NCJ Number
232496
Journal
Victims and Offenders Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2008 Pages: 99-113
Date Published
January 2008
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study explored the experiences of sexual violence victims within various processes of the Canadian Criminal Justice System.
Abstract
The literature on victims of sexual violence in the criminal justice system has overwhelmingly pointed to the negative impact of these encounters. This research project sought to explore various aspects that might contribute to harm by conducting in-depth qualitative interviews and collecting limited quantitative data on 31 victims who had encountered various processes in the justice system. Results indicated a wide range of experiences, indicating that no interactions within the system were universally harmful or helpful. Victim experience was shaped by the attitudes and behaviors of specific people within the system demonstrating the importance each individual plays in their official capacity. In the final analysis however, victim satisfaction with the jail term was key to understanding experiences of harm. (Published Abstract)