Richardson, Deborah; Valentine, Julie; Miles, Leslie (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Valentine, Julie (Brigham Young University, Nursing); Miles, Leslie (Brigham Young university, Nursing)
Purpose: Describe the minimal effect of post-assault bathing or showering on the development of FBI Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) eligible DNA profiles from sexual assault kit evidence.
Sexual assault kit (SAK) submission rates significantly decrease in cases wherein the victim has bathed or showered. The belief that these actions diminish the possibility of finding evidence heavily contributes to be a significant negative predictor of SAK submissions by law enforcement (LE). Now there are improved DNA analysis methods that can yield CODIS eligible DNA profiles from skin regardless of whether the victim bathed or showered.
SAK submission rates and DNA analysis findings from 5,423 cases were evaluated in this retrospective study. 36% of victims reported post-assault bathing or showering. These washing actions was found to be highly correlated with time between assault and sexual assault forensic examination. In a generalized estimating equation (GEE) logistic regression analysis on SAK submission rates, victim reports of post-assault bathing or showering was a consistent predictor of law enforcement not submitting kits. Yet, bivariable statistical analysis determined that victim bathing or showering post-assault was not associated with the lack of development of a DNA probative profile from SAK evidence.
The effect of post-assault bathing or showering must be reconsidered in the forensic science and criminal justice community as DNA analysis can yield probative DNA profiles, even after a victim has bathed or showered. The presentation of these research findings will encourage the submission of SAK by law enforcement and potentially increase SAK submission rates by eradicating any doubt regarding the minimal effect of bathing or showering on the development of CODIS eligible DNA profiles. New research data supports the collection, submission and testing of all SAK especially those with a victim history of post-assault bathing or showering.