NCJ Number
160847
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 36 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1996) Pages: 1-17
Date Published
1996
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study assessed the impact of recent changes within the British criminal justice system in the management of reported cases of rape and sexual assault, as it examined both the process of attrition (the rate at which cases are lost or dropped) and the quality of service delivery to complainants.
Abstract
The study analyzed crime report forms of all cases of sexual assault on file at two police stations within the London Borough of Islington over a 2-year period (September 1988 to September 1990). Interviews were conducted with women who reported rape or sexual assault to the police and with representatives of various local professional agencies and volunteer groups concerned with issues of sexual assault. Additional information was obtained from a meeting with the Branch Prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service, an interview with a police surgeon, and discussions with police officers at all levels of the police hierarchy. Despite changes that led to the more sensitive treatment of women who reported sexual attacks, the case attrition rate remained high. The police practice of "no-criming" (deciding that no crime was committed) is compounded by the negative role of the Crown Prosecution Service and the difficulty of securing a conviction when cases do reach court. Legislation should do more to restrict the use of sexual-history evidence about the complainant. When such evidence is permitted, analogous evidence should be admitted about the defendant, including previous convictions. Prosecutors should be better trained in the modus operandi of rapists and the effects of rape. Prosecutors should also meet with the complainant before the trial and make greater use of expert testimony regarding typical reactions to rape. Trial delays should be reduced, and there should be some monitoring of trials and an analysis of acquittal and sentencing rates in different parts of the country. 2 tables and 37 references