NCJ Number
253716
Journal
Journal of Community Psychology Volume: 47 Issue: 7 Dated: 2019 Pages: 1733-1749
Date Published
2019
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This mixed methods study detailed a multidisciplinary team's efforts to assess and transform police responses to sexual assault in a community.
Abstract
A police department's survey of 331 officers determined baseline levels of their exposure to trauma training, rape myth acceptance, and awareness of community and nationwide sexual assault movements to understand officer attitudes towards factors influencing sexual assault investigations. Training understanding was related to lower rape myth acceptance. Policy changes, including adding trauma informed training to the Police Academy, were implemented by the MDT to promote a system wide trauma informed approach to sexual assault and ensure community safety. (publisher abstract modified)