SATI e-News:  January 2007

 
In this issue:

Sexual Assault News

• Duke Sexual Assault Case Rests in the Hands of State's Attorney General

• Survey Finds West Point Has Highest Incidence of Sexual Misconduct Among Academies

• Open Survey Assesses the Practice of Polygraphing Sexual Assault Victims

• EVAW International Launches Sexual Assault On-Line Training Institute

• Model Law Revisited During National Stalking Awareness Month

Opinion

• Duke-ing It Out in the Court of Public Opinion, by Wendy Murphy, JD

Technology

• 3-D Imagery to Aid in Recovery of Missing Children

Legislative News

• Legislative Outlook Under the New Congress

• Georgia Imposes Restrictive Residency Restrictions on Sex Offenders

Forensic News

• Felons' DNA Found to be Missing from Virginia Database

• FBI Permits Near-Match Searching of DNA
  
  Promising Practices: >From the Desk of the Training Director
  ** Best Practice or Buzzword? Sorting out Fact from Fiction in the Community
  Response to Violence Against Women
  
  Upcoming Conferences/Training
  Featured Resources
  People on the Move
  Funding Opportunities
  
  Sexual Assault News
  Duke Sexual Assault Case Rests in the Hands of State's Attorney General North Carolina attorney general Roy Cooper agreed to accept the prosecution of
  the sexual assault case against three Duke lacrosse players for sexually assaulting
  a 28-year-old stripper in March 2006 after Durham County District Attorney Michael
  B. Nifong removed himself from the case. According to the Washington Post, Cooper
  promised a “careful and deliberate review” of the case and noted that “anything
  can happen,” even new charges, as his office reviews the evidence with a fresh
  set of eyes. [read more] <http://www.mysati.com/enews/Jan2007/duke_sexual_assault.htm>
  
  Survey Finds West Point Has Highest Incidence of Sexual Misconduct Among Academies West Point had the highest incidence of sexual misconduct, with 10.5 percent
  of the academy's 596 female cadets (63 women) reporting some form of unwanted
  sexual contact during the 2006 school year according to a survey of military
  academies conducted by the Pentagon Defense Manpower Data Center. The assaults
  included sodomy, fondling of genitalia and rape, according to the Times Herald-Record.
  Fifteen percent of West Point's 4,000 cadets are women. [read more] <http://www.mysati.com/enews/Jan2007/west_point_misconduct.htm>
  
  Open Survey Assesses the Practice of Polygraphing Sexual Assault Victims The sexual assault community is invited to participate in a survey on the practice
  and policy related to polygraphing of sexual assault victims. This is being
  done in response to new provisions in the Violence Against Women Act of 2005
  which prohibit recipients of STOP grants from asking or requiring victims of
  sexual offenses to submit to a polygraph exam as a condition of proceeding with
  an investigation. The deadline to participate is Friday, February 5, 2007.
  [read more] <http://www.mysati.com/enews/Jan2007/polygraphing_sexual_assault.htm>
  
  EVAW International Launches Sexual Assault On-Line Training Institute EVAW International has launched the On-Line Training Institute (OLTI), a state-of-the-art
  training tool intended for law enforcement and other professionals involved in
  the criminal justice and community response to sexual assault. The OLTI promotes
  a multi-disciplinary community response with particular emphasis on sex crimes
  committed by someone who is known to the victim (i.e. non-strangers). Enrolling
  in the OLTI is a simple process, and any professional interested in finding out
  more can enroll in an introductory module absolutely free of charge. The introductory
  module is entitled, “Effective Report Writing: Using the Language of Non-Consensual
  Sex,” and it is designed to help investigators conduct a preliminary victim interview
  and write a report that will support successful prosecution. To find out more
  about the On-Line Training Institute or to register for training modules - including
  the free, introductory module on Effective Report Writing, click here <http://www.evawintl.org/evaw%5Fcourseware/default.aspx>.
  
