NCJ Number
94321
Date Published
1984
Length
47 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the development of a program of sexual assault victim services in Hennepin County, Minnesota, involving cooperation among police, prosecutorial, and social service agencies.
Abstract
Hennepin County's Sexual Assault Services has developed a battery of sexual assault victim services under a number of grants. The staff has changed as the purpose has shifted with each new grant. Currently, two sexual assault/victim-witness staff handle the bulk of support for child victims, while attorneys handle the litigation. The sexual assault/victim-witness staff coordinate the provision of services with other professionals and agencies, including child protection services, police, hospitals and doctors, schools, and others as appropriate. All child sexual assault reports are made to both child protection and the police if the offender is a parent, guardian, or caretaker. If the offender is a stranger, acquaintance, or friend, the investigation is by the police only. If the case involves child sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, or caretaker, protection and treatment services are given by Child Protection Services. Juvenile court may be involved in cases where a dependency or neglect petition is filed. Sexual Assault Services staff's primary task is assisting the prosecutor in interviewing the child victim and in maintaining contact with various professionals involved with the child victim and family. Statistics are provided on the relationship of the defendant to victim, the victim, the defendant, and case disposition for cases involving adult and child victims. Also provided are forms used in the provision of victim services and a grant request for a project to enhance the successful investigation and prosecution of child physical and sexual assault cases in Hennepin County.