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Rape and sexual assault

Just the Intersection of At-Home Kits and Healing

January 2022

An introductory note for the interview states that Monica Gardner knows from experience that healing isn’t linear. She shares her struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, thoughts of self-harm, anxiety, and depression. She addresses the importance of therapy during the healing process and offers her perspective on at-home sexual assault kits performed without medical assistance or guidance. Monica notes that at-home kits give survivors the opportunity to proceed at their own pace without having to explain personal feelings, thoughts, and anxieties to a stranger.

Retrospective Study on DNA Analysis Findings from Sexual Assault Kits

January 2022

This presentation by Julie Valentine, Brigham Young University, is one of 16 videos related to the Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 26-27, 2022. 

Idaho State Police Forensic Services Working with Researchers in Response to Sexual Assaults

January 2022

This presentation by Matthew Gametter, Idaho State Police Forensic Services, is one of 16 videos related to the Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 26-27, 2022. 

A Window of Opportunity: How SAK Testing Could Prevent Future Crimes

Content Advisory
Please be aware that this content contains descriptions of violence that may be distressing to some viewers.
January 2022

This presentation by Rebecca Campbell, Michigan State University, is one of 16 videos related to the Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 26-27, 2022. 

The Economic Arguments Surrounding Sexual Assault Kit Testing

January 2022

This presentation by Paul Speaker, West Virginia University, is one of 16 videos related to the Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 26-27, 2022. 

Transformative Collaborations: The Promise of Partnerships and the Response to Sexual Assault

January 2022

This presentation by Lisa Bostaph, Boise State University, is one of 16 videos related to the Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 26-27, 2022. 

Enabling Effective Data Stewardship in Sexual Assault Forensic Services

January 2022

This presentation by  Bruce Houlihan, Orange County Crime Laboratory, is one of 16 videos related to the Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 26-27, 2022. 

Roundtable Discussion on Day 1 of A Virtual Workshop Discussing Response to Sexual Assault

January 2025

This is one of 16 videos related to the workshop, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology This is one of 16 videos related to The Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 26-27, 2022. 

Sexual Assault Kits: It’s Not As Easy As It Looks, and Moving Forward - Some of our Thoughts

January 2022

This is one of 16 videos related to the workshop, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology This is one of 16 videos related to The Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 26-27, 2022.

Processing Sexual Assault Kits: Continual Improvement and Kit Tracking

January 2022

This is one of 16 videos related to the workshop, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology This is one of 16 videos related to The Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault, which was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 26-27, 2022. 

Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault

The Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault explores the advantages of a multidisciplinary approach to sexual assault cases, highlighting the inclusion of recommendations from NIJ’s National Best Practices for Sexual Assault Kits: A Multidisciplinary Approach into sexual assault response processes (see https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/250384.pdf). Additionally, this virtual workshop includes recent findings and research projects that have supported a multidisciplinary approach...

Understanding Sexual Assault Trauma & Considerations for Conducting a Trauma-Informed Interview, Roundtable Discussion

February 2022

This workshop explores approaches for engaging survivors of sexual assault from a trauma-informed, victim-centered perspective thus supporting recommendations #2 and #22 of the NIJ’s National Best Practices for Sexual Assault Kits: A Multidisciplinary Approach.

Ensuring a Trauma Informed Interview with a Sexual Assault Victim

February 2022

This workshop explores approaches for engaging survivors of sexual assault from a trauma-informed, victim-centered perspective thus supporting recommendations #2 and #22 of the NIJ’s National Best Practices for Sexual Assault Kits: A Multidisciplinary Approach.

Virtual Workshop: Understanding Sexual Assault Trauma and Considerations for Conducting a Trauma-Informed Interview

This workshop explores approaches for engaging survivors of sexual assault from a trauma-informed, victim-centered perspective thus supporting recommendations #2 and #22 of the NIJ’s National Best Practices for Sexual Assault Kits: A Multidisciplinary Approach. A sexual assault survivor’s experience during the sexual assault forensic examination (SAFE) conducted by a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE), access to victim advocacy, and interaction with law enforcement can...

Low Prosecution Rates in Sexual Assault Cases: Can We Make Sustainable Improvements?

April 2023

Dr. Julie L. Valentine provides background information on the challenges in tracking prosecution outcomes in sexual assault cases of adult victims. Research utilizing the National Institute of Justice Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Practitioner Toolkit in two Utah counties is presented. Variables predicting prosecution are be explored. Participants are invited to consider societal, structural, and legislative barriers to prosecution of adult sexual assault cases faced in their jurisdiction to encourage multidisciplinary collaboration.

Touch DNA Evidence Collection in Sexual Assault Cases

April 2023

Dr. Julie L. Valentine introduces the application of touch DNA in sexual assault cases through a case study. A literature review on touch DNA is summarized to provide contextual information and research on touch DNA analysis findings in groping sexual assault cases is discussed. The webinar concludes with recommendations for multidisciplinary partners to collect, submit, and analyze evidence in sexual assault cases for touch DNA.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on April 18, 2023.

Exploring the Link Between Dating Apps and Sexual Assault

April 2023

Dr. Julie Valentine shares background information on dating app usage and user demographics to provide context for research findings on dating apps and sexual assault. Research findings are presented on sexual assaults committed at the first in-person meeting when the victim and assailant met on a dating app compared to other sexual assaults not associated with dating apps. Practice and policy recommendations are shared to improve dating app safety.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on April 4, 2023.

Trauma Informed Investigations for Sexual Assault Cases

April 2022

This webinar will highlight the importance of conducting a victim-centered, trauma-informed investigative interview for sexual assault cases. Trauma-informed investigative interviews lay the foundation for improved victim engagement with the criminal justice system and increased ability to resolve sexual assault cases.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on April 26, 2022