No Easy Answers: Understanding the Impact of Sexual Assault Kit Testing on Case Attrition

• In Event: Research on Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations and Criminal Justice System Outcomes

Abstract

The discovery of significant numbers of untested sexual assault kits in police jurisdictions across the country has raised questions once again about whether some sexual assaults are more likely to have the advantage of a more complete investigation than others and why. Using data from police reports of sexual assault collected in several jurisdictions, we compare victim and incident characteristics of incidents where kit testing was done and cases where kits were collected, but not submitted for testing. Our analysis will also determine if there are differences in arrest and the use of exceptional clearance across groups. Issues associated with understanding the impact of DNA testing on case outcomes will also be discussed.

Authors

• April Pattavina, Wellesley College

• Linda M. Williams, Wellesley Centers for Women

• Melissa Morabito, University of Massachusetts Lowell