Navigating the Sea of Resources for Sexual Assault Programs

Overview

The FTCOE hosted this workshop at the American Academy of Forensic Science Meeting (AAFS) in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 14, 2017. This workshop impacted the forensic community by highlighting how federal resources in the United States can advance victim-centered support programs, investigations, and forensic services that aid sexual assault programs, especially the processing of untested sexual assault kits (SAKs) and forensic evidence which bolster the criminal justice process.  Featuring Jeri Ropero-Miller, Project Director of the FTCOE, this workshop also included federal agency representatives, laboratory practitioners, researchers and technology advocates who provided varying perspectives for resources of sexual assault programs.  Each shared how the programs they represent, or have used, continue to transform the landscape of sexual assault investigations and forensic services using evidenced-based practices to advance the latest technology, improve program policy, and reduce the number of untested sexual assault kits and other forensic evidence nationwide.

Workshop Topics

Research in Investigative and Forensic Sciences
DNA Funding for Sexual Assault Cases: Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction (CEBR) in Cold Case Investigations
National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative
NIJ-FBI Sexual Assault Kit Partnership
Utilization of Multiple Funding Sources Effectively
DNA Programs and Exploring Laboratory Efficiency
Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Reporting (SAFER) Working Group
The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) - Sexual Assault Initiatives

Workshop Team