Enhancing Law Enforcement-Survivor Relations: The Impact of an Apology in Sexual Assault Kit Notifications

• In Event: Reimagining Concepts and Policies Associated with Rape Victims and Sex Offenders

Abstract

Despite funding and legislative efforts, institutional betrayal within law enforcement perpetuates the neglect of the rape kit backlog crisis, discounting survivors’ trauma. The lack of mental health awareness elicited policy revisions that resulted in the creation of victim notification protocols focused on victim-centered, trauma-informed approaches and the inclusion of an apology. Research has shown that sincere apologies hold the potential to support healing and recovery. However, officers are encountering challenges in providing sincere apologies, lacking a clear rationale that adequately answers the question of "why." This review focuses on law enforcement interactions with sexual assault survivors during victim notification, and the impact that apologies have on their well-being. A review was conducted utilizing specific search terms such as victim notification, sexual assault, institutional betrayal, and apologies. Although research on apologies within the justice system is limited, literature examining the application of apologies from other institutions displays profound results. These results suggest that an apology would have a positive impact on sexual assault survivors’ livelihood and future engagement with law enforcement. This review examines the power of apologies for survivors and advocates for systemic reform through trauma-informed education to safeguard survivors’ mental health and address institutional betrayal in the justice system.

Authors

• Hope Marceaux, Nova Southeastern University

• David Feldman, Nova Southeastern University