In 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, awarded the City of Akron a nearly $1 million grant to fund a 3-year Sexual Assault Kit Initiative and put together a multidisciplinary team to investigate and prosecute cold case sexual assaults. Part of that funding was set aside for a victim advocate, and because of our organization’s expertise, an advocate from our staff was chosen.

Sam, the victim advocate, helped put together various elements of the protocol associated with these cases. She assists the Akron Sexual Assault Kit (ASAKI) detectives with notifying victims when their ‘kits’ receive a DNA hit and she provides immediate crisis intervention during that difficult time. She supports them during the interview, where they recount their experiences and trauma. She helps ensure that there are no barriers to services and that the victims are connected with local resources and long-term care options.

Sam is attending the 4 ^th Annual National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Grantees Meeting in Arlington, Virginia this month, where she will network with other SAKI grant recipients and learn about effective and sustainable practices on a variety of topics. 

Victim Assistance Program will be volunteering at the Falls Downtown Friday's Stars & Stripes event again this year! Proceeds from the beer sales will be donated to our organization to allow us to continue our mission of empowering our community to restore lives impacted by crisis, violence, and tragedy. We need volunteers to pour beer, take tickets and check ID's. Please click on the button below to review the available slots and sign up.

See you on July 5th! Thank you!