Dr Dominic Willmott (University of Huddersfield)
The role of rape myths in sexual violence perpetration, survivor disclosure, and CJS attrition rates
A growing body of empirical research displays that attitudes held towards sexual violence, often referred to as rape myth acceptance, are important determinants in sexual violence perpetration and survivor decisions to report their victimisation to the authorities. Evidence suggests widespread belief of
these inaccurate assumptions surrounding rape and sexual violence not only prevents survivors from coming forward but prevents their access to justice at every stage of the criminal justice system. Dominic’s presentation will examine these myths and the effects that their prevalence has on perpetration, reporting, and disclosure.
Dr Dominic Willmott is a Research Psychologist based within the University of Huddersfield's None-in-Three Research Centre for Gender-based Violence. Dominic research interests and publications to date focus broadly around issues relating to domestic violence, sexual violence, and child abuse & neglect. His main area of expertise relates to jury decision making within rape trials, and his work in this field has led to his involvement in policy reform discussions with several government agencies and NGOs.
The current research offers several contributions to the study of criminal sentencing by investigating potential conditioning effects of offense seriousness and criminal history on race. Moreover, we provide a more robust test of the liberation hypothesis using data from more than 17,000 criminal offenders in the state of South Carolina. This state is particularly interesting because there are no sentencing guidelines, which means that judges have greater discretion when sentencing offenders. Methodologically, we also introduce a class of event count models, which better handle positively skewed distributions such as those found in sentencing data thereby allowing the researcher to fit a model to the data rather than manipulating the data to fit a model. In sum, testing the interaction of certain offender characteristics with offense severity and prior record may provide insight into when disparities manifest in sentencing decisions.
The current research offers several contributions to the study of criminal sentencing by investigating potential conditioning effects of offense seriousness and criminal history on race. Moreover, we provide a more robust test of the liberation hypothesis using data from more than 17,000 criminal offenders in the state of South Carolina. This state is particularly interesting because there are no sentencing guidelines, which means that judges have greater discretion when sentencing offenders. Methodologically, we also introduce a class of event count models, which better handle positively skewed distributions such as those found in sentencing data thereby allowing the researcher to fit a model to the data rather than manipulating the data to fit a model. In sum, testing the interaction of certain offender characteristics with offense severity and prior record may provide insight into when disparities manifest in sentencing decisions.
Exploring Implications of the Impact of Mental Health Issues on Those Experiencing Domestic Violence in Same Sex and/or Trans Relationships, Catherine Donovan - a presentation at the A Difficult Alliance? Making Connections between Mental Health and Domestic Violence Research and Practice Agendas on 7 June 2011
We love it when celebrities do good things — but we love it even more when a scandal breaks. From Jerry Sandusky to Roman Polanski, Instant Checkmate presents some of the most infamous celebrity crimes.
Ready to learn more about your favorite celebs (and people you know)? Run a background check at InstantCheckmate.com today!
Crime News, Stereotyping and the Cradle-to-Prison PipelineDanielle Killian
New Hispanic Media Coalition and Killian Communications presented on the contributions of news and entertainment media to the crafting of stereotypes and the cradle-to-prison pipeline at the 2014 LA Gang Conference.
Examines the myths surrounding the conviction of innocent people for crimes they did not commit, and suggests ways to protect yourself and your family from becoming victims of a broken justice system.
Interviewing Children and Memories of Sexual AbuseChapter 11.docxnormanibarber20063
Interviewing Children and Memories of Sexual Abuse
Chapter 11
Reported Memories of
Young Children
Prevalence of abuse
7%-16% boy; 18%-26% girls
Memories and cognition
Under age of 5, children have difficultly distinguishing imagined from real events
Ability to encode, store, and retrieve information not fully developed in children
Greater risk for inaccuracy with suggestive or biased questioning
Day Care Center Cases
Most notorious cases
1985: Wee Care Nursery School, NJ
1987: McMartin Preschool,CA
1989: Little Rascals Day Care Center, NC
Day Care Center Cases
Reports of children likely contaminated/unreliable if
Begin interview with belief that abuse has occurred (Day Care Center Cases)
Interviews repeated with biased interview style
Delay between alleged abuse and interview
Effective Interviewing of Children
NICHD Investigative Interview Protocol (NICHD)
Guides interviewer away from biased questioning
Uses open ended prompts
Avoids suggestive questions
Uses 3 phases: Introductory, rapport building, substantive
Effective Interviewing of Children
Other useful techniques
Clear, simplified instructions
Oath to tell the truth technique
Interviewer does not know what happened technique
HOT TOPIC
Child sexual abuse accommodation syndrome (CSAAS)
Proposed and elaborated on by Summit (Summit, 1983; 1998), based on clinical experience,
Child victims of sexual abuse experience feelings of helplessness, confusion, and fear
Feelings cause child victims to conceal the abuse
Delayed abuse disclosure
Denial of abuse
Recantation of abuse allegations after initial claims
HOT TOPIC
CSAAS influences how investigative interviews conducted
More directive, repetitive, suggestive interviewing forms
Research findings
Delayed disclosure of sexual abuse is not unusual, denial of abuse and recantation is unusual
Recanting children more likely to have suffered parental abuse
Testimony by Children
Jurors believe children in abuse cases; young children more likely believed than adolescents
Hearsay testimony allowed by most states
Adult stand ins are acceptable
Hearsay and adult testimony viewed favorably by jurors
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is an alternative for presenting child testimony; child emotional distress reduce; conviction rate not lowered
Recovered Memories of Sexual Abuse
Scientists
Skeptical
Can be implanted by therapists
Trauma response is uncontrolled remembering not forgetting
Psychotherapists
Memories are credible
Memories are repressed
Ingram False Memory Case
Example of suggestion, vulnerability, hypnosis, biased interviewer
Involves recovered memories of being sexual abuse perpetrator
Research on Implanting
False Memories
False memories can be implanted.
Loftus and Hyman studies
Authentic recovered memories are usually spontaneous.
Several explanations for forgetting and remembering abuse, including transience of memory, individual differences.
Many therapists have switched to less suggestive approaches.
SCIENTIFI.
Very few of us know that 73% of the rape victims know the rapists. Moreover, 40% of rapes happen at victim’s home and 20% occur in the homes of familiar people.
It turned out that most of us have no idea about the effective precautions needed to protect ourselves from the traumatic experience, because we expect danger from a wrong source. A widespread belief is that one should expect a rapist to sit in the bushes in the park late at night, while the reality is different.
My colleague Paulina Grzelak and I were astonished while exploring this topic, as we were quite oblivious to the real situation as well. Therefore, we decided to make a small questionnaire and ask people what they think about rape.
This presentation begins with the analysis of what makes a person become a rapist, which is followed by the comparison of the results of the questionnaire with real data.
I would be grateful if you shared this presentation as many people need this knowledge.
I also want to add that most figures we present come from the States where definition of rape and social situation may differ from ours. Hence, comparing data from the U.S. with opinions from Poland and Ukraine may seem improper. For instance, being forced into sexual contact by husband may not even be recognized as rape in Ukraine, “because it’s his natural right”. And even if a wife admits this fact, social welfare system (which does not exist here, let’s face it) leaves her no option apart from remaining silent, while in the U.S. rape victims are less dependent on family members. Therefore, one has to approach the statistics carefully. Still, we believe that using American data can be justified by the fact that they explore the subject more than any other country.
Exploring Implications of the Impact of Mental Health Issues on Those Experiencing Domestic Violence in Same Sex and/or Trans Relationships, Catherine Donovan - a presentation at the A Difficult Alliance? Making Connections between Mental Health and Domestic Violence Research and Practice Agendas on 7 June 2011
We love it when celebrities do good things — but we love it even more when a scandal breaks. From Jerry Sandusky to Roman Polanski, Instant Checkmate presents some of the most infamous celebrity crimes.
Ready to learn more about your favorite celebs (and people you know)? Run a background check at InstantCheckmate.com today!
Crime News, Stereotyping and the Cradle-to-Prison PipelineDanielle Killian
New Hispanic Media Coalition and Killian Communications presented on the contributions of news and entertainment media to the crafting of stereotypes and the cradle-to-prison pipeline at the 2014 LA Gang Conference.
Examines the myths surrounding the conviction of innocent people for crimes they did not commit, and suggests ways to protect yourself and your family from becoming victims of a broken justice system.
