domestic and sexual violence centers maintained by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA). This article demonstrates InfoNet’s strengths and utility and how its data contribute knowledge about victimization and victim services. Also highlighted are the system’s future directions for growth, new functionalities, and broader applications to address victimization in Illinois.
Many victims of intimate partner violence find themselves at increased risk for homelessness as they make efforts to escape violence. The lack of stable, safe, and affordable housing is associated with negative outcomes for these victims. This article describes the relationship between housing instability and victim health and well-being, issues to consider when addressing housing stability for this population, and recommendations for policy and practice.
InfoNet is a web-based data collection and reporting system used by rape crisis centers across Illinois. Developed by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority in collaboration with the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA) and other agencies, InfoNet is used by ICASA’s network of 33 rape crisis centers. The system tracks victim characteristics and services provided using unique identifiers and offers data to inform local and statewide policy and planning.