  
  Model Law Revisited During National Stalking Awareness Month Organizations in more than 20 states conducted activities to publicize this January
  as the fourth annual National Stalking Awareness Month, with a focus on raising
  awareness of stalking and technology. In addition, the National Center for Victims
  of Crime (NCVC) released a report that calls on states to evaluate the adequacy
  of their stalking laws, including model legislation intended to increase stalker
  accountability and victim safety. The Model Stalking Code Revisited: Responding
  to the New Realities <http://www.ncvc.org/ncvc/AGP.Net/Components/documentViewer/Download.aspxnz?DocumentID=41822>
  examines and recommends a major update to the original model stalking code, developed
  in 1993 by the National Institute of Justice. For more resources on stalking
  including posters, brochures and state statutes visit the 'NCVCs Stalking Resource
  Center <http://www.ncvc.org/src/Main.aspx>.
  
  Opinion
  Duke-ing It out in the Court of Public Opinion
  by Wendy Murphy, JD
  For nine months, we've heard only from the defense in the so-called “Duke Rape
  Case” - but few people know that while the defense is talking up a storm about
  how the prosecutor has “nothing”, the defense has refused to release a thousand
  pages of the investigation. Reasonable people want to know what they're hiding.
  
  
  The prosecutor can't reveal evidence without risking sanctions (such as dismissal
  of charges) for tainting the jury pool. The defense is not subject to similar
  punishment, which is why they can and do speak more freely in all high profile
  cases. This double standard is why we should all be suspicious about whether
  we're getting the whole truth whenever a defense attorney claims there's "no"
  evidence. [read more] <http://www.mysati.com/enews/Jan2007/wendy_murphy_duke_opinion.htm>
  
  Technology
  3-D Imagery to Aid in Recovery of Missing Children
  A new software program called AmberViewTM creates enhanced 3-D digital images
  from static facial scans to aid law enforcement in tracking down missing children.
  The 3-D image - along with biographical information on each child - is stored
  on a secure server. Once a child goes missing and the system is activated, the
  3-D image and other data on that child can be mass broadcast within minutes through
  a web-based system to law enforcement, media organizations and other sources.
  The program is being piloted in West Virginia in partnership with the state's
  schools before being rolled out nationally. [read more] <http://www.mysati.com/enews/Jan2007/amberview.htm>
  
  Legislative News
  Legislative Outlook Under the New Congress
  The 110th Congress convened earlier this month with a change of party control
  in both the House and the Senate. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Congressman
  John Conyers (D-MI) are the new chairs of the Senate and House Judiciary committees,
  which have jurisdiction over much of the legislation of interest to the sexual
  assault community. According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, Democrats
  in Congress have indicated they will turn their attention to a juvenile justice
  bill and a possible omnibus crime package. Stay tuned for legislative updates
  and action alerts. [read more] <http://www.mysati.com/enews/Jan2007/new_congress.htm>
  
  Georgia Imposes Restrictive Residency Restrictions on Sex Offenders Georgia is the most recent state to enact legislation which sets limits on where
  sex offenders can live. The roughly 10,000 sex offenders residing in Georgia
  have been forbidden to reside within 1,000 feet of a school, playground, church
  or school bus stop, according to the Washington Post. But critics believe that
  such laws simply drive offenders underground, making them more difficult to track.
  The constraints might also prompt offenders to move to other states, simply
  shifting the problem to another jurisdiction. According to the Washington Post,
  these are some of the reasons that police and prosecutors in Iowa united in opposition
  to such laws. The Center for Missing and Exploited Children also expressed concern
  that these laws give the public a false sense of security.
  
  Source:
  “Some Curbs on Sex Offenders Called Ineffective, Inhuman,” Washington Post, November
  22, 2006.
  
