Sexual Assault/Human Trafficking
Unit Overview
The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council's Sexual Assault Unit supplies the resources needed for agencies across the state to empower victims of sexual assault and guide them through the criminal justice process. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one and five women and one in 71 men will be sexually assaulted in their lives. Even though sexual assault is very prevalent in today’s society, it is the most under- reported crime.
Unit Goals
- Supports and promotes all sexual assault/human trafficking service organizations who assist and represent those who can’t advocate for themselves;
- Seeks, provides, and secures grant funding for organizations that serve victims of sexual assault/human trafficking who are primary and/or secondary victims of a crime(s);
- Provides technical assistance to programs to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations concerning the use of grant funding;
- Builds relationships with new and existing partners who serve, support, and protect victims of sexual assault/human trafficking;
- Supports initiatives and efforts that aid in every victims’ right to a healthy, stable, and safe environment.
Current Projects/Initiatives
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) Initiatives: We are the coordinating body for all activities related to the backlog of sexual assault kits (SAKs). Our coordination centers around ensuring that the statewide response is victim-centered, while helping to avoid any future statewide crisis related to the response, testing, or notification of sexual assault.