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Austin Police Department Reviews Sexual Assault Cases

Austin Police Department reviewing sexual assault cases

News Summary

The Austin Police Department (APD) has launched a review of its handling of sexual assault cases from 2021 to 2022 to improve service quality and professionalism. This first annual review identifies eight areas needing enhancement within the Sex Crimes Unit. Additionally, the APD is committed to continuous improvement as part of the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model project, which aims to establish better resources for survivors. A recent case involving a suspect accused of assault has raised concerns about safety in therapeutic environments.

Austin Police Department Review of Sexual Assault Cases

The Austin Police Department (APD) has initiated a significant review of its handling of sexual assault cases, specifically those managed by the Sex Crimes Unit (SCU). This first annual review focuses on cases that were closed between 2021 and 2022 and is motivated by recommendations from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).

Identified Areas for Improvement

During this review, APD pinpointed eight key areas for improvement in the investigation and management of sexual assault cases. The primary aim of these evaluations is to enhance the quality of service, professionalism, victim sensitivity, and investigative thoroughness. This review process is described by APD as a tool for better understanding departmental responses rather than an audit.

Continued Commitment to Improvement

The APD emphasized its commitment to continuous improvement to set new standards for the SCU. It recognizes that the full impact of these changes might not be immediately visible, due to the typical delay between case closures and the subsequent reviews. This review is part of a larger initiative known as the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model project (CSCRM), which was established following a lawsuit settlement in 2022 involving a group of sexual assault survivors.

CSCRM Project Overview

The CSCRM initiative is managed by Hanna Senko, a sexual assault survivor and lead plaintiff in the aforementioned lawsuit. In addition to internal improvements, it aims to enhance public education regarding available resources for survivors of sexual assault. One component of this initiative includes the establishment of the ATXBelieves website, which serves as a resource hub offering links to justice, counseling, and housing support for survivors.

Recent Sexual Assault Case Incident

In a related context, local authorities are conducting an active search for Juan Bastida, who is accused of sexually assaulting a woman at Massage Envy. The victim has taken legal action against Bastida, the franchise owner, and the massage therapist involved, highlighting the traumatic nature of her experience. She promptly reported the incident to the police and underwent a rape kit exam.

Background of the Accused

Juan Bastida has a past criminal history, which includes a burglary conviction from 2002 and an assault causing bodily injury in 2015. The victim has expressed apprehensions about the hiring practices at Massage Envy, particularly their potential negligence in vetting employees with violent histories.

Corporate Response

In response to the allegations, an Assistant Manager at Massage Envy stated that any inappropriate conduct had resulted in the termination of the involved providers. However, despite Bastida’s employment termination, his massage license remains active under current Texas regulations.

Victim’s Legal Action and Community Impact

The victim is seeking over one million dollars in damages through her lawsuit. The incident has raised considerable concerns regarding safety in similar therapeutic environments, as the victim remains fearful with Bastida still at large. She aims to bring awareness to the necessity of safety and ethical conduct in massage therapy settings, underscoring the importance of maintaining trust in these vulnerable situations.

Looking Ahead

The APD’s commitment to improving its handling of sexual assault cases, alongside ongoing community responses, represents a significant step towards enhancing support for victims. As the situation unfolds, continued focus on victim safety and proper conduct within the service industry will be essential in preventing future incidents.