  Forensic News
  Felons' DNA Found to be Missing from Virginia Database Authorities recently realized that the DNA of a significant number of Virginia
  felons was missing from the state's database, prompting a massive review which
  could take several months, according to the Washington Post. The missing records
  could number in the thousands, diminishing the effectiveness of DNA in criminal
  investigations nationwide. The problem in Virginia came to light in December
  of last year when an investigation into a series of Charlottesville rapes revealed
  that the records of suspects with criminal backgrounds were not included in the
  database. [read more] <http://www.mysati.com/enews/Jan2007/virginia_missing_dna.htm>
  
  FBI Permits Near-Match Searching of DNA
  The FBI has begun permitting police investigators to pursue some criminal suspects
  by tracking the DNA of close relatives who have been convicted of other offenses,
  according to USA Today. The first case of sharing such information between states
  involved an Oregon felon whose DNA profile showed that he is a "likely" close
  relative of a man who sexually assaulted a Denver woman in 2003. [read more]
  <http://www.mysati.com/enews/Jan2007/fbi_dna.htm>
  Promising Practices:
  From the Desk of the Training Director
  
  Best Practice or Buzzword? Sorting out Fact from Fiction in the Community Response
  to Violence Against Women
  By Joanne Archambault, SATI Training Director and Founder of EVAW International
  
  and Dr. Kim Lonsway, EVAW International Director of Research
  
  So often we hear new buzzwords in our field, and we have to wonder whether they
  truly represent best practice - or if they are more myth than reality when it
  comes to improving the community response to the crimes of domestic violence,
  sexual assault, and stalking. In this Promising Practices article, we will explore
  some of these questions through different lenses. Specifically, we will address
  the issues of: (1) evidence-based prosecution; (2) blind and third party reporting;
  and (3) vertical advocacy. [read more] <http://www.mysati.com/enews/Jan2007/practices_01_07.htm>
  
  ************
  Upcoming Conferences/Training
  National Trainer Development Program on Violence Against Women March 20-22, 2007 Philadelphia, PA Conducted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, this program
  is intended for law enforcement trainers in the field of violence against women.
  It offers participants an opportunity to interact with the nation's top trainers
  on violence against women, explore the most effective methods for training law
  enforcement personnel, and obtain resources on the most current and effective
  investigative and crime response trends. Click here <http://www.theiacp.org/research/VAWTrainer.html>
  for more information.
  
  International GHB & Chemical Drug Conference - Note date change Conducted by Project GHB March 23-25, 2007 Dallas, Texas Learn more <http://www.projectghb.org/>
  
  The Troubling Language of Rape: How Eroticism, Gender Myths and Victim-Blaming
  Affect Social and Legal Discourse
  Conducted by the Judicial Language Project at the New England School of Law March 24, 2007 (9:30 am - 5:30 pm) Boston, MA Registration is free but space is limited - To register email your name, affiliation,
  the number attending and contact information to Stephanie Sprague at SSprague@admin.nesl.edu
  <javascript:parent.ComposeTo('SSprague%40admin.nesl.edu',%20'');> or call 617-422-7434.
  
  International Conference on Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Stalking Presented by EVAW International April 16-18, 2007 Houston, Texas
  Join fellow law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, victim advocates, judges,
  parole and probation officers, rape crisis workers, medical personnel, faith
  community members, educators and others in this three-day conference highlighting
  promising practices and emerging issues in sexual assault, domestic violence
  and stalking. As always, it will be a full agenda with the most up-to-date information
  presented by some of the top experts in the country. Visit EVAW International
  <http://www.evawintl.org/> for a complete agenda, speaker biographies and registration
  information.
  Sexual Assault Examiners Training
  May 7-11, 2007
  Norfolk, Virginia
  Intended for nurses as well as law enforcement and advocates Contact Diana Faugno at dialee@aol.com <mailto:dialee@aol.com> for more information.
  
  Featured Resources
  Reference Manual on Violence Against Women
  Violence Against Women, a recently released three-volume reference manual, is
  a landmark collection of the experiences, insights, and ideas of leading professionals
  who work with women victims of violence, and who prosecute the perpetrators of
  such violence. It is edited by Joan Zorza, Esq., editor of the quarterly Sexual
  Assault Report, both of which are published by Civic Research Institute. The
  manual is an essential reference for victim advocates, attorneys, law enforcement,
  counseling and health professionals, educators and students. Click here <http://www.civicresearchinstitute.com/vi5.html>
  for more information.
  
