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The impact of mandatory reporting policies on adolescent sexual assault case progression in the criminal legal system.

Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: While little is known about adolescent sexual assault criminal case progression, available research suggests many cases are not referred to the prosecutor for the consideration of charges. Nuanced mandatory reporting laws that require such referrals have been implemented in some states to facilitate criminal case progression. We used medical and criminal legal system records to determine rates of adolescent sexual assault prosecution for 236 cases involving 12- to 19-year-old victims in one locale. Through a causal comparative design, we also assessed the impact of a specific mandatory reporting policy that requires referral of adolescent cases to the prosecutor on prosecution rates. Overall, 8% of cases in our sample resulted in a conviction. The mandatory reporting policy resulted in significantly more cases being referred to the prosecutor but did not result in more cases being charged or ending with a conviction. These findings align with prior research demonstrating that the criminal legal system continues to provide an inadequate response to sexual assault and suggest that this mandatory reporting policy model may not be a viable solution as it did not have its intended impact. It is important to examine the potential iatrogenic effects of such policies and explore alternative paths toward justice and accountability for victims and their communities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).
DOI: 10.1037/ort0000816
Language: English
Subfield: Gender Studies
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4405906446
FWCI: 1.488
Cites:
Cited by: 2
Related to: 10