After The Assault

Sammy Caiola and Emily Zentner help us understand what survivors experience in the aftermath of sexual violence and during police investigations. They also explore a crucial question for survivors: How can healing happen even when justice does not?

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Stories

Supporting survivors of sexual assault: a conversation kit

April 27, 2022

Many rape survivors don’t report the crime or struggle with the legal process. Change starts with conversation. This kit features audio clips from survivors and data to generate dialogue in your presentations, workshops and counseling sessions.

Case cleared? Sacramento County sheriff resolves most sexual assault cases without arrest or trial

January 26, 2022 | Emily Zentner | Sammy Caiola

In 2019, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office cleared about 81% of sexual assault cases by exceptional means. Experts say there’s little chance this is a legitimate use of the label.

Trauma And Memory Issues Make It Hard For Sexual Assault Survivors To Report. Here Are Solutions.

June 30, 2021 | Sammy Caiola

For many survivors, the trauma of sexual violence makes it difficult for them to recall the exact details. Experts say understanding survivor memory could lead to more solved cases and less harm.

‘Deeply Destroyed My Sense of Safety’: Sexual Assault Survivors Say Police Interactions Often A Second Trauma

June 21, 2021 | Sammy Caiola

Few sexual assault cases end in criminal charges or even arrests. The law enforcement process can cause survivors further trauma, but there are steps agencies can take to reduce harm.

Guide: What To Do If You've Been Sexually Assaulted In Sacramento County

June 21, 2021

If you’re a survivor of sexual assault, it’s your choice whether to report to the police or not. This guide walks you through the steps you may encounter in Sacramento County and options for support through the process.

About

How can sexual assault survivors find a path to healing even when justice isn’t served? Host Sammy Caiola and Data Reporter Emily Zentner help us understand survivor experiences in the immediate aftermath of sexual violence and during police investigations.

You’ll meet women searching for inner strength and legal resolution amid trauma, experts looking at the cracks in a law enforcement system that rarely yields rape convictions or even charges, detectives trying to solve some of the most difficult cases on their desks and community advocates pushing for a future where survivors feel heard and empowered.

After the Assault was produced with support from USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism’s Impact Fund.