Law Enforcement Perceptions on Sexual Assault and Sex Trafficking

• In Event: Poster Session 2

Abstract

Previous literature shows that victim blaming and lack of training among law enforcement can cause post-traumatic stress disorder in victims of sexual assault and sex trafficking. The purpose of this study is to gather information on how law enforcement officers perceive cases of sexual assault and sex trafficking by answering the following research questions: How likely are law enforcement officers to assign blame to victims and perpetrators of sexual assault and sex trafficking? What rationale do law enforcement members use to assign blame and promote justice in such cases? Do demographic characteristics of the law enforcement officer, victim, or perpetrator have any impact on how the case is handled? We utilize qualitative and quantitative data collected through a quasi-experimental survey of law enforcement officers. We hypothesize that female law enforcement members will have a lower rate of rape myth acceptance and that minorities and low-income victims will receive different treatment in survey responses than white and upper-class victims. The findings of this study will be pivotal in recognizing gaps in law enforcement officers’ knowledge and training regarding sexual assault and sex trafficking, which can ultimately be used to shape future training for law enforcement.

Authors

• Melissa Guinn, Middle Tennessee State University

• Rachel E. Davis, Middle Tennessee State University