NCJ Number
138201
Date Published
1988
Length
131 pages
Annotation
The impact of Canada's 1983 rape law, Bill C-127, was examined with respect to the current response of the criminal justice system and related agencies in two New Brunswick jurisdictions to reports of sexual assault, changes resulting from the law, and the victims' experiences with the criminal justice system and related medical and rape crisis services.
Abstract
The research also sought to determine whether the law reform had any unintended consequences on victims and on the criminal justice system. The study sites were Fredericton and Saint John, New Brunswick. Data were gathered during 1987 by means of an analysis of official records on 212 adult cases, interviews with 47 practitioners in criminal justice and related agencies, observations of sexual assault trials during 1987, and interviews with 17 sexual assault victims. Results provided conflicting information regarding the law's impacts. Although a general perception exists that change has occurred in procedures, practices, and attitudes, few empirical data exist to confirm these changes. Therefore, the perceived changes probably occurred over a longer period of time than covered in the evaluation. However, the findings indicate that the law's basic objectives are being met, particularly with reducing the trauma the victim experiences when testifying. Nevertheless, the law has had no effect on the level of reporting of sexual assault. Tables, figures, footnotes, appended list of related reports, and 32 references