An estimated total of 91% of all victims of rape and “other” acts of sexual violence are women, while only 2% of rapists are convicted or imprisoned. Forensic science’s DNA evidence has become a powerful tool in bringing justice to survivors of sexual violence and fittingly is a female dominated practice.
What is the study of forensic science and what does it entail?
Forensic science utilizes a multitude of scientific methods to investigate crime scenes. Forensic scientists use their skill sets to analyze many things such as shoe prints and bite marks. They collect DNA samples and scour large nationwide DNA databases, which have proven to be valid and reliable. Forensic science plays a crucial role within the Criminal Justice System. Their findings can be the difference between freedom and prosecution as they present the findings to the court. Forensic scientists have a discerning eye and a great attention to detail; if tests are conducted with even a small amount of error it could alter results and deem evidence inadmissible in court. Despite the unsavory aspects such as collecting blood samples, hair microscopy, and having to witness gruesome displays of violence, this field of science has become widely dominated by women, making it a growing female domain and empowering future generations of young women to explore careers and interests in STEM.
Why do women have an inclination towards forensic science?
Some of it can be attributed to representation across media, such as fictitious television shows or books like “NCIS” and “Bones,” but for others it may go deeper than that. Violence against women has always been prevalent in past generations and even in modern society. The sad truth is that many women have experienced a life event that has driven them towards forensic science in order to seek the justice they did not receive. A survey conducted by Cathrine G. Ruston and Nega Debla at Marshall University of Education and Professional Development asked this same question to identify if personal life events led women to their choice in studying forensics. An anonymous respondent answered, “I wanted to make sure that children like me and other victims of sexual assault had people fighting for justice on their behalf.”
What is DNA evidence?
DNA evidence is found in cells that determine a person’s attributes and accurately identify someone when cross referenced. It can be collected from a wide variety of samples such as blood, skin, and semen. It can be found on the victim’s clothes or body as well as at the scene of the crime. The DNA is carefully collected by trained investigators and if collected through a rape kit it is done by a trained nurse (known as an SANE or Sexual Assualt Nurse Examiner). It is then sent off to a crime lab where forensic scientists can then analyze and develop DNA profiles.
Importance of DNA evidence in sexual violence against women
DNA evidence has become one of the greatest tools in putting away heinous criminals and seeking retribution for the victims. The investigation and adjudication of rape crimes is becoming transformative with the introduction of new scientific technology. The value of forensic evidence in rape cases was researched by the National Institute of Justice. They collected data on recorded rape incidents and concluded that since the 1980’s, forensic evidence alongside weapon use and sustained injuries proved more influential than any other measure of investigation. In addition, the use of rape kit examination and the preservation of DNA aids in the credibility of a victim in court. The DNA can be run through a massive database (CODIS, the Combined DNA Index System) to identify the perpetrator and build a stronger case against them. It keeps the case open and even without assailant identification it contributes to case clearance. Moving forward the justice system has implemented regulations and controls in order to make forensic science more sustainable and efficient. This provides biological confirmation to enhance the likelihood of success in court and reduces rape case backlog. DNA evidence has led to keeping rapists off the streets due to their DNA being added to a large database, deterring any future instances of sexual violence and keeping women, children, and everyone else safe.
“the world gives you so much pain and here you are making gold out of it – there is nothing purer than that.”
― Rupi Kaur, milk and honey
If you are a victim of sexual violence, please reach out to someone; you are not alone. National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673.
Works Cited
“The Importance of DNA in Sexual Assault Cases | RAINN.” Rainn.org, rainn.org/articles/importance-dna-sexual-assault-cases.
Beattie-Ross, Melissa. “Probing Question: Do Women Dominate the Field of Forensic Science? | Penn State University.” Psu.edu, 7 May 2017, http://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/probing-question-do-women-dominate-field-forensic-science.
Rushton, C. G., & Debla, N. Why are more women pursuing forensic science degrees instead of other stem degrees https://www.marshall.edu/forensics/files/Rushton-STEM-Poster-10-Feb-CR-edit.pdf
Baskin, Deborah, and Ira Sommers. “The Influence of Forensic Evidence on the Case Outcomes of Homicide Incidents.” Journal of Criminal Justice, vol. 38, no. 6, Nov. 2010, pp. 1141–1149, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2010.09.002.
About the Author
My name is Madison Taylor S. Austria, and I am a high school student currently studying at a law academy. My goal is to create a platform around correcting social injustice advocacy and government reform. All aspects of legal studies such as forensic science and anthropology have been a deep passion of mine that I wish to further pursue.
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