A Powerful Voice for Justice
Dr. Lavinia B. Masters, a nationally recognized survivor, advocate, and legislative pioneer, will deliver the keynote address at Bode 2025: The Annual Forensic DNA Conference, taking place June 3-6, 2025, in Long Beach, California.
Dr. Masters’ story is one of resilience, advocacy, and groundbreaking reform. A survivor of sexual assault at the age of 13, she turned her painful experience into a lifelong mission to transform how sexual assault cases are handled. Her work was instrumental in the passage of House Bill 8, known as the Lavinia Masters Act, which mandates the testing of rape kits within 90 dates of receipt and improves law enforcement protocols in sexual assault investigations.
Keynote Session: From Survivor to Changemaker: The Fight to End Backlogs and Strengthen Survivor Rights
Dr. Masters’ keynote will explore the intersection of forensic DNA, survivor advocacy, and systemic reform. Attendees can expect insights on:
-
- The Power of Forensic DNA in Seeking Justice: The role DNA evidence plays in solving sexual assault cases, preventing backlogs, and ensuring survivors receive timely justice.
- Survivor-Centered Approaches in Forensics: Best practices for law enforcement and forensic professionals to integrate trauma-informed responses in investigations.
- The Lavinia Masters Act and Legislative Change: How her experience led to House Bill 8 and why legislative reforms are critical in improving forensic DNA policies.
- Collaboration Between Science, Law Enforcement, and Changemakers: How forensic experts, policymakers, and survivor advocates can work together to create lasting change.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Impact
Dr. Masters has played a leading role in addressing the backlog of untested rape kits and improving the criminal justice system’s response to sexual violence. Beyond her legislative work, she educates courts and policymakers in the U.S. and Africa on the legal and financial requirements necessary to combat violence against women.
Her impact extends across organizations and institutions, as she serves on the Governor’s Sexual Assault Survivor Task Force of Texas, co-chairs the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) Survivor Advisory Board, and is a board member of The Turning Point Rape Crisis Center. As a powerful speaker, she shares her expertise with law enforcement agencies, the FBI, the military, universities, and advocacy groups dedicated to empowering survivors.
Honoring a Trailblazer
Dr. Masters’ influence has been recognized with numerous prestigious honors, including:
🏆 Induction into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame
🏆 The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award
🏆 The Justice Department’s Special Courage Award
🏆 The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award
🏆 The Family Place Texas Trailblazer “Real Life Hero” Award
Don’t Miss This Inspiring Session
Join us at Bode 2025 to hear Dr. Lavinia B. Masters’ remarkable story and vision for the future of forensic science. Secure your spot now and be part of the conversation shaping the next era of forensic DNA.