Interviewing Children and Memories of Sexual AbuseChapter 11.docxnormanibarber20063
Interviewing Children and Memories of Sexual Abuse
Chapter 11
Reported Memories of
Young Children
Prevalence of abuse
7%-16% boy; 18%-26% girls
Memories and cognition
Under age of 5, children have difficultly distinguishing imagined from real events
Ability to encode, store, and retrieve information not fully developed in children
Greater risk for inaccuracy with suggestive or biased questioning
Day Care Center Cases
Most notorious cases
1985: Wee Care Nursery School, NJ
1987: McMartin Preschool,CA
1989: Little Rascals Day Care Center, NC
Day Care Center Cases
Reports of children likely contaminated/unreliable if
Begin interview with belief that abuse has occurred (Day Care Center Cases)
Interviews repeated with biased interview style
Delay between alleged abuse and interview
Effective Interviewing of Children
NICHD Investigative Interview Protocol (NICHD)
Guides interviewer away from biased questioning
Uses open ended prompts
Avoids suggestive questions
Uses 3 phases: Introductory, rapport building, substantive
Effective Interviewing of Children
Other useful techniques
Clear, simplified instructions
Oath to tell the truth technique
Interviewer does not know what happened technique
HOT TOPIC
Child sexual abuse accommodation syndrome (CSAAS)
Proposed and elaborated on by Summit (Summit, 1983; 1998), based on clinical experience,
Child victims of sexual abuse experience feelings of helplessness, confusion, and fear
Feelings cause child victims to conceal the abuse
Delayed abuse disclosure
Denial of abuse
Recantation of abuse allegations after initial claims
HOT TOPIC
CSAAS influences how investigative interviews conducted
More directive, repetitive, suggestive interviewing forms
Research findings
Delayed disclosure of sexual abuse is not unusual, denial of abuse and recantation is unusual
Recanting children more likely to have suffered parental abuse
Testimony by Children
Jurors believe children in abuse cases; young children more likely believed than adolescents
Hearsay testimony allowed by most states
Adult stand ins are acceptable
Hearsay and adult testimony viewed favorably by jurors
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is an alternative for presenting child testimony; child emotional distress reduce; conviction rate not lowered
Recovered Memories of Sexual Abuse
Scientists
Skeptical
Can be implanted by therapists
Trauma response is uncontrolled remembering not forgetting
Psychotherapists
Memories are credible
Memories are repressed
Ingram False Memory Case
Example of suggestion, vulnerability, hypnosis, biased interviewer
Involves recovered memories of being sexual abuse perpetrator
Research on Implanting
False Memories
False memories can be implanted.
Loftus and Hyman studies
Authentic recovered memories are usually spontaneous.
Several explanations for forgetting and remembering abuse, including transience of memory, individual differences.
Many therapists have switched to less suggestive approaches.
SCIENTIFI.
Very few of us know that 73% of the rape victims know the rapists. Moreover, 40% of rapes happen at victim’s home and 20% occur in the homes of familiar people.
It turned out that most of us have no idea about the effective precautions needed to protect ourselves from the traumatic experience, because we expect danger from a wrong source. A widespread belief is that one should expect a rapist to sit in the bushes in the park late at night, while the reality is different.
My colleague Paulina Grzelak and I were astonished while exploring this topic, as we were quite oblivious to the real situation as well. Therefore, we decided to make a small questionnaire and ask people what they think about rape.
This presentation begins with the analysis of what makes a person become a rapist, which is followed by the comparison of the results of the questionnaire with real data.
I would be grateful if you shared this presentation as many people need this knowledge.
I also want to add that most figures we present come from the States where definition of rape and social situation may differ from ours. Hence, comparing data from the U.S. with opinions from Poland and Ukraine may seem improper. For instance, being forced into sexual contact by husband may not even be recognized as rape in Ukraine, “because it’s his natural right”. And even if a wife admits this fact, social welfare system (which does not exist here, let’s face it) leaves her no option apart from remaining silent, while in the U.S. rape victims are less dependent on family members. Therefore, one has to approach the statistics carefully. Still, we believe that using American data can be justified by the fact that they explore the subject more than any other country.
Presented by
John Lynch, Yamhill Co. Juv. Dept.
SUPERVISION & TREATMENT
OF SEXUAL OFFENDERS
1
Almost every hand you’ve shaken has touched a penis.
