Preliminary Findings on Unsubmitted Sexual Assault Kits

• In Event: Investigating and Prosecuting Sexual Assault

Abstract

This presentation focuses on preliminary findings on a project examining unsubmitted sexual assault kits. Data includes a comprehensive database with information on the kits and the subsequent cases and surveys. Questions potentially answered are: 1)the effectiveness of testing unsubmitted sexual assault kits and the overall process; and 2) evaluating victims’ responses to cold case notification and victims’ experience with the criminal justice system. Implications for policy and future research will be discussed.

Author

• Heather Melton, University of Utah