City of Flint to Host S.A.P.P.H.I.R.E.S. ‘Preventing Sex Assault Crimes & Empowering Survivors’ Conference

FLINT, Michigan — The Flint Police Department will host its annual free S.A.P.P.H.I.R.E.S. Conference — “Preventing Sex Assault Crimes & Empowering Survivors” — on Wednesday, September 9, and Thursday, September 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Flint City Hall Council Chambers, 1101 S. Saginaw Street.

The Flint Police Department’s S.A.P.P.H.I.R.E.S. Unit, founded by Sergeant Mona Patterson as part of the department’s Sexual Assault Kit Investigation (SAKI) Unit, is organizing the two-day conference. The event brings together experts, advocates, and survivors to discuss preventing sexual assault and supporting survivors.

Day one, themed “Justice, Healing, and Prevention,” will feature discussions on cold case development and forensic genealogy, a survivor sharing their story of resilience and advocacy, and sessions on trauma recovery and the mental health toll on first responders working sexual violence cases. Experts will also cover investigative forensic methodology and close the day with a focus on primary prevention and policy strategies aimed at stopping sexual violence before it occurs.

Day two, themed “Unveiling Truth – See Results Through My Lens,” will dive deeper into investigating and prosecuting sexual crimes, including sessions on offender behavior and psychology, strategies for supporting witnesses through testimony, and the real-world challenges of prosecuting difficult cases. The day will also address the intersection of human trafficking and sexual violence, examining tactics used by traffickers and strategies to combat exploitation.

You can register for the event at the link provided.