Grant to Assist Investigation, Prosecution of Sexual Assault Cases

The Durham County District Attorney’s Office will get a new, full-time assistant district attorney dedicated to prosecuting sexual assault cases via a $1 million grant recently awarded to the Durham Police Department.

The three-year grant will ensure a victim-centered approach to investigating and prosecuting cases generated as the Police Department submits previously untested sexual assault evidence kits for DNA testing.

In addition to the ADA position, the three-year grant will fund two sexual assault investigators and a victim/witness assistant at the Durham Police Department, as well as provide additional resources to the Durham Crisis Response Center.

“Often the DNA result from a sexual assault evidence kit is just one piece of the puzzle in securing justice for these survivors. The additional attorney funded by this grant will help to pull together the other components needed to prove an assault occurred and bring closure to cases that have already lingered for too long. The Durham County District Attorney’s Office is committed to doing this important work alongside the Durham Police Department and the Durham Crisis Response Center,” said Durham County District Attorney Satana Deberry.

Read more about the grant via the Durham Police Department: