Citation

Henninger AL, Iwasaki M, Carlucci ME, Lating JM. Violence Against Women 2019; ePub(ePub): 1077801219857831.

Affiliation

Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1077801219857831

PMID

31339469

Abstract

Although jurisdictions have attempted to improve their response procedures, sexual assault cases are often insufficiently investigated. This study examines the survey responses of 460 female sexual assault survivors regarding their experiences with response personnel. Overall satisfaction with response services was 66.1%. Victim advocates and forensic nurses received higher satisfaction ratings than did patrol officers, detectives, and State's Attorney's Office staff. The present study also found that 65% of the variance in overall satisfaction was accounted for by four personnel behaviors: respectful treatment, clearly explained procedures, believed their stories, and demonstrated cultural sensitivity. Policy implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Language: en

Keywords

Sexual Assault Response Team (SART); criminal justice system; sexual assault; sexual assault survivors; survivor satisfaction; victim advocacy