Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Convening Virtual Toolkit
The IACP is proud to serve as a partner to RTI International on the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI). This initiative is funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance and is aimed at supporting the jurisdictional reform of approaches to sexual assault cases resulting from evidence found in previously unsubmitted sexual assault kits.
Police leaders were invited to attend Unified Front: Integrating Sexual Assault Response into Comprehensive Violence Crime Strategies at the IACP 2025 Annual Conference. This invitation-only event was co-hosted by the IACP and Research Triangle Institute (RTI), as funded by the Bureau of Justice Administration (BJA).
The below resources were compiled to assist attendees to collect information as they bring home promising practices to their own agency.
Investigations
The following resources focus on trauma-informed and victim-centered investigative strategies and are curated to support law enforcement and allied professionals in responding to sexual assault investigations.
- Maximizing Investigative Leads: Recommended Practices for Communicating, Pursuing, and Tracking CODIS Hits
- Re-engaging Cold Case Victims: Factors to Consider
- Criminal Victimization, 2015
- Introduction Trauma Informed Sexual Assault Investigation Training Curriculum
- Successful Trauma-Informed Victim Interviewing
- 12 Key Questions to Guide Victim Notification Protocols
- Core Standards for Sexual Assault Investigations
- Advocacy and Investigation: Identifying the Unique but Complementary Roles in Sexual Assault Response
- Trauma Informed Sexual Assault Investigation Training Curriculum
Serving Victims
The following resources are designed to support agencies in delivering trauma-informed, victim-centered services throughout the duration of a case. They include guidance on best practices for re-engaging victims, maintaining consistent communication, and providing notifications of key case developments in a timely and respectful manner.
- 12 Key Questions to Guide Victim Notification Protocols
- Guide for Offering Sexual Assault Survivors Continual Support
- Compassionate Response to Disclosure: Advice for Supporting a Victim of Sexual Assault
- Victim Advocacy for Cold Case Sexual Assault: Developing a Work Plan
- What Happens Next? Victim Resources for Support, Questions, and Information in Cold Case Sexual Assaults
- Voices of Survivors: How to Respond to Disclosure of Sexual Assault
- Trauma-Informed Communication: What to Expect When Interacting with Victims of Sexual Assault and Trauma
- Law Enforcement-Based Victim Services (LEV) Getting Started
- Law Enforcement-Based Victim Services (LEV): Key Considerations
Agency-Wide Initiatives
Trauma-informed, victim-centered approaches should be the focus for every employee of a police agency. While these approaches tend to be prioritized for patrol response and investigations, they can be integrated into training, policies, and promotions for both sworn and professional staff. The following resources can be used to lift your agency's overall response to victims.
Contact
The IACP and RTI are proud to support police agencies who are committed to improving the response to sexual assault. Stay tuned for more information about SAKI Leadership Academy (summer 2026).
For more information, please visit Sakitta.org or email [email protected] or [email protected]
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