Reports Of Rape Research Articles

The use of investigation management documents in rape and serious sexual offence cases

Purpose In the context of rising reports of rape, set against falling convictions, it has been argued that rape has been de facto decriminalised in England and Wales. This paper aims to explore how police and prosecutors investigating rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO) use and perceive investigation management documents (IMDs), and how high-quality IMDs may lead to better justice outcomes. IMDs must be started by police at the beginning of an investigation and should document: what an officer is/is not doing and why; what the reasonable lines of enquiry are and their outcomes; and what has translated to evidence and supports charge, disclosure or unused material. The document is shared with the crown prosecution service at the point a charging decision is sought. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 police officers and five crown prosecutors across five areas in Year 2 of Operation Soteria Bluestone, a project that aimed to improve how police investigate rape. These interviews were analysed using the qualitative method of thematic analysis. Findings Three main themes were identified relating to timeliness, understanding, and quality of IMDs. It was found that IMDs are not always started at the beginning of RASSO investigations or even at all. Officers also lacked understanding around the purpose of IMDs, often seeing them as duplications of other case files. Finally, prosecutors and police concurred that the quality of IMDs are generally poor and lacking in critical reflection. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first academic paper to consider the use of IMDs by police and prosecutors in RASSO investigations. As such, it is both a unique contribution to the field and also provides a platform for future research. Understanding how police officers can produce the highest quality IMDs, in a timely fashion, is of paramount importance given the wider societal context of increasing reports of rape alongside low charge rates. Implications for training are considered.

The Effect of Systemic Racism and Homophobia on Police Enforcement and Sexual and Emotional Violence among Sex Workers in East London: Findings from a Cohort Study

There is extensive qualitative evidence of violence and enforcement impacting sex workers who are ethnically or racially minoritized, and gender or sexual minority sex workers, but there is little quantitative evidence. Baseline and follow-up data were collected among 288 sex workers of diverse genders (cis/transgender women and men and non-binary people) in London (2018–2019). Interviewer-administered and self-completed questionnaires included reports of rape, emotional violence, and (un)lawful police encounters. We used generalized estimating equation models (Stata vs 16.1) to measure associations between (i) ethnic/racial identity (Black, Asian, mixed or multiple vs White) and recent (6 months) or past police enforcement and (ii) ethnic/racial and sexual identity (lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) vs. heterosexual) with recent rape and emotional violence (there was insufficient data to examine the association with transgender/non-binary identities). Ethnically/racially minoritized sex workers (26.4%) reported more police encounters partly due to increased representation in street settings (51.4% vs 30.7% off-street, p = 0.002). After accounting for street setting, ethnically/racially minoritized sex workers had higher odds of recent arrest (adjusted odds ratio 2.8, 95% CI 1.3–5.8), past imprisonment (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1–5.0), police extortion (aOR 3.3, 95% CI 1.4–7.8), and rape (aOR 3.6, 95% CI 1.1–11.5). LGB-identifying sex workers (55.4%) were more vulnerable to rape (aOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1–5.2) and emotional violence. Sex workers identifying as ethnically/racially minoritized (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.0–4.5), LGB (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0–4.0), or who use drugs (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.8) were more likely to have experienced emotional violence than white-identifying, heterosexual or those who did not use drugs. Experience of any recent police enforcement was associated with increased odds of rape (aOR 3.6, 95% CI 1.3–8.4) and emotional violence (aOR 4.9, 95% CI 1.8–13.0). Findings show how police enforcement disproportionately targets ethnically/racially minoritized sex workers and contributes to increased risk of rape and emotional violence, which is elevated among sexual and ethnically/racially minoritized workers.

The landscape of physical sexual violence in Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria: A systematic review

