Forensic analysis of DNA from sexual assault kits is a laborious process. These samples may be a mixture of sperm and male or female epithelial cells (E-cells). Generally, it is the sperm cells that are of greatest forensic value. Since its introduction in 1985 by Gill, Jefferys and Warrett, differential extraction has remained an essential pre-PCR extraction procedure adopted by most forensic laboratories for the preferential lysis of E-cells and isolation of sperm cells/male fraction prior to DNA profiling. The differential extraction procedure operates based on the packaging of DNA in these two types of cells. The E cells are first lysed by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and Proteinase K which leaves the sperm cells intact. The mixture is centrifuged leaving E-cell DNA in the supernatant and sperm cells in the pellet. After several wash steps to remove residual E cell DNA, the sperm fraction is then subjected to lysis using SDS, proteinase K, and dithiothreitol (DTT). DTT reduces the disulfide bonds present in the sperm nucleus, thereby releasing sperm cell DNA. The traditional Gill method of differential extraction, while proven to be highly effective in providing two separate fractions for a simplified interpretation of profiles, is a labor intensive and time-consuming process, requiring approximately six hours of an analyst’s concentration. In a casework scenario where an evidence sample is of a higher E cell concentration compared to sperm cells, it is inevitable to obtain mixture profiles that becomes more difficult to interpret. To mitigate carryover from the female fraction, the sperm cell fraction is usually subjected to multiple wash steps. Furthermore, the resulting fractions must be subjected to additional pre-PCR DNA purification procedures to remove PCR inhibitors such as SDS and Proteinase K which result in varying degrees on DNA loss. Progress has been made over the years to introduce methods that allow for PCR-ready lysates without additional purification steps, often referred to as direct lysis methods. However, none have been proven to be viable options for use in sexual assault samples. Our laboratory has developed a novel differential extraction procedure that is not only time-efficient and less laborious but also utilizes a direct-lysis procedure requiring no further pre-PCR purification for most samples. The novel procedure uses ZyGEM, which contains the thermophilic EA1 protease proven to effectively digest biological samples and produce PCR-ready lysates suitable for downstream nucleic acid amplification, thereby minimizing DNA loss. The procedure uses a multi-enzymatic approach and utilizes the different optimal activity temperatures of the enzymes to perform most of the process in a DNA extraction lab thermocycler, requiring only a single centrifugation for the usual separation of the E-cell fraction and no subsequent washing steps for the sperm cell fraction. It has the potential to be a rapid, robust procedure that can be easily implemented in any forensic laboratory. This thesis will describe the procedure and report progress in the procedure optimization. / 2019-10-24T00:00:00Z

Literature concerning the time frames for detection of various seminal components commonly tested for in forensic laboratories in sexual assault cases is limited in quantity and in scope. Determining a more accurate time since intercourse (TSI) interval based on an extensive review of forensic case work would provide investigators with a tool for estimating the time elapsed between the occurrence of a sexual assault and the collection of a Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit (SAECK) which could be vital information in certain cases. This study demonstrates that the presence of intact spermatozoa is a significant finding on microscope slides prepared from vaginal, anorectal, and oral swabs and that the percentage of intact sperm cells decreases over time. This study also proved that sperm tails are lost during the preparation of microscope slides from SAECK swabs by directly comparing medical personnel-prepared smear slides and analyst-prepared extract slides from 95 Boston Police Department (BPD) Crime Laboratory Unit cases. Additionally, this study presents maximum TSI values for the persistence of sperm heads, intact spermatozoa, and prostate specific antigen (P30) through a retrospective examination of 355 cases processed by the BPD Crime Laboratory Unit over 5 years. The maximum persistence values for P30 in the vaginal, anorectal, and oral cavities were 19 hours, 17 hours, and 20 hours, respectively. In the vaginal cavity, maximum persistence values for intact spermatozoa were 43 hours for smear slides and 41.5 hours for extract slides. The maximum persistence of sperm heads was equivalent for vaginal smear and extract slides at 105 hours. In the anorectal cavity, maximum persistence values for intact spermatozoa were 43 hours for smear slides and 13 hours for extract slides. The maximum persistence of sperm heads was equivalent for anorectal smear and extract slides at 43 hours. In the oral cavity, maximum persistence values for intact spermatozoa were 3.75 hours for smear slides and 5 hours for extract slides. The maximum persistence of sperm heads were equivalent for oral smear and extract slides at 24 hours.

