Publications for Victims

Publications containing information on DNA technology and its applications in criminal justice systems.

Identifying Victims Using DNA: A Guide for Families (National Institute of Justice 2005). 
This 8-page booklet gives an overview of the DNA analysis process so that surviving family and friends will understand what DNA analysis can and cannot do, describes the sources of DNA that forensic scientists might use, and explains the differences between nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. This booklet also is available in Spanish.

Understanding DNA Evidence: A Guide for Victim Service Providers
National Institute of Justice and Office for Victims of Crime, 2001
Describes the value of DNA evidence for victim service providers so that they may understand the potential significance of DNA evidence to their clients' cases.

• NIJ Brochure
• OVC Bulletin

Postconviction DNA Testing: Recommendations for Handling Requests
National Institute of Justice, 1999
Developed by the Postconviction Issues Working Group of the National Commission on the Future of DNA Evidence, this publication offers recommendations for prosecutors, defense counsels, courts, and other relevant groups who receive requests for postconviction DNA testing on how to handle such requests.

Read the complete text of Postconviction DNA Testing: Recommendations for Handling Requests on DNA.gov or download the document in Acrobat PDF or ASCII.