Austin Implements Reforms for Handling Sexual Assault Cases

News Summary

In response to national scrutiny and lawsuits, Austin has made significant reforms in how it addresses sexual assault cases. The city is now focused on survivor-led changes aimed at restoring trust within the community. Following past mishandlings and a federal lawsuit, the Austin Police Department and local officials are committed to improving outcomes for victims. Efforts include establishing trauma-informed approaches and maintaining transparency in case management, especially as the city gears up for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

Austin has made substantial reforms in its handling of sexual assault cases following a series of lawsuits and national scrutiny over its practices. As April marks Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, the city reflects on its journey from previous shortcomings to implementing survivor-led changes that aim to restore trust and improve outcomes for victims.

What Happened

Beginning in 2016, critical issues emerged surrounding the operations of the Austin Police Department’s (APD) forensic DNA lab. Investigations revealed improper testing and storage practices, along with a concerning backlog of DNA samples. As a result, the city closed the lab in December 2016. In 2017, following escalating criticisms about mismanagement, Travis County withdrew its participation from the Austin/Travis County Sexual Assault Response and Resource Team (SARRT). The APD subsequently also exited SARRT while maintaining involvement with its Victim Services Division.

From 2018 through 2019, the APD faced growing criticism for utilizing the designation of “exceptional clearance” for sexual assault cases. Reports indicated that approximately one-third of these cases were improperly closed without making any arrests. This drew the attention of survivors and advocacy groups, resulting in a federal class action lawsuit filed in 2018, which challenged the mishandling of sexual assault cases linked to gender discrimination. Although the initial lawsuit was dismissed, subsequent appeals led to a second lawsuit at the state level, including additional plaintiffs.

Who Is Affected

The reforms and ongoing changes directly impact survivors of sexual assault in Austin and the surrounding area. Victims have long faced barriers in seeking justice, dealing with unaddressed cases and a lack of support from the justice system. The fallout from previous mismanagement not only undermined investigations but also shattered the trust survivors should have in law enforcement. The collective struggle has galvanized local community members and advocates to drive reform efforts.

Official Response

In 2021, a significant change occurred when Travis County commissioners voted to settle litigation with survivors and initiate policy changes aimed at improving the handling of sexual assault cases. In 2022, the Austin City Council formalized its response by agreeing to settle ongoing lawsuits, providing a public apology to survivors, and preparing for an external review of case management, which would follow recommendations made by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).

Also in 2022, newly elected District Attorney José Garza rejoined the SARRT as part of his reform agenda, while Joseph Chacon, selected as APD’s police chief in 2021, returned to SARRT as well. This marked a renewed commitment from both the police department and the district attorney’s office to rectify past mistakes and enhance the support system for survivors.

Impact of Reforms

In 2022, the PERF report highlighted the necessity of trauma-informed, survivor-focused approaches that prioritize the well-being of victims over financial considerations. This approach has led to the creation of the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Project (CSCRM) launched in 2023. CSCRM emphasizes community and survivor involvement in actualizing the recommendations provided by the PERF report.

As part of its commitment to ongoing reform, in 2024, the APD issued a public apology for its previous mishandling of sexual assault cases, fulfilling a commitment from the settlement agreements. A condition of the county’s lawsuit settlement was the establishment of a public Remembrance Space for survivors, which DA Garza facilitated.

What’s Next

As reform efforts continue, the premier of the documentary “An Army of Women” in 2024, which sheds light on the lawsuit against Austin’s justice system, is expected to further emphasize the plight of survivors. By 2025, the APD aims to publish its first annual sexual assault case review, reflecting ongoing audiences for accountability and transparency.

City officials, alongside the APD, are poised to establish a national standard for handling sexual assault cases characterized by professionalism, compassion, and precision. Yet, these efforts may face hurdles owing to potential funding threats from the federal government, presenting an ongoing challenge to maintain and enhance survivor support systems and case management practices.

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Additional Resources

• Austin Monitor
• Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
• KVUE
• Google Search: Austin Police Department Sexual Assault Cases Review
• FOX 7 Austin
• Google Scholar: Austin Sexual Assault Cases
• CBS Austin
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Assault Cases Austin
• KXAN
• Google News: Austin Police Department Sexual Assault Reforms