Perspectives of Women in Prostitution diversion program on DNA Collection for a High-Risk DNA Database

Sara H. Katsanis

Duke University, United States of America

Martha Felini

University of North Texas Health Science Center, United States of America

Joyce Kim, Mollie Minear, Subhashini Chandrasekharan

Duke University, United States of America

Jennifer K. Wagner

Geisinger Health System, United States of America

Abstract:

DNA can be collected from women at high risk of violent crime as a pre-emptive biometric for post-mortem identification. We conducted focus groups with women in a prostitution diversion program that offers preemptive DNA collection. In general, the women supported the program but voiced concern for law enforcement collecting DNA. These data provide insights into the challenges of collecting DNA from women whom law enforcement might consider alternately to be victims or vilified. Hearing the voices of these women provides the forensic community an opportunity to design programs to minimize harm and maximize utility of DNA for victim identification.

Keyword:

DNA Database, Sex Workers, Sex Trafficking, Human Trafficking, Focus Groups.