Similar to homicide, arson and bombing incidents, properly investigating reports of sex crimes requires a team approach and specialized training because of the unique and often challenging aspects of the response – from trauma informed interviews, evidence collection, suspect identification, and methodology for building a strong case so that justice may be served.
The first challenge typically lies with getting the victim to report the incident. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center estimates 63% of sexual assaults aren’t reported to the police. In most of the cases that are reported the suspects are strangers. Securing their trust requires empathy and respect.
This training will cover all aspects of the investigation whether the suspect is a stranger to the victim, or reports of acquaintances (or date rape), to child victims where the suspect is a family member, caretaker, or a trusted friend of the family. We will discuss best practices for each of these reports – from properly securing victim statements (forensic interviews) to medical evaluations and forensic evidence collection, crime scene evidence, witness statements (if applicable), to suspect statements and the role of the Child Advocacy Center for reports involving children and juvenile victims.

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