Reporting rape: victim perspectives on advocacy support in the criminal justice process

Brooks, O. and Burman, M. (2017) Reporting rape: victim perspectives on advocacy support in the criminal justice process. Criminology and Criminal Justice, 17(2), pp. 209-225. (doi: 10.1177/1748895816667996)

[img]
Preview
Text
122862.pdf - Accepted Version

710kB

Abstract

Concerns about the criminal justice response to rape have prompted the development of victim advocacy services across a range of jurisdictions, yet research evidence about the nature, meaning and value of advocacy remains limited. This article draws upon a study evaluating an innovative advocacy model introduced in Scotland to assist reporting rape to the police. Findings from interviews with nine victims highlight the importance of advocacy that is independent of statutory and criminal justice agencies. However, it is argued that this does not mitigate the need for specialization or reform in the criminal justice response to rape and, further, that the distinction between advocacy at an individual and societal level represents a false dichotomy.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This study was funded by a grant from Police Scotland and Rape Crisis Scotland for an evaluation of the Support to Report Pilot Rape Advocacy Service.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Brooks, Dr Oona and Burman, Professor Michele
Authors: Brooks, O., and Burman, M.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
Journal Name:Criminology and Criminal Justice
Publisher:Sage
ISSN:1748-8958
ISSN (Online):1748-8966
Published Online:14 September 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 The Authors
First Published:First published in Criminology and Criminal Justice 17(2): 209-225
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record