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AAFS 2026

Back to Basics: The Fundamentals of Forensic Science
February 9-14, 2026 — New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
AAFS 2026 Abstract Submission

Sexual Misconduct Resources and Information 

AAFS takes the safety of its meeting attendees seriously, and strives to promote a welcoming experience for all. In order to promote a safe environment for conference attendees, we have resources for meeting attendees about sexual misconduct. 

What is sexual misconduct? 

Sexual misconduct is an umbrella term that includes different types of sexual violence including sexual harassment and sexual assualt. (https://www.rainn.org/types-sexual-violence) 

What is sexual harassment? 

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature in the workplace or learning environment, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 

(Click here) 

What is sexual assault? 

The term sexual assault refers to sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim. (https://www.rainn.org/articles/sexual-assault) 

What do I do if I experience sexual misconduct during the annual conference? 

  • Call 911. 
  • Call the AAFS 'safe person' Number: or contact another member of the AAFS staff 
  • Locate security personnel at the conference venue. 
  • Report conduct to AAFS Ethics Committee. 
  • Refer to local/national resources list. 

What do I do if I have witnessed sexual misconduct during the annual conference? 

  • Talk to the victim/survivor. Encourage them to review this resource page. 
  • Direct them to the AAFS 'safe person' or another member of the AAFS staff 
  • Direct them to security personnel at the conference venue. 
  • If the person is in immediate danger, call 911. 

Resources – AAFS 2026 Conference:

  • AAFS "safe person": 917-678-7197 
  • New Orleans Crimes Victims' Resource Center 
    https://www.crimesurvivorsnola.org/  
  • New Orleans Police Department  
    504-658-5523 
     https://nola.gov/next/nopd/home/  
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 
  • RAINN: www.rainn.org 
    Resources include definitions, statistics, crisis line, and crisis chat. 
  • National Sexual Violence Resource Center 
    www.nsvrc.org 
    Resources for survivors, including definitions, where to get help, and post-assault recovery.  
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline 
    www.thehotline.org 
    Resources include definitions, local resources/legal aid, crisis line, and crisis chat.  

 

No member or Affiliate of the Academy shall participate in unacceptable behavior at an annual Academy conference, to include times not specifically in session or at gatherings, social or otherwise, not specifically a part of the Academy program. Unacceptable behavior includes, but may not be limited to, harassment; intimidation; discrimination; physical abuse; physical assault, verbal abuse; inappropriate use of nudity or sexual images; threats; stalking; unwanted sexual comments or advances; orderogatory comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin, or political positions.