THINK ABOUT THIS
FOR A SECOND…
To gain knowledge regarding the broad range of considerations when supervising offenders who have committed sexual offenses and to examine effective intervention strategies.
LEARNING GOAL
Myths about sex offenders
Common characteristics of sex offenders
Sexual offense recidivism rates
Risk factors that are/are not associated
with recidivism
Common tactics of sex offenders
WE WILL COVER…
“Success-oriented” supervision model
The importance of communication
Specialized supervision conditions and
success-oriented goals
How to respond to violations
WE WILL COVER…
Effective interventions
Common treatment goals
Use of the polygraph
Doing your job better & reducing your
stress
WE WILL COVER…
SEX OFFENDER VERSION
7
Most sexual offenses are committed by strangers.
Most sexual offenses are committed by someone known to the victim or victim’s family, regardless if the victim is a child or an adult.
Approximately 60% of boys and 80% of girls who are sexually victimized are abused by someone known to the child or the child’s family.
From 2005 to 2010, 78% of sexual violence involved an offender who was a family member, intimate partner, friend, or acquaintance.
Debunking the Myths
Bullet 2 – (60% boys / 80% girls) is from Lieb, Quinsey, and Berliner, 1998.
In a 2009 study conducted by the US Dept. of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, 13,471 juvenile sex offender cases were evaluated which revealed that in 88.2% of reported incidents, the victim was either a family member or acquaintance.
Only 2.5% involved a victim who was considered a stranger to the offender.
Victim Relationship
Rape and sexual assault victimizations against females by victim-offender relationship
1994–1998, 1999–2004, and 2005–2010Victim-Offender Relationship1994-19981999-20042005-2010Stranger
Non-stranger21%
79%25%
75%22%
78%Intimate Partner
(includes former spouse, BF, GF)28%30%34%Relative9%3%6%Acquaintance42%42%38%
Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization Survey, 1994–2010.
Female Victims of Sexual Violence, 1994-2010 (March 2013). Special report published by the US Dept. of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics.
Sexual offense rates are higher than ever and continue to climb.
Despite the increase in publicity about sexual crimes, from 1995 to 2010, the estimated annual rate of female (age 12 or older) rape or sexual assault victimizations has declined 58%.
Debunking the Myths
Only a fraction of those who commit sexual offenses are apprehended and convicted for their crimes.
Debunking the Myths
Debunking the Myths
This figure taken from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) website, acces.
The webinar seeks to demystify a rape or sexual assault encounter for interpreters. To provide the interpreter with an understanding of what is rape, sexual assault, victimology, violent crimes, myths and facts. With the intent of creating a broad base of knowledge on the topic to be prepared to interpret while staying with the confines of the role. To recognize if they have the capacity to handle the emotional context of this work, that can cause vicarious trauma or haunt the interpreter for a long time. The code of ethics will be reviewed, to discuss boundaries, they will learn about the national statistics on rape and sexual assault (female/male), how to approach an LEP/Deaf victim, the best “mode” of interpretation, and many resources for pre, post, and during the session. Graphic language, visual of areas that are most impacted during a rape/assault will be shown, as well as an in-depth explanation of a medical forensic examination, and a video of the exam. The intent is to demystify it and educate so there isn’t apprehension when you are requested for an interpretation and to know if you are able to faithfully interpret.
Learning Objectives:
1. Build a foundation of understanding, best practices, and understanding of the role of the interpreter in a rape or sexual assault interpretation.
2. How to best serve the LEP patient, while staying in the interpreter role, in a situation that is emotionally charged and has legal connotation.
3. Know best practices, preferences, how to engage the legal aspect of the encounter, working with officers.
To understand the EMT / Ambulance impact on the patients care and the medical exam in the emergency room.
4. Will have a clear view of how to serve the LEP and all those involved in the encounter/session with precision, empathy, and without ever stepping out of his/her role.
4.1AssignmentDiscussion Public MisconceptionsOne misc.docxpriestmanmable
4.1
Assignment
Discussion: Public Misconceptions
One misconception about rape is that women who dress provocatively were “asking for it.” According to Rape Victim Advocates (RVA), rape is a crime of power and control, so how a woman dresses is irrelevant. Can you think of other public misconceptions that lead to “victim blaming”?
