Recommendation 20260504-007- Sexual Assault Forensic Examinations and Survivor Services — original pdf

Recommendation

. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Public Safety Commission Recommendation Number 20260504-007: Long Term Infrastructure for Sexual Assault Forensic Examination and Survivor Services WHEREAS, The Austin Public Safety Commission serves as an advisory body to the city council on all budgetary and policy matters concerning public safety; and WHEREAS, the Public Safety Commission has been monitoring the progress, risks, and concerns of the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Working Group since November 2023. WHEREAS, the CSCRM has identified and presented on capacity constraints limiting forensic exams since 2024 to the Public Safety Commission. WHEREAS, the Public Safety Commission considered a recommendation to allocate additional investments as part of FY24-25 budget to support additional positions and fund forensic nursing staff at competitive market rates.1 WHEREAS, the Austin Travis County Sexual Assault Response & Resource Team (A/TC SARRT) is one of the oldest and most highly regarded coordinated community responses in the state of Texas comprised of law enforcement, prosecutors, forensic nurses, mental health providers, advocates, and survivors unified in the response to post-pubescent adolescent and adult sexual assault victims. WHEREAS, the A/TC SARRT, an integral member and collaborative force on the CSCRM Working Group, has identified a need for “more resilient long term infrastructure” in response to SAFE Alliance’s potential discontinuation of forensic examination services at Eloise House by May 31, 2026 calling for (1) the recognition of all providers as essential, (2) the establishment of equitable contracts with hospital networks, (3) equitable law enforcement contracts with all qualified providers, and (4) a survivor-oriented and strategically located city and/or county owned facility. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Public Safety Commission endorses the SARRT’s April 3, 2026 letter and recommends City Council, City Manager’s Office, and Austin Police Department pursue contracts to distribute capacity across the system. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Public Safety Commission recommends City Council and City Manager’s Office explore and support the establishment and funding of city and/or county-owned facilities for forensic examination and services to sexual assault survivors. 1 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=433391 . Date of Approval: May 4, 2026 Motioned By: Vice Chair Ramírez Seconded By: Commissioner Hidrogo Vote: 9-0 For: Chair Duran, Vice Chair Ramírez, Commissioner Bernhardt, Commissioner Eger, Commissioner Godwin, Commissioner Hidrogo, Commissioner Holmes, Commissioner Sierra- Arévalo, Commissioner Smith. Against: None. Abstain: None. Off the dais: None. Absent: Commissioner Ruttan. Attest: Chelsea Pfeifer (staff liaison)