Abstract

The subject of false rape allegations is shrouded in anxiety, confusion and misunderstanding. Despite a growing body of quality research, there continue to be significant gaps in our knowledge about the topic, including the phenomenon of false allegations beyond rape and other sexual offences. The purpose of this article is to seek to deepen our understanding by examining a unique data set comprising 701 cases involving individuals who purport to have been the subject of false accusations of rape, child sexual abuse, child abuse/neglect and other forms of wrongdoing. This article aims to provide an insight into the nature and characteristics of these allegations and explore the implications of the data for several research and policy questions. It will also critically examine some of the current literature and scholarly claims in this area, particularly around the prevalence of false allegations and critique claims that discussion of this topic is dangerous and best avoided. Finally, the article sets out a future research agenda in which the complex issues raised by false allegations can be carefully considered, and the scale, impact and pathways to accusation can be better understood.

Highlights

  • In 2010, a report issued by the Ministry of Justice found that there was ‘insufficient reliable empirical findings on which to base an informed decision on the value of providing anonymity to rape defendants.’[1]

  • The purpose of this article is to seek to deepen our understanding by examining a unique dataset comprising 701 cases involving individuals who purport to have been the subject of false accusations of rape, child sexual abuse, child abuse/neglect and other forms of wrongdoing

  • Research has been conducted on the rate of false allegations compared to other serious offences,[3] the number of alleged false allegations of rape and domestic violence prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service,[4] the impact of false allegations on those accused, 5 the motivations of false accusers 6 and police perceptions of false allegations.[7]

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Summary

Introduction

In 2010, a report issued by the Ministry of Justice found that there was ‘insufficient reliable empirical findings on which to base an informed decision on the value of providing anonymity to rape defendants.’[1]. The article proceeds by first, critically examining a range of contextual issues, including the labelling of false allegations, trends in the current scholarly literature and the suggestion that discussing false allegations is dangerous and an issue best ignored. The article discusses the methodological challenges posed by the research featured in this article and goes on to detail the findings derived from the quantitative data. The implications of the findings for policy development are discussed, along with suggestions for future research

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Methods
Findings
Conclusion

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