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BEST PRACTICES IN THE INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION OF SEX ASSAULT CASES
The following best practices matrix grew out of the VAWA funded Minnesota Model Sexual Assault Response Protocol. This matrix and additional supportive information is included in a book of the same title available from the SVJI.
This matrix is offered as a tool for multidisciplinary teams to use as they consider how to best coordinate their response. Since each community is unique and response systems differ, the matrix will need to be customized (see Chapter 5). In addition, changes in laws, technology, and even the nature of the crime (i.e. drug-induced sexual assault, internet access to victims) suggest that a protocol needs to be reviewed periodically and adjusted for successful practice. Case specifics and a victim/survivor's needs and concerns also vary with each case, demonstrating the need for the response team to further adapt the local protocol for each situation. Each member of a response team must continue to develop the skills that their roles and responsibilities require-this tool is simply intended to depict the interaction between members of a response team.
Finally, the matrix does not represent all steps involved in the handling a case of sexual assault in the criminal justice system, nor all the coordination that is required. To remain manageable, our focus has been on those tasks that directly involve or affect the victim/survivor, or have considerable implications for teaming. A blank row is present at the end of each section to encourage interagency councils to add other tasks as they see fit.
The complete document is available in PDF form by clicking on the links below.
Best Practices.pdf (54 pages, 1.6 MB)
Best Practices Endnotes.pdf (23 pages, 328 K)
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