In a minimum of
150 words
, describe some of the public misconceptions regarding sexual assault you may have heard. Describe the concept of “victim blaming.” Why are victims of sexual assault more likely to experience blame than victims of other crimes? Compare at least two countries and note any differences.
READING MATERIAL
Rape Victim Advocates. (n.d.). Sexual violence myths and facts. Retrieved June 6, 2018, from https://www.rapevictimadvocates.org/what-you-need-to-know/myths-and-facts/
Sexual Violence Myths & Facts
There is a lot of information that circulates about sexual violence and the people affected by it. The following myths are common and can impact survivors of assault or abuse, as well as the behavior and effectiveness of friends, family, medical, social service and law enforcement personnel. This sheet will help clarify some of the most common myths.
Myth: Sexual assault is an act of lust and passion that can’t be controlled.
Fact: Sexual assault is about power and control and is not motivated by sexual gratification.[1]
Myth: If a victim of sexual assault does not fight back, they must have thought the assault was not that bad or they wanted it.
Fact: Many survivors experience tonic immobility or a “freeze response” during an assault where they physically cannot move or speak.[2]
Myth: A lot of victims lie about being raped or give false reports.
Fact: Only 2-8% of rapes are falsely reported, the same percentage as for other felonies.[3]
Myth: A person cannot sexually assault their partner or spouse.
Fact: Nearly 1 in 10 women have experienced rape by an
intimate partner
in their lifetime.[4]
Myth: Sexual assaults most often occur in public or outdoors.
Fact: 55% of rape or sexual assault victimizations occur at or near the victim’s home, and 12% occur at or near the home of a friend, relative, or acquaintance.[5]
Myth: Rape does not happen that often.
Fact: There is an average of 293,066 victims ages 12 or older of rape and sexual assault each year in the U.S. This means 1 sexual assault occurs every 107 seconds.[6]
Myth: People that have been sexually assaulted will be hysterical and crying.
Fact: Everyone responds differently to trauma- some may laugh, some may cry, and others will not show any emotions.[7]
Myth: Men are not victims of sexual violence.
Fact: 1.5% of all men have been raped and 47% of bisexual men have experienced some form of unwanted sexual contact in their lifetime.4
Myth: Wearing revealing clothing, behaving provocatively, or drinking a lot means the victim was “asking for it”.
Fact: The perpetrator selects the victim- the victim’s behavio.
Sexual assault cases regularly make headlines and can potentially cause serious reputational harm to law enforcement agencies and police departments for mishandling the cases or not pursuing them vigorously enough.
Sexual assault cases regularly make headlines and can potentially cause serious reputational harm to law enforcement agencies and police departments for mishandling the cases or not pursuing them vigorously enough.
The picture on the left shows the latest developments in a long-term problem of sexual assault on college campuses. In June, Candice Johnson, OCR Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights issued a memo that effectively stalled investigation of civil rights violations including sexual assault on campuses. A month later, Democratic Senators Kirsten Gillibrand from New York State and Claire McCaskill from Missouri urged Secretary of Education Betsy Devos to reverse this decision as unlawful because of failure to protect students under Title IX. Full text of the memo and Title IX, Sec. 1681 Sex are part of your lesson handout.
Similar problem with widespread sexual assault, and especially against minors, is a long-term problem at cruise ships. Because of the nature of cruise ships, there is no immediate response by law enforcement and the ship guards that investigate the matter are the cruise company’s employees therefore often unlikely to be of meaningful help to the victims. Jurisdiction can be federal, state or foreign, depending on the ship’s flag.
Finally, sexual violence in a workplace can be difficult to address because of the unequal relationship between parties and under-reporting. Recently, car company Tesla appeared in the news as a hostile workplace to women.
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the latest updates to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (commonly known as the Uniform Guidance) outlined in the 2 CFR 200.
With a focus on the 2024 revisions issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), participants will gain insight into the key changes affecting federal grant recipients. The session will delve into critical regulatory updates, providing attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate and comply with the evolving landscape of federal grant management.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the rationale behind the 2024 updates to the Uniform Guidance outlined in 2 CFR 200, and their implications for federal grant recipients.
- Identify the key changes and revisions introduced by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the 2024 edition of 2 CFR 200.
- Gain proficiency in applying the updated regulations to ensure compliance with federal grant requirements and avoid potential audit findings.