The present study aimed to determine the trending country-specific common forms and patterns of sexual violence in Sub-Saharan African countries considering the multi-component nature of the menace. We systematically reviewed the population-based studies, obtained from PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar, that dealt with all-encompassing physical sexual violence in Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria. The quality and significance of the data obtained were assessed, and similar events were grouped and reported found to have inspired policy recommendations for non-sexual violence initiatives and respect for sexual and reproductive health rights in Sub-Saharan Africa. This systematic review revealed that sexual violence is captured as sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual abuse, rape, coercive sex, incest, child sexual abuse, and intimate partner sexual violence. Botswana ranked first in worldwide rape statistics, while Nigeria and Kenya ranked 135th and 103rd, respectively. Ethiopia’s global rape ranking was not available at the completion of writing this paper, and further statistical proof(s) on these ranks were also not established in this review. The historic record for Botswana on forced sex reads 10.3% while forced marriage for Ethiopia shows 58%. Across the four countries selected, intimate partner violence ranges between 9.0% and 58.6%. While completed rapes, attempted rapes, and forced sexual initiation were mentioned in a few studies, the lifetime sexual violence ranges between 45.4% and 56%. In addition, the generic sexual violence was between 9.6% and 61.2%. In summation, sexual violence is prevailing at the locations of study, regardless of age, gender, or community. However, since the actual or suspected dominant perpetrators of sexual violence are overrepresented in the male populations, enlightenment campaigns should be implemented for boys and men so that they grow more conscious of other gender’s sexual rights in the conduct or pursuit of their sexual satisfaction and behavior. Effective community engagement (with parents, workers, academics, and students) should be prioritized by various governments and other stakeholders toward the achievement of improved sexual health, and well-being among the populace.

Distinction of <i>Fusarium temperatum</i> and <i>F. subglutinans</i> in the <i>F. fujikuroi</i> species complex

Fusarium strains isolated from the different plant hosts and formerly identified as Fusarium subglutinans s. l. according to morphological characteristics were analyzed in detail. Based on phylogenetic analysis of three loci (TEF, tub, and RPB2) two strains isolated from stem of wheat and root of rape were re-identified as F. temperatum. This is first report of rape and wheat as a novel plant host for F. temperatum that mainly associated with maize. This is also the first detection of F. temperatum in Russia. Other strains turned out to be F. subglutinans s.str. The examination of morphological characters has not revealed remarkable variation between the species: the features of F. temperatum and F. subglutinans are sufficiently similar to exclude confidence in identification based on visual assessment. Two F. temperatum strains possess alternate MAT idiomorphs, whereas the both F. subglutinans strains contain only MAT-1 idiomorph. Fertile crossings were observed between two F. temperatum strains in the laboratory conditions. Both F. temperatum strains produced beauvericin in high amounts of 1665 and 6106 μg kg-1 in contrast to F. subglutinans strains. Additionally, one F. temperatum strain produced 3407 μg kg-1 moniliformin. No one from the analyzed strains produced the fumonisins. The differentiation of the F. temperatum and F. subglutinans species is possible only with the involvement of molecular genetics and chemotaxonomic methods.

Assessing the Impact of Media on Blaming the Victim of Acquaintance Rape

Along with the direct trauma of their experience, many rape victims also suffer secondary victimization due to the tendency of others to blame victims for their assault, particularly in cases of acquaintance rape. We explored the role of news media coverage in promoting victim blaming tendencies. In Study 1, a content analysis of articles reporting sexual assaults from two newspapers revealed a tendency for media to overreport stranger rapes and underreport acquaintance rapes, perpetuating the stranger rape as “real rape” prototype. More victim blaming language was also used in reports of acquaintance rape than stranger rape. Perceivers responded to these differences; a high victim blaming news article resulted in greater victim blaming compared to an article low in victim blame content (Study 2 and 3), and exposure to a high blaming article produced greater victim blaming in a subsequent unrelated case of rape and increased endorsement of rape myths (Study 3). These findings demonstrate the importance of the media in shaping public perception of rape victims, particularly in cases of acquaintance rape, and suggest that news media, legislators, and other visible communicators can change the culture of victimization through intentional efforts to delegitimize rape stereotypes in their reporting and dialogs.

Trend and spatial pattern of intimate partner rape notifications against women in Northeast Brazil (2013-2022).

To analyze the trend and spatial pattern of intimate partner rape reports against women in Northeast Brazil. Ecological time-series study and spatial analysis with secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System between 2013 and 2022. Gross rape rates were calculated by type of intimate partner and by age group of the victim. Prais-Winsten regression was used to calculate the trend, and the global and local Moran indices were used for spatial analysis. A total of 5,542 cases of intimate partner rape were reported. Spousal rates ranged from 0.34/100,000 women in 2013 to 0.51/100,000 in 2017, with greater increases between 2018 (1.04/100 thousand) and 2022 (1.28/100 thousand). There was an upward trend in the Northeast as a whole (APC=19.47; 95%CI 15.88-23.22) and in almost all states, except Paraíba and Sergipe. Cases perpetrated by boyfriends (APC=23.90; 95%CI 12.80-36.09) and among women aged 15 to 19 years (APC=22.63; 95%CI 4.18-44.35) showed the highest annual variation. A concentration of high rates was observed in several municipalities in the northwest of Ceará and southeast of Pernambuco. The trend in intimate partner rape rates against women increased in the Northeast, especially among younger women and by boyfriends, with a greater agglomeration of notifications in Ceará and Pernambuco.

