New Law Enforcement Training DVD: “Sexual Assault Victims Rights and Services”

The Florida Council Against Sexual Violence has used STOP stimulus funds to create a law enforcement training video for distribution to over 600 law enforcement agencies in Florida. The goal of the project is to instruct patrol officers on implementation of SB 1312, passed in 2009, that requires law enforcement officers to provide sexual assault victims information on legal rights, crisis and advocacy services, referrals to local certified rape crisis centers, and informational brochures. You can read the law established by SB 1312 in Florida Statute 794.052.

The law enforcement video informs officers of the rights and services available to victims of sexual assault. It provides officers with information on forensic and medical exams, victim compensation, sexual violence injunctions and the services offered by rape crisis advocates. The training includes a model interview between a responding officer and a victim of sexual assault.  The officer demonstrates that responding to victims with compassion and sensitivity and taking the time to inform them of their rights and resources are the best practices for effective investigations and protecting victims.

FCASV contracted with Mike Vasalinda Productions and collaborated with the Tallahassee Police Department Special Victims Unit to film the video. Sergeant Lawrence Revell provided script and filming consultation, Officer Laura Gereg played the role of Detective Ramos and Officer Joshua Lowery played the role of Officer Hutton.  

Natalie La Barr Sheperd played the role of the sexual assault victim, Lila Enesco.  Ms. Sheperd is a survivor of sexual assault and was eager to assist other victims by participating in this project. Ms. Sheperd offered to disclose her own history as a survivor to let officers know that what they do matters and to encourage the implementation of SB 1312. Ms. Sheperd knows that informing a victim of her or his rights and services is a meaningful aspect of an investigation and contributes to the victim’s process of recovery.

On Friday, June 25^th, staff from Florida Council Against Sexual Violence, Refuge House, and officers from the Tallahassee Police Department held a press conference for the first public screening of “Sexual Assault: Victims Rights and Services.” Press coverage included stories by television news stations WCTV and WTXL. The video will be posted on the FCASV website and mailed to law enforcement agencies in about 3 weeks.

FCASV Executive Director Jennifer Dritt with TPD Chief Jones