AEquitas - Champions for Justice

National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative
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There is currently no reliable estimate for the number of sexual assault kits (SAKs) that have not been submitted to a crime laboratory, and the reasons behind this backlog are complex. Unsubmitted SAKs can be attributed to many factors, including poor evidence tracking, outdated and ineffective investigation practices, lack of resources and personnel, misunderstanding of crime lab case acceptance policies, and lack of understanding among law enforcement personnel about the value of testing SAKs. Resolving these issues is critical to providing justice for victims and preventing future backlogs.

The National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) provides funding through a competitive grant program to support the jurisdictional reform of approaches to sexual assault cases resulting from evidence found in sexual assault kits (SAKs) that have never been submitted to a crime laboratory. SAKI is administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and aims to create a coordinated community response that ensures just resolution to sexual assault cases through: a comprehensive and victim-centered approach; jurisdictional capacity building to prevent high numbers of unsubmitted SAKs in the future: and supporting the investigation and prosecution of cases for which SAKs were previously unsubmitted.

The SAKI Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) program, led by RTI International and in partnership with a team of subject matter experts, including AEquitas, offers expertise and assistance to jurisdictions as they establish widespread, evidence-based, sustainable practices for:

  • Collecting and processing forensic evidence
  • Investigating and prosecuting sexual assault cases resulting from evidence from previously unsubmitted sexual assault kits (SAKs)
  • Supporting survivors of sexual assault.

In collaboration with ongoing efforts underway at the Office of Justice Programs and stakeholder organizations, the SAKI TTA team will assist in the development, implementation, and dissemination of best practices, policies, and protocols for addressing systematic issues that lead to large numbers of unsubmitted kits, and preventing those issues from reoccurring in the future.

The TTA team will efficiently disseminate publications and resources kits that address the lessons learned, common challenges, and best practices resulting from the experience of the SAKI grantees. 

Webinars

Successful Prosecution of Cold Case Sexual Assault
The Prosecutors’ Role in Survivor Notification
Preparing and Conducting Direct Examination of the Victim
Preparing and Conducting Direct Examination of the Detective
Preparing and Conducting Direct Examination of a Forensic Scientist
Preparing and Conducting Direct Examination of a SANE
Cross-Examining the Defendant: Seizing the Opportunity for Justice
VICAP: A Powerful Tool to Track and Analyze Crimes of Serial Sex Offenders

SAKI Virtual Academy

Prosecuting Cold Case Sexual Assaults

SAKI Toolkit

Unique Aspects of Prosecuting Cold Case Sexual Assaults
Responding to Motions to Dismiss Under Statutes of Limitations or Pre-accusation Delay
Key Considerations in Preparing a Cold Case Sexual Assault for Trial
Understanding the Use of John Doe Arrest Warrants in Prosecuting Cold Case Sexual Assault for Advocates
Understanding the Use of John Doe Arrest Warrants in Prosecuting Cold Case Sexual Assault for Law Enforcement
Understanding the Use of John Doe Arrest Warrants in Prosecuting Cold Case Sexual Assault for Prosecutors
Overcoming the Consent Defense: Prosecuting the Known Offender
Cold Case Alcohol- and Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault
Educating Juries in Sexual Assault Cases, Part 1: Using Voir Dire to Eliminate Jury Bias
Prosecuting Cold Case Sexual Assault: Jury Selection/Voir Dire
Guiding and Supporting a Victim’s Choice to Participate in the Prosecution of Sexual Violence
Next-Level Compulsion of Victim Testimony in Crimes of Sexual Violence Against Adults

Enhancing Conviction Integrity Webinars

Best Practices for Bloodstain Pattern Analysis in Cold Cases of Sexual Assault and Homicide
Achieving Justice at Trial: Bloodstain Pattern Evidence and Expert Testimony
Achieving Justice at Trial: Crime Scene Analysis and Expert Testimony
Achieving Justice: Ethical Considerations in Sexual Assault and Homicide Cases
Achieving Justice: Understanding the SANE Approach for Effective Prosecution of Sexual Assault and Other Violent Crimes
Advancing Justice with Case Review and Informed Strategies for DNA Testing
Advancing Justice with DNA Technologies
Achieving Justice at Trial: DNA Expert Testimony
Successful Case Outcomes: Evidence, Potential DNA and Expert Testimony
Preparing and Conducting Direct Examination of the Forensic Scientist
Advancing Justice: From the Crime Scene(s) to the Courtroom
From the Crime Scene(s) to the Courtroom: Optimal Evidence Identification, Collection and Preservation at Trial
DNA 101 - Mixtures, Statistics, and Methodologies: Science and Application to Investigation and Prosecution
Fingerprint Analysis in Cold Cases of Sexual Assault and Homicide
DNA Testing, Workflow, Collaboration and Options
Achieving Justice: Investigating and Prosecuting Intimate Partner Homicide
Advancing Justice: Interviewing and Presenting Testimony of Victims of Violent Crimes
Advancing Justice: Interviewing and Presenting Testimony of Witnesses to Violent Crimes
Achieving Justice at Trial: Direct Examination of Victims of Violent Crime
Achieving Justice at Trial: Direct Examination of Witnesses to Violent Crimes
Achieving Justice: Countering Witness Intimidation through Forfeiture by Wrongdoing
Achieving Justice: Suspect Statements and Cross-Examination of the Defendant in Violent Crime Cases
Fingerprint Analysis: Preparing for Trial and Expert Witness Testimony
Seeking a Fair and Just Verdict: Guiding the Jury's Response to the Evidence
Successful Prosecution of Cold Case Sexual Assault

Enhancing Conviction Integrity Publications

Considerations for Optimal Timeframes for DNA Forensic Evidence Collection from Sexual Assault Cases: A SAKI Recommendation
DNA Testing 101: Sexual Assault Kits
Case Connectivity Using DNA
Y-STR Testing: Enhancing Sexual Assault Workflows
Understanding DNA Testing and Reporting: Processing SAKs
Unsubmitted SAK Processing: Five Objects toward Forming a Positive Relationship with a Private Laboratory
Key Considerations in Preparing a Cold Case Sexual Assault for Trial