- Develop strategies for effectively implementing the new guidelines within the grant management processes of their respective organizations, fostering efficiency and accountability in federal grant administration.
Understanding the Challenges of Street ChildrenSERUDS INDIA
By raising awareness, providing support, advocating for change, and offering assistance to children in need, individuals can play a crucial role in improving the lives of street children and helping them realize their full potential
Donate Us
https://serudsindia.org/how-individuals-can-support-street-children-in-india/
#donatefororphan, #donateforhomelesschildren, #childeducation, #ngochildeducation, #donateforeducation, #donationforchildeducation, #sponsorforpoorchild, #sponsororphanage #sponsororphanchild, #donation, #education, #charity, #educationforchild, #seruds, #kurnool, #joyhome
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
Many ways to support street children.pptxSERUDS INDIA
By raising awareness, providing support, advocating for change, and offering assistance to children in need, individuals can play a crucial role in improving the lives of street children and helping them realize their full potential
Donate Us
https://serudsindia.org/how-individuals-can-support-street-children-in-india/
#donatefororphan, #donateforhomelesschildren, #childeducation, #ngochildeducation, #donateforeducation, #donationforchildeducation, #sponsorforpoorchild, #sponsororphanage #sponsororphanchild, #donation, #education, #charity, #educationforchild, #seruds, #kurnool, #joyhome
Dominic Willmott at the 2019 re:shape #PreventSexualHarm conference
1. Dr Dominic Willmott
None-in-Three Research Centre
University of Huddersfield
D.Willmott@hud.ac.uk
@DrDomWillmott
The Role of Rape
Myths in
Sexual Violence
Perpetration,
Survivor Disclosure,
and
CJS Attrition Rates
@NoneinThree
#PreventSexualHarm
2. Presentation Overview
Problem of Sexual Abuse & Rape
What are Rape Myths?
o Where do they come from?
o How do they operate?
How do Rape Myths affect…
o Perpetrators
o Survivors
o Police & Prosecutors
o Jurors
P.S. don’t forget about Judges!
4. Prevalence Rates – ONS (2018)
National Crime Survey Data
510,000 Women & 138,000 Men Sexually Victimised each year
Significantly, only 121,187 offences formally recorded by police
during same period
Gov Figures & Independent Research Suggests;
5 out of 6 victims of SA never report victimisation to police
Gendered Nature of Serious Sex Offences in E&W
Females = 80% of victims
Males = 98% of those Prosecuted (CPS, 2017)
5. Home Office Estimates
60-95K
15K Allegations
Recorded
2.9K Preceded to
Court
1K Convicted (7%
of all recorded)
Rape (only) Data - 2013
6. Rape & The English CJS
CPS & MOJ (Oct 2016/17)
40,000+ Cases Recorded by Police
5,190 Cases Proceeded to Court
13% of all reported rapes
2,991 Cases Defendant Convicted
7% of all reported rapes
- 58% of all cases that went to trial = G
but 42% still unsuccessful?
Rape = 48,773
7. True Picture?
Rape CPS Conviction After Contest Rates
(Oct 2016/17)
Conviction
Rate drops
to 46%
Defendant
Pleads NG
Case then
proceeds to Jury
Trial
8. Sexual Abuse Attrition Rates
So why are
Conviction rates so
low?
And what’s going on
with Jurors?
Why do so few
allegations make it
to Court?
And, why are victims
choosing not to
report?
9. Unique Features of Rape & SA
Most Rapes occur in private settings, away from public view
Often the central question revolves not around whether
sexual act happened but whether it occurred with Consent
Strong societal attitudes not typically found for other crimes
mean victim allegations are commonly treated with doubt or
outright disbelief
Rape myths & perceptions of “what happens in a real rape”
thought to effect all stages of the CJS…
11. What are Rape Myths?
Prejudiced
Beliefs &
Attitudes
Surrounding
Rape & SV
Commonly and
Persistently held
Yet, Factually
Inaccurate
12. 6) She liked it
really
(JUSTIFY)
5) It’s wasn’t
as bad as
claimed
(DENY)
4) She
wanted it
(BLAME)
3) He didn’t
mean to
(JUSTIFY)
2) It wasn’t
really rape
(DENY)
1) She asked
for it (BLAME)
What are Rape Myths?
