How to Become a Forensic Sexual Abuse Investigator

Because there are no specific educational requirements in place to become a forensic sexual abuse investigator, those interested in a career in this field can choose from a variety of training options. Whether you have a medical, legal or investigative background, real-world experience and education still have an important role in securing a job in the field.

Instructions

1. Take practical courses, either through community colleges or long-distance educational programs, in some of the subjects needed to work as a forensic sexual abuse investigator. These include legal and psychological consequences of sexual abuse, laws and regulations, evidence collection and crime scene investigation, follow-up care and police procedures.

2. Consider a career in forensic nursing. Since victims of sexual abuse will need to be interviewed and examined by medical professionals, being a nurse will increase your chances of landing an involved position in the field, as forensic nurses interview victims, investigate crime scenes and prepare medical reports. Forensic nurses will need a special certification obtained after they are already graduates from a nursing program, or they may choose to follow a master's degree program for better instruction and more chances of advancement.

3. Pursue a criminal justice degree. Available at the associate and bachelor level, criminal justice degrees often include electives in forensic science, reporting and investigation. Longer programs may offer specializations in sexual crimes or crimes against women, which can better prepare you for a career in this field. Other subjects covered in these degrees that can help include sociology, legal research and writing, victimology, crisis intervention and criminal procedures.

4. Obtain a certification as a forensic science technician. This can be done through a variety of mediums, from school classes and workshops to online education. Short certifications usually focus on one specific aspect of the field, such as interpreting laboratory findings, reconstructing crime scenes, collecting evidence, interviewing victims and analyzing crime statistics, preparing reports of findings or examining evidence (ballistics, tissue or physical materials). If you have no other background in criminal justice, you may have to take several short certifications in order to better prepare yourself for employment.

5. Apply for an entry-level job as a forensic assistant at your local law-enforcement agency. Larger police departments have their own sector completely dedicated to sexual crimes, where forensic investigators serve as collaborators, interviewing victims and preparing reports on the crime and possible suspects. In smaller offices, a forensic investigator may investigate sexual crimes as well as deal with other crimes. Depending on the laws of your state, you may need at least a college degree on the field to apply for employment, although some areas require you to complete police academy training as well.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want a more involved approach, you may want to consider joining the police force and then working your way to a specific sexual squad or special victims unit, where you can dedicate your work toward solving sexual crimes or dealing with their victims.

References

• Criminalist (Forensic Science Technician) Training
• Advice About a Career in Forensic Science