Work

Police Investigators’ Perceptions of the Challenges Associated With Interviewing Adult Sexual Assault Complainants

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: Although police organizations have devoted considerable effort to training investigators in evidence-based witness interviewing techniques, there is some suggestion that current practices do not meet the multifaceted requirements of sexual assault cases. Here, we assessed the specific challenges inherent in conducting interviews with adult sexual assault complainants, by conducting in-depth interviews with 21 experienced investigators from both Australia and New Zealand. The challenges that investigators identified fell into three broad themes: meeting the evidential needs of sexual assault investigations, establishing credibility, and managing complainant vulnerabilities. We discuss how the investigative interview process might be modified in line with these challenges.

Source: Violence Against Women

DOI: 10.1177/10778012221120447

Authors: Nina Westera, Mia Gentle, Martine Powell, Rachel Zajac

Institutions: Griffith University, University of Otago

Language: English

Topic: Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Gender equality, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W4307255252

FWCI: 2.074

Cites: 65

Cited by: 17

Related to: 10