Military sexual assault continues to be a persistent problem for the Department of Defense despite the development of new reporting procedures. A sexual assault in the military can cause a lapse in mission accomplishment, negatively interrupt the victim's career, and lead personnel to fail at meeting high standards and expectations. The management of sexual assault complaints in the military has not been effective in preventing sexual assaults from occurring. This grounded theory study looked to explain how military leadership approaches the sexual assault complaint management process. Bronfenbrenner's (1979) ecological model of human development was the conceptual lens used for this study. Data were collected and analyzed from a sample of 20 ex-Air Force leaders using internet-based open-ended questions. Data analysis included first- and second-cycle coding, theoretical sampling, reflection, and ultimately the construction of a substantive theory. The study identified a bio-social operative (BSO) theory that suggests operational management of sexual assault complaints must encompass positive relationships between leaders and subordinates, coupled with constructive sexual assault prevention strategies and the eradication of preconditions such as biasness. This study contributes to social change through discovery of a theory that may provide military leaders and researchers with insights on how sexual assault complaint management is perceived from former military leaders. It also provides a basis for the development of future support programs that are tailored to the specific needs of military populations. These findings may ultimately raise awareness and contribute to the well-being and quality of life of military personnel.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Sexting has been linked to a range of sexual behaviors, including sexual assault; however, the mechanism through which sexting increases the risk for sexual assault is unknown. One explanation for the role of sexting in sexual assault could be due to gender differences in sexting and sexual communication. The current study examined men’s and women’s perceptions of sexting as a form of communicating sexual intent and sexual consent, and how sexting influences attributions of responsibility and blame in sexual encounters and alleged sexual assault. Additionally, considering the role of alcohol in sexual assault, the study also examined how both sexting and alcohol influenced individuals’ perceptions of a sexual scenario. Method:Using a factorial vignette design, N = 525 college students (48.6% women; 71% Caucasian) were randomly assigned to one of four vignettes regarding a sexual scenario between a man and woman (John and Jennifer), with sexting and/or alcohol involved. Results: Significant differences in sexting vs. texting conditions were seen for perceptions of sexual intent (F = 147.28, p< .01) and sexual consent (F = 105.86, p< .01). Men were more likely to perceive that sexual consent was exchanged (F = 9.16, p< .01) and to interpret the sext as a consent cue (F = 7.82, p< .01). John was attributed more responsibility/blame across all conditions (F = 154.58, p< .01); however, Jennifer was attributed more blame in the sexting conditions (F = 9.16, p< .01). Conclusion: Results suggest that despite sexting as a signal of sexual interest, there are differences in how men and women perceive sexting as sexual consent, which may influence the risk for sexual assault. Additionally, there are differential effects of sexting for men vs. women, such that women may be judged more harshly for sexting, suggesting evidence of the sexual double standard. Results offer important implications for sexual assault prevention and sexual gender roles.

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Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Survivors of sexual assault make difficult privacy management decisions regarding their experiences, particularly in romantic relationships where physical intimacy makes these sensitive disclosures even more complex. As fever is an indicator of illness and a part of healing from the illness, disclosure can be an indicator of underlying disturbance and a part of the restorative process. Additionally, communication privacy management (CPM) theory considers ownership, control, and turbulence to illustrate how private information is regulated. Through qualitative, semi-structured interviews (n=19) and a phronetic iterative approach to data analysis, I examined the ways survivors of sexual assault managed their private information regarding their experiences in a romantic relationship and if disclosure relieved any psychological distress of the survivor. Results of this study offer insight into the ways participants controlled their personal information through the privacy management process; the establishment of boundaries surrounding ongoing disclosures; and the emotional effect of various privacy management strategies on participants, their partners, and the relationship. Reaching across theoretical concepts, this research offers a comprehensive understanding of the factors salient when managing private information regarding sexual assault. This research also provides practical applications for considering the influence of various privacy management approaches and their influence on the physical and psychological health of the survivor and the health of the relationship.

Analysis of trace evidence involved in sexual assault investigations holds considerable potential as a newer avenue of identification when bulk, larger evidence is not found or unreliable. Trace analysis of forensic materials involves common findings such as strands of hair, residues left on clothing, shards of paint or glass, etc. In recent research focused on the analysis of trace materials found as evidence in a sexual assault, there has been promise in condom and bottled lubricant classification based on their chemical profiles that can provide an associative link in an investigation. Few studies have considered the examination of lubricant evidence at a trace level as it may be found on a crime scene or a victim. In this study, a new protocol will be tested and established to analyze trace lubricant evidence recovered from a fabric substrate, such as underwear, after sexual assaults using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. An experiment is proposed to examine the comparison of the spectra resulting from FTIR spectroscopic analysis of bulk and trace level lubricants recovered from a cotton substrate. The resulting spectra will be compared for their similarities using multivariate statistical techniques to test the viability of the approach.

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