Library

This series of training bulletins on DNA evidence is based on our 32-hour OnLine Training Institute module, Laboratory Analysis of Biological Evidence and the Role of DNA in Sexual Assault Investigations. The module is co-authored with Dr. Patrick O’Donnell (Supervising Criminalist, San Diego Police Department), and Lauren Ware (Chief of the Forensics and Special Investigative Branch at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, GA). The module is so full of useful information and tools that we want to give you a taste of what you will find in it. We also hope this encourages you to go to the OLTI and register for the entire module.

When one thinks about the many dramatic moments in trial, the direct examination of the investigating officer (IO) is probably not the first thing that springs to mind. Little can match the emotional impact of a victim recounting the experience of a sexual assault on direct examination, and the cross-examination challenge to it.

This training bulletin is designed to help agencies conduct an assessment and make improvements in their interviewing practices with victims of sexual assault, as well as victims and witnesses of other types of violence. Many of these same principles also apply to other types of investigative interviews, such as those conducted by prosecutors, civil attorneys, campus Title IX investigators, and others.

The purpose of this Promising Practices article is to make the case for the importance of suspect examinations, to explore some of the reasons why they often are not done, and to provide concrete recommendations for overcoming these barriers and using suspect examinations effectively in your community.

Nearly every week, we receive a request for assistance identifying expert speakers to present at a local training event for law enforcement. Often, we are asked if EVAWI can provide this type of training, or we are asked to provide recommendations for experts in the field.

This training bulletin series explores some central concepts in the “neurobiology of trauma,” as it is understood by people working with sexual assault victims. Understanding essential scientific findings and avoiding any misinterpretation or misapplication can help professionals work more effectively with survivors. In this second installment, I focus on victim responses during a sexual assault.

This training bulletin series explores some central concepts in the “neurobiology of trauma,” as it is understood by people working with sexual assault victims. Understanding essential scientific findings and avoiding any misinterpretation or misapplication can help professionals work more effectively with survivors. In this final installment in the series, I focus on key issues involved in memory retrieval or recall.

This training bulletin series was written to explore some central concepts in the “neurobiology of trauma,” as it is understood by people working with sexual assault victims. Understanding essential scientific findings and avoiding any misinterpretation or misapplication can help professionals work more effectively with survivors. But before I do that, I want to briefly explain my experience and qualifications in this area.

Prosecution expert Dr. Wendy Patrick highlights the importance of impression management for investigating officers (IO’s) and provides detailed guidance on how to achieve that goal when testifying in a sexual assault trial.

In this Training Bulletin, we review the research literature on sexual assault disclosures and the responses survivors receive from both informal and formal support providers. We also examine public awareness campaigns designed to prevent sexual assault and improve responses to survivors. This includes outlining the rationale for our Start by Believing campaign and describing preliminary evidence for its positive impact. The ultimate goal is to improve responses to sexual assault victims around the world.