  A Selection of Resources Geared to Prosecutors
  
  The American Prosecutors Research Institute's National Center for the Prosecution
  of Violence Against Women offers a wealth of resources, including:
  
  Why the Abused Should Not Become the Accused
  This article addresses the critical issue which domestic violence prosecutors
  frequently struggle with - that is, how to handle cases when the victim recants
  or is uncooperative. Frustrated, prosecutors sometimes resort to arresting the
  victim. This article takes an in-depth look at the decision-making process and
  offers creative case management and alternatives to arrest. [view full article]
  <http://www.ndaa-apri.org/publications/newsletters/the_voice_vol_1_no_8_2006.pdf>
  
  Overcoming the Consent Defense
  The consent defense is one of the most confounding challenges for prosecutors.
  This article offers a two-pronged approach to address misconceptions of juries.
  This strategy allows the prosecutor to rebut the myths and shows jurors that
  the defendant is guilty of rape regardless of whether the victim fits their stereotype
  of a “real” victim or the defendant fits their stereotype of a “real” rapist.
  [view full article <http://www.ndaa-apri.org/publications/newsletters/the_voice_vol_1_no_7_06.pdf>]
  
  Prosecutors Toolkit
  The Prosecutors Toolkit is a comprehensive list of resources that are available
  upon request from the National Center for the Prosecution of Violence Against
  Women. Among the topics are: the use of expert witnesses, voir dire, court room
  and testifying tips for SANEs, and sample pre-trial motions. Click here <http://www.ndaa-apri.org/phpdocs/ta_response_packet_index.html>
  to view the Prosecutors Toolkit.
  
  People on the Move
  Teresa P. Scalzo who for a number of years headed up the American Prosecutor
  Research Institute's National Center for the Prosecution of Violence Against
  Women (NCPVAW) has moved on to the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office
  of the Department of Defense in Arlington, Virginia. Jennifer Long, was named
  her successor at NCPVAW. Long had been a senior attorney at the NCPVAW for the
  past two years, and prior to that she was an assistant district attorney in Philadelphia.
  
  The Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs in Washington state named
  Betty Bailey Executive Director after an extensive nationwide search.
  
  Paul Ferrara, long-time Director of the Virginia Crime Lab, retired at the end
  of 2006. His successor has not yet been named.
  
  Funding Opportunities
  Grants to Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking
  on Campus Program (OVW-2007-1481). The U.S. Department of Justice announces funds
  to develop and strengthen victim services in cases involving domestic violence,
  dating violence, sexual assault and stalking on campuses. The Campus Program
  also aims to strengthen security and investigative strategies to prevent and
  prosecute these crimes on campuses. Eligible applicants include public and state
  controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher
  education. The deadline for applications is March 8, 2007. Awards up to $300,000
  are available. Click here <http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=12166&mode=VIEW>
  for further information.
  
  Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Domestic Violence, Dating Violence,
  Stalking and Sexual Assault (OVW-2007-1506). The U.S. Department of Justice announces
  funds to support programs that provide assistance to victims of domestic violence,
  dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are in need of transitional
  housing, short-term housing assistance, and related support services. The program
  focuses on a holistic, victim-centered approach to provide transitional housing
  services that move individuals into permanent housing. Eligible applicants include
  city or township governments, county governments, state governments, and nonprofit
  organizations. The deadline for applications is February 22, 2007. Approximately
  200 awards up to $350,000 are available. Click here <http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=12164&mode=VIEW>
  for further information.
  
  Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking and Child
  Abuse Enforcement Assistance Program (OVW-2007-1499). The primary purpose of
  the Rural Program is to enhance the safety of victims of domestic violence, dating
  violence, sexual assault, stalking and child victimization by supporting projects
  uniquely designed to address and prevent these crimes in rural jurisdictions.
  Special consideration is given to innovative solutions to achieve this goal.
  Eligible applicants include city or township governments, state governments
  and nonprofit organizations. The deadline for applications is February 15, 2007.
  Approximately 70 awards up to $900,000 are available. Click here <http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=11944&mode=VIEW>
  for further information.
  
  Have a job opening, conference or an announcement of a personnel change for SATI
  e-news? Tell us about it at debbie_andrews@comcast.net <mailto:debbie_andrews@comcast.net>.
  
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