In the News

The Austin Police Department’s Sex Crimes and Domestic Violence units unveiled six new interview rooms redesigned with survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and their children in mind.

In use now, the “soft interview rooms,” located far out on Ed Bluestein Blvd. where those units are housed, were designed by Project Beloved, a Fort Worth-based nonprofit that works to empower survivors and improve prosecution rates.

The Austin Police Department renovated rooms for interviews involving sexual assault cases with the help of a nonprofit so survivors can share their stories in a more comfortable setting. 

The six interview rooms, located within the Domestic Violence and Sex Crimes Units, were previously very stark and had thin walls, said Kachina Clark, the victim services manager for APD. She said after the renovation, the rooms now have repainted walls, comfortable chairs, new lighting and blankets. APD has already begun using the rooms for interviews after finishing the renovations last week.

Three gray lounge chairs surround a small table. There is a weighted blanket in a basket by the window, another blanket draped across one of the chairs. Most of the furniture is from home decor retailer West Elm.

On Monday, the Austin Police Department unveiled their new interview rooms specifically for sexual assault and domestic violence survivors. 

The nonprofit Project Beloved recently completed the redesign and installation of the six "soft" interview rooms. Each room is decorated with a painting, cushioned chairs and aromatherapy oils.