TY - JOUR
T1 - Achieving more with less
T2 - A critical review of protocols for forensic investigation of sexual violence in low-resource environments
AU - Smith, Lisa L.
AU - Flowe, Heather D.
AU - Kanja, Wangu
PY - 2019
Y1 - 2019
N2 - Sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) is notoriously difficult to investigate and prosecute. SGBV occurs in varied contexts and requires flexibility in the investigative approach in order to develop a strong evidence base to enable successful prosecutions. In this paper we focus on the need for innovation and development of training protocols for gathering testimonial and forensic evidence in SGBV cases, particularly in low resource environments, such as developing countries, displaced communities, and conflict and post-conflict societies. We discuss existing international guidelines that have been developed for improving the documentation and investigation of SGBV in these contexts, and argue there are significant gaps in the knowledge base that impede the effective implementation of such guidelines. In particular, collaborative research between academics, practitioners and NGOs is needed to address several priority areas. These include the development of programmes geared towards training non-specialist practitioners who work in low resource environments, as well as research programmes that evaluate the implementation of the programmes. This research will improve access to justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators of sexual violence.
AB - Sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) is notoriously difficult to investigate and prosecute. SGBV occurs in varied contexts and requires flexibility in the investigative approach in order to develop a strong evidence base to enable successful prosecutions. In this paper we focus on the need for innovation and development of training protocols for gathering testimonial and forensic evidence in SGBV cases, particularly in low resource environments, such as developing countries, displaced communities, and conflict and post-conflict societies. We discuss existing international guidelines that have been developed for improving the documentation and investigation of SGBV in these contexts, and argue there are significant gaps in the knowledge base that impede the effective implementation of such guidelines. In particular, collaborative research between academics, practitioners and NGOs is needed to address several priority areas. These include the development of programmes geared towards training non-specialist practitioners who work in low resource environments, as well as research programmes that evaluate the implementation of the programmes. This research will improve access to justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators of sexual violence.
KW - DNA
KW - Forensic
KW - Interviews
KW - Investigation
KW - Sexual violence
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85070733478&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2019.07.002
DO - 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2019.07.002
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:85070733478
SN - 2589-871X
VL - 1
SP - 108
EP - 113
JO - Forensic Science International: Synergy
JF - Forensic Science International: Synergy
ER -