Contested, Discounted and Disproven Stories of Rape: The Social Pathways of Rape Reporting

Abstract Tensions between societal and legal norms regarding rape shape people’s perceptions of the law and the use of various legal strategies. This article investigates what happens when a claim of rape is discredited, resulting in the claimant, instead, being prosecuted for presenting a false accusation. Based on the analysis of verdicts in cases of false accusations of rape, we identify four pathways into the criminal justice process for such cases and three turning points whereby an accusation of rape is contested by the police and instead prosecuted as a false accusation. We conclude that this seems to follow from the strength of the ideal that victims of rape are listened to and encouraged to come forward with their claims.

Characterization of male sexual assault in the state of São Paulo, Brazil: an epidemiological study from 2014 to 2017.

Sexual violence is a pervasive global issue that affects individuals of all genders. However, the experiences of male survivors have often been marginalized and inadequately represented. Male rape, which encompasses several forms of sexual violence against men, remains a sensitive and under-discussed topic in academic literature and public discourse. This study presents a descriptive cross-sectional analysis based on data collected from the Legal Medicine Institute (IML-São Paulo, Brazil) between 2014 and 2017. The analysis includes 7386 reports of sexological examinations performed on male victims of alleged rape. The analysis reveals that a significant majority of rape reports involved victims under the age of 12 or 14, which is considered vulnerable rape by the Brazilian legislation. Regarding the examination of reported cases of abuse against men, it was observed that only the minority of these cases exhibited visible injuries consistent with rape or tested positive for the presence of spermatozoa in the perianal region. Since the absence of visible injuries or spermatozoa does not negate the possibility of rape, this work highlights the challenges in obtaining conclusive evidence, necessitating a comprehensive approach to investigate and prosecute these crimes, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all survivors of rape, irrespective of their gender.

The Association between the Percentage of Female Law Enforcement Officers and Rape Report, Clearance, and Arrest Rates: A Spatiotemporal Analysis of California.

Rape is an underreported violent crime that frequently remains uncleared (open) in the legal system. Rape disproportionately affects women, with 91% of rape victim-survivors estimated to be female. However, law enforcement agencies, the entry point into the criminal justice system, are predominantly comprised of male officers. According to the theory of representative bureaucracy, groups with greater representation in a bureaucratic system are more likely to have their interests protected. This study aims to determine if California law enforcement agencies with a higher percentage of female officers are more likely to have higher rates of rape reporting, clearances, and arrests. No previous study has examined this relationship using statewide data. Crimes and Clearances, Monthly Arrest and Citation Register, and Uniform Crime Reporting data for California (2013-2016) were aggregated into 499 Law Enforcement Reporting Areas (LERA). Bayesian space-time Poisson regressions controlling for LERA demographics and crime produced scaled relative rates for three outcomes: (a) rape report rate: number of reports relative to population ages 18+; (b) rape clearance rate: number of clearances relative to reports; and (c) rape arrest rate: number of arrests for rape relative to reports. A 5% increase in the percentage of female officers within an agency was associated with a 6.2% increase in the rape report rate (ARR: 1.062, 95% credible interval (CI) [1.048, 1.077]), a 2.9% decrease in the clearance rate (ARR: 0.971 95% CI [0.950, 0.993]), and no change in the rape arrest rates (ARR: 1.010; 95% CI [0.981, 1.039]) across all LERA. Thus, increased female officer representation was associated with an increase in rape reporting rates but associated with a decrease in rape clearance rates. The theory of representative bureaucracy was only partially supported, and these relationships may not be causal. The quantity of rape reports received by an agency, employment and promotion practices of agencies, and victim-survivor's attitudes toward officer's gender should also be considered.

Using machine learning to assess rape reports: “Signaling” words about victims' credibility that predict investigative and prosecutorial outcomes

PurposeThe second of two articles from a larger study whose aim was to teach a computer to detect innuendo (or signaling) about a victim's credibility in incident reports of rape. This study explored if the words expressed or not expressed, intentionally or not, influenced case progression and outcomes. MethodsWe employed machine learning, specifically text classification, to identify predictive phrases. Sample consisted of 5638 incident reports of rape with a sexual assault kit from a U.S., urban Midwestern jurisdiction. ResultsAs hypothesized, predictive phrases were different in cases that stalled earlier. Cases not recommended for prosecution lacked detail and more heavily mentioned