Exploring Sexual Assault Victimization Among the Unhoused Using SAKI Data

• In Event: The Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examination Process and Sexual Assault Victimization Among the Unhoused

Abstract

Sexual assault continues to be a major problem. While anyone can be a victim of sexual assault, certain populations are particularly vulnerable. Using data from one of the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) sites, this paper explores one such population: those unhoused. Victim, incident, and case characteristics will all be explored and compared to other groups. Barriers to kit submission and case progression will be discussed. Ultimately, the goal will be to shed light on these cases, issues relating to the submission of their sexual assault kits, and to explore implications and suggestions for the future response.

Author

• Heather Melton, University of Utah