Sexual Assault Victims' Experiences of Notification after a CODIS hit

Publication Date: 2015
Tag(s): sexual assault, victim services
Author(s): University of Texas at Austin: Institute on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (IDVSA)
Abstract: In Houston, victim notification involves reestablishing contact with victims whose cases are re-opened for investigation as a result of a match in the law enforcement database Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), from victims' recently tested sexual assault kits (SAKs). HPD and working group members designed the Complainant Notification and Hotline Protocols to outline victim notification procedures for each type of forensic analysis result. The Protocols present standardized, thoughtful, and sensitive responses to victims, which aim to increase victims' comfort and engagement with the criminal justice system and minimize risk for re-traumatization. This action research assesses the implementation of the Complainant Notification and Hotline Protocols by interviewing a small number of victims about their experience with notification by HPD investigators and the justice advocate, an advocate for victims.