Skepticism as a Barrier to Evidence Collection
Transforming Procedure on Receiving Reports from Sex Crime Victims
Abstract
Comprehensive evidence collection in cases of sex crimes is of vital importance to obtaining convictions in a court of law, and in such cases testimonial evidence is often crucial to understanding the nature of the criminal violation as well as the scope and range of further possible evidence that may be gathered. Research has shown that when police are openly suspicious of victim testimony, or otherwise exhibit disregard, judgment, or hostility to victim reports and information, the evidence collection becomes less comprehensive as a result. However, by utilizing trauma-informed interviewing techniques, law enforcement can more successfully elicit information from victims that may be vital in better understanding the facts of a case, and to make a more comprehensive and exhaustive collection of evidence relevant to a case. Because victims in these sensitive types of crime are often already hesitant, traumatized, and confused – and because many sex crime cases involve alcohol or other drugs – law enforcement is best advised to exercise discretion and patience with victims during any type of information receipt or interrogatory related to a possible or alleged crime.
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