6 Rape Myth Categories (Female)
Rape Myths =
Cognitive tool’s which ‘turn off’ Social Prohibitions that prevent SA
(Burt, 1980, p 282)
Serve to trivialise & justify SA whilst blaming victims
(Bohner et al, 2006, p 286)
14. Where do Rape Myths come from?
Rape Myth Beliefs
Peer
Groups
Media &
Pop
Culture
Family
During
Childhood
Culturally Derived
Ward (1995) Major study found existence of Rape Myths in all countries, cultures, & societies
tested
15. How do Rape Myths affect…
Sexual Violence Perpetration
Johnson & Beech (2017) Syst Review of RMA scores in Convicted Rapists
RMA was found to be a risk factor for sexual offending
Sex Offenders had Sig. higher RMA scores than Non-SO’s & general pop
A link is also found in Men from general pop RMA scores and sexual objectification &
abuse of women (Jozkowski & Peterson, 2013; Wright & Tokunaga, 2016)
Men + RMA are sig. more likely to report using verbal coercion, deception, physical
force, & sexually aggressive behaviour to obtain sex
Briere & Malamuth (1983) Asked Male UG Students:
Would you rape a woman if you knew you would not get caught?
30% of men said Yes!!
This figure was also replicated in subsequent research (e.g. Hamilton & Yee, 1990)
16. How do Rape Myths affect…
Survivor Decisions to Report
Survivors of Sexual Abuse can also score high in RMA and in turn may choose
not to report
Victims & non-victims exhibited very similar RMA scores, suggesting
socialisation & belief in a “just world” encourage victims to retain their support
of some rape myths (Carmody et al, 2001; Burt, 1980; Jenkins & Dambrot, 1987; Lefley et al, 1993)
It’s my fault for
Inviting him over
I should have
fought him more
Maybe it’s my
fault for not
making it clear
17. How do Rape Myths affect…
Police Investigation & Prosecutor Decisions
Lots of research evidence that police officers and prosecutors can score
high in RMA (Parratt & Pina, 2017; Brown, Hamilton & O’Neill, 2007; McMillian, 2018)
Crucially, evidence displays that investigative & charging decisions can
be negatively impacted by Rape Myth Beliefs
+ RMA scores = victim considered to be responsible, perp less
responsible & cases judged to be ‘less authentic’ (Hind & Murphy, 2018 – 808 Met Cops’)
BUT – most research found effective RMA training was able to reverse
this effect almost immediately?
18. How do Rape Myths affect…
Jurors & Jury Decision Making
Rape Myths associated with NG verdicts in numerous past studies…
19. However – problems with past research
mean the results often cannot be relied upon.
And the research has therefore largely been
disregarded by policy makers…
Jury Bias Research: Gaps in Understanding
22. Study Procedure
Live trial re-enactment
(Real Lawyers / Actors / Judges Review of Legal Instructions)
Based on real Acquaintance Rape case
Case checked at multiple time points ensuring conformed with UK Law of
Evidence & genuine trial procedures
‘Jurors’ watched trial in mock courtroom – one full day
23. 108 Mock Jurors recruited (9 x 12 person jury panels)
Invited from Electoral Register
Age range 18 – 73 (M = 45.00, SD = 15.75)
51% females & 49% males
Random Comp Generation to 1 of 9 re-enactments
Jury Eligibility Assessed prior to participation (‘summons’ completed)
Study Procedure
24. Study Procedure
What did the Experiment involve?
1) Psychosocial
Assessment
2) Observe Trial 3) First Verdict
Decision
4) Group
Deliberation
5) Final Verdict
Decision
32. RMA Education
School ‘Prevention’
Effective Sex Ed.
Before norms become
internalized
Perpetrator
Programmes
Myth Busting
SOTP
Circles
Re:Shape
Survivor Ed
RMA Education during
Support
BUT…won’t capture
those not accessing
services
Society Wide
Mass Marketing
Home Office TV Advert
Real & Lasting
Impact???
Police, CPS, Jurors
Mandatory Training
Formal Lengthy Face-to-
face
Videos, Leaflets etc
33. What can WE do?
Challenge Rape
Myths at every
opportunity…
34. Dr Dominic Willmott
University of Huddersfield,
Department of Psychology,
Queensgate campus, Huddersfield
Email – d.willmott@hud.ac.uk