The Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Unit is responsible for implementing the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, a nationwide effort to submit and test previously unsubmitted sexual assault kits (SAKs).
Through this effort, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office and New Orleans Police Department are re-investigating and prosecuting cold-case sexual assaults.
In FY2020, OPDA was awarded an additional $1,949,672 in SAKI funding to continue building upon the New Orleans SAKI model that has been supported by two previous SAKI awards. The funding is used to maintain SAKI Prosecution Unit essential staff to support sexual assault survivors and prosecute perpetrators and ensure survivor safety.
In addition to securing convictions, our goal is to empower survivors, promote healing, and provide closure. We understand and empathize that a significant amount of time has passed, making these assaults difficult to revisit while also triggering strong or conflicting emotions. We assure any survivor that it is okay to feel this way. If you need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out for our support.