Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault

Info just for ... Law Enforcement Personnel

Law enforcement officers are on the front line when dealing with victims of sexual assault. Therefore, it is important to have an understanding of the complexities and myths that are associated with the crime of sexual assault.

Law enforcement professionals should be aware of what victims are going through and to be sensitive to meeting their needs. This insures that the victim will not experience further humiliation.

To acquire these skills, law enforcement may need training with other professionals who can explain the psychological and sociological implications that occur once an individual has been assaulted. Sensitivity and understanding of cultural stereotyping is vital to insure the victims of sexual assault receive the best care possible.

Law enforcement professionals can obtain this training through GNESA's Law Enforcement Training, which focuses on effective methods of meeting the needs of sexual assault victims. Attendees receive eight credit hours for this course which is approved by the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training. The course concentrates on sexual violence crimes with sections specifically related to Georgia's sex offense statutes, Rape Trauma Syndrome, crime scene preservation, evidence collection, and interview techniques. If you have a need for the Law Enforcement Training contact the GNESA office at 404-815-5261. View Dates and Class information here.

Law Enforcement and SARTs

Law enforcement is most effective when working from the Sexual Assault Response Team model. GNESA's law enforcement training incorporates the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) approach to police investigation which enhances the role of law enforcement, the medical community, prosecutors, and judges by providing an opportunity for communication and information sharing that does not usually take place during crime investigations. As a result, team members are better able to handle sexual assault cases, and interact with victims, because of their increased training and knowledge about each agency's role.