Gatekeepers to justice: Police officers’ experiences responding to sexual assault

• In Event: Sexual assault disclosure: The voices of survivors and police officers

Abstract

Police officers play a central role in attaining justice for sexual assault survivors, yet few cases proceed to conviction. Disclosing sexual assault is critical to attain justice and foster support and healing. However, survivors often experience negative interactions when disclosing sexual victimization to the police, including victim blaming, dismissive behavior, accusations of false reporting, and lack of empathy. Though some police officers ascribe to rape myths, others may be perceived as blaming or dismissive of victims when they are attempting to shield them from a criminal justice system that is re-victimizing. There is limited research that explores the voices of police officers and their experiences in sexual assault investigations. The purpose of this research was to explore the experiences of police officers who respond to reports of sexual assault.
The research team conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with 20 police officers of various ranks. Interviews were analyzed in NVIVO software using Collaizi’s thematic analytic method. The findings uncovered four themes representing police experience responding to sexual assault, 1) Lack of Sexual Assault Training, 2) Compassion for the Victim, 3) Investigative Process (sub-theme of Discretionary Decision-Making), and 4) Police Distress. The first-hand accounts of police officers highlight the complexity of the investigative process, the limitations of training in sexual assault, and the attitudes and beliefs of police officers toward victims, often resulting in police officer distress. This research provides opportunities to improve police response to sexual assault, support officers in their roles, and enhance the disclosure experience of survivors.

Authors

• Jodie Murphy-Oikonen, Lakehead University

• Karen McQueen, Lakehead University

• Ainsley Miller, Lakehead University

• Lori Chambers, Lakehead University