Citation

Ali MM, Westera NJ, Zajac R, Powell M. Psychiatry Psychol. Law. 2019; 26(5): 724-739.

Affiliation

Centre for Investigative Interviewing, Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Law, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13218719.2019.1618748

PMID

31984107

PMCID

PMC6896420

Abstract

Investigating sexual assault is one of the most challenging tasks in modern-day policing. Because investigators must rely largely on the account provided by the complainant to establish whether or not a criminal offence has occurred, the way in which these accounts are elicited becomes paramount. Although there is a strong empirical consensus on how to maximise the completeness and accuracy of eyewitness accounts, several researchers have suggested modifying adult sexual assault interview protocols to better satisfy investigative and evidential needs and to provide complainants with a greater level of emotional support. This article explores professional stakeholders' views on what form these changes might take, and identifies the broad themes that drive these views.

© 2019 The Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law.

Language: en

Keywords

evidence; investigative interviewing; police; prosecutors; rape; sexual assault; victims; witness