LAPD and Rape Treatment Center Co-host 9th Annual Conference on Preventing, Investigating and Prosecuting Sexual Assault Crimes

WHAT:
Training conference for police, prosecutors, medical care providers and mental health professionals to address sexual abuse and sexual assault prevention and the process of criminal investigation and prosecution.  The conference will also aim to improve the treatment of sexual assault victims.

WHEN:
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
7:30 a.m.

WHERE:
The California Endowment Center
Center for Healthy Communities’ Yosemite Hall
1000 N. Alameda Street
Los Angeles, CA  90012
(directions)

WHO:
Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck
Linda Kelly, Pennsylvania Attorney General, Lead Investigator on Sandusky Case
Shawn Hatosy, actor who portrays LAPD Detective Sammy Bryant on TNT’s Southland
Michael Cudlitz, actor who portrays LAPD Officer John Cooper on TNT’s Southland
Jonathan Lisco, Television Executive Producer of TNT’s Southland
Heather Zuhlke Television Co-producer of TNT’s Southland
Sara Gran Television Executive Story Editor for TNT’s Southland

WHY:
The conference will provide training to law enforcement officials, prosecutors, medical care providers and mental health professionals on the best practices for preventing and investigating sexual assaults and holding sexual offenders accountable for their crimes. In addition, at 1:15 p.m., producers, writers and cast members of TNT’s Southland will participate in a panel discussion regarding how they depict police work on the television show.
 
"The LAPD and The Rape Treatment Center have had a tremendous partnership for many years," said LAPD Chief Charlie Beck.  "We have worked together to help victims, prosecute sexual predators, and most importantly prevent sexual assaults.  The tragic Sandusky case illustrates how much more work needs to be done to stop sexual abuse and sexual assaults."

The Rape Treatment Center (RTC) is nationally recognized for its pioneering work in rape treatment, advocacy for victims, and exemplary prevention and education programs.  The RTC provides comprehensive, free treatment for sexual assault victims – children and adults – including 24-hour emergency medical care, forensic examinations, professional counseling, advocacy, legal assistance, and court accompaniment services.  The RTC’s prevention programs reach 20,000 children each year in middle schools and high schools, as well as students on college campuses.  The RTC provides training for police, prosecutors, medical care providers, and mental health professionals to enhance the treatment sexual assault victims receive wherever they turn for help.  For more information regarding the Rape Treatment Center, please visit:  www.911rape.org

Media Parking:
Bauchet Street at Alameda

CONTACTS:
For more additional information, please call Rachel Tardiff, Rape Treatment Center at 202-746-1507, or e-mail her at:  rachel@fitzgibbonmedia.com.  You may also call LAPD Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.