When responding to a sexual assault…
✅ Use R.E.S.P.E.C.T to guide my response
- Secure scene
- Medical
- Rapport (tell them what to expect)
- Take statement
- Evidence (may need to ask questions to gather)
- Encourage Sane
- Provide Resources (Victim advocates, Marsy’s law)
🎯 Begin with the end in mind, what are my critical paths?
- These are course of action available to me
- If I believe a crime has been committed then I need to ask questions that elucidate the elements of that crime
🎗 During the rapport building phase, remember these points.
🎗 During the investigative phase
- Look for sources of evidence specific to sexual assault
- While gathering testimonial evidence, ask sexual assault specific questions:
- Questions to ask the victim
- Questions to ask witnesses
- Questions to ask the suspect
- Look for the abuse.
📎 During the summarize phase
Be sure to provide the victim with relevant Resources.