Citation

Taylor SC, Norma C. Fem. Criminol. 2012; 7(1): 24-47.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1557085111420416

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

We introduce the term symbolic protest to identify and analyze a key motivator for the reporting decisions of victims of sexual violence. We contend that reporting sexual assault crime to police is an important expression of "symbolic protest" at a criminal justice system that does not generally serve women's interests. Women show great courage and self-sacrifice in reporting sexual assault crime, and we identify three major factors that motivate them to do so, namely, (a) the need to have sexual assault recognized as a crime, (b) a desire to raise community awareness of sexual assault, and (c) a desire to protect other women and girls.

Language: en