Understanding DNA Evidence

“Hello there! I’m here to provide you with a bit of information on DNA Evidence. I would like to remind you that suggestions on this post should not be taken as medical advice, legal advice, therapy, etc. or as a one-size-fits-all approach.  Keep in mind that every individual’s journey of  experiencing and navigating through stress or trauma is distinctive because you are one of a kind and no person is truly like you!  Experiencing abuse in any form is NOT OKAY, but what you are experiencing as a result of abuse is valid. 

Please know that healing is not a formula and is not for anyone else to define for you. You do you, and you follow all that you need to follow, to help yourself.

If you need additional resources or just someone to talk to, feel free to reach out to The Neeti Project."   

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NOTE: The following data has been reproduced from Saahas, an app for individuals facing gender based violence to find assistance easily, created by Kirthi Jayakumar.

Kirthi has been a huge pillar of support and a personification of kindness and generosity since the get-go of this initiative. Members of The Neeti Project hold deep gratitude towards her constant assistance and contributions to make this space and the world at large, a better place.

Meaning of DNA: 
DNA refers to material found in cells – and is unique to each individual (except in the case of identical twins) since it helps determine characteristic features such as the eye color, hair color and texture, skin color, among other things. DNA is collected from body fluids such as blood, saliva, sweat, semen and urine, aside of skin tissue.

Collection of DNA: 

• DNA material can be collected from the body and / or the clothes of the person who faced sexual assault. This is the main reason why one is not to wash up or take a bath immediately after a sexual assault until the forensic exam is completed. 
• Usually, the exam is performed by a Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner / Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Organization / Trained Medical Professional. 
• DNA should be collected at the earliest. 
• Once it is collected, the samples are then sent to a crime laboratory or a forensic laboratory. 
• At the laboratory, professionals analyze the material and profile the DNA received in such a way that it is unique to a particular person. Then, these profiles are compared with potential suspects, with the help of the security sector. Accordingly, the individual when traced can be tracked and placed under arrest.

Why does DNA matter in Sexual Assault Cases?
In investigations of cases of sexual assault, the role of DNA evidence is significant – it can even be the pivotal point in an investigation. In most forensic investigations of sexual assault, collecting DNA evidence is part of the process. The collection of DNA evidence makes a difference because:

1. It increases the chances of identifying who the perpetrator was
2. It increases the chances of holding perpetrators accountable for the crime so committed by them
3. It can prevent the occurrence of future instances of sexual assault – by putting the perpetrator on the DNA database