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What is sexual assault?
Sexual assault encompasses all unlawful sexual conduct including, but not limited to, rape, sodomy, incest, child molestation, sex offenses involving minors, and other sexual conduct.
What percentage of female college students report sexual assaults?
20% of female college students report sexual assaults.
What is the term used for the process of separating sperm cells from other cell types during DNA analysis?
Differential extraction.
What is CODIS?
CODIS stands for Combined DNA Index System, which contains profiles from evidence samples attributed to an offender, as well as other databases for convicted offenders, missing persons, unidentified human remains, etc.
What does the SAFER Act aim to do?
The SAFER Act aims to establish national best practices and recommendations for sexual assault forensic evidence reporting.
What are two major recommendations for laboratories processing sexual assault kits as per 2017 NIJ recommendations?
Laboratories should evaluate if any other DNA-typing results could be used for investigative purposes, and 2. Laboratories should consider changing the order of processing evidence by going directly to DNA first.
Why is sexual assault evidence often underreported?
Reasons include fear of retaliation, belief that police would not help, viewing it as a personal matter, and thinking it is not important enough to report.
What does the term backlog refer to in a forensic laboratory context?
A backlog refers to cases received by the laboratory that exceed the laboratory’s capacity and are awaiting testing.
What is one of the problems associated with traditional biological testing methods in forensic labs?
Biological testing is labor-intensive and can be slow, especially with older methods.
What does 'Direct to DNA' (D2D) testing refer to?
It refers to using the most sensitive method first in DNA testing, moving serological testing to later in the process to improve efficiency.
What recommendations are made regarding robotics in DNA processing?
Laboratories should consider incorporating robotics and automation at each step of the DNA process for the most efficient high-throughput approach.
What factors should influence sample collection according to SWGDAM recommendations?
Sample collection should be driven by the victim’s version of events and should take into account the trauma which may affect their memory.
What is the recommended evidence submission policy for forensic labs?
Laboratories should have an evidence submission policy that prioritizes evidentiary items and minimizes analyst bias in sample selection.
What are the consequences of forensic laboratory backlogs?
Backlogs can lead to delayed cases at investigative or judicial stages, potentially affecting statute of limitations and impacting victims.
What aspect of DNA evidence collection is emphasized in the NIJ's 2017 recommendations?
The need for effective tracking, inventory, and auditing of evidence collection.
