NCJ Number
238196
Journal
Violence Against Women Volume: 17 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2011 Pages: 1349-1373
Date Published
November 2011
Length
25 pages
Annotation
The purpose of this study is to explain how the interactions between victims and detectives can strengthen or weaken a rape investigation.
Abstract
Research has documented that few reported rapes are prosecuted by the legal system. The purpose of this study is to explain how the interactions between victims and detectives can strengthen or weaken the investigation itself. Twenty rape victims were interviewed to examine how law enforcement detectives' manner of questioning affects rape victims' level of disclosure. Using qualitative methodology, the results show that the detectives' manner of questioning can play a role in victims' disclosure. Detectives using a gentle manner of questioning with victims can help produce stronger victim statements and thus build stronger cases for prosecution. (Published Abstract)