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Online Glossary Helps Professionals "Speak the Same Language" About Sexual Assault

NCJ Number
250573
Author(s)
Date Published
January 2017
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the development of an online “Multidisciplinary Sexual Assault Glossary” that assists medical, law enforcement, forensic, and legal professionals “speak the same language” when discussing sexual assault cases.
Abstract
Produced in cooperation with the Center for Nursing Excellence International, the National Institute of Justice’s (NIJ’s) Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) solicited input from multidisciplinary subject-matter experts, who suggested terms and wrote and reviewed definitions. A consensus model was used to approve content and definitions. There is a structure for continuing to update the glossary at conferences, meetings, and social media. The glossary can be accessed at https://www.forensiccoe.org/Our-Impact/Focusing-on-Special-Initiatives/Sexual-Assault/The-Multidisciplinary-Sexual-Assault-Glossary. Extensive feedback has been received about its usefulness and ease of access. Positive comments have been received from rural providers, prosecutors, and investigators who are not specialized in the management of sexual assault cases. There are frequent calls for the expansion of the glossary.

Date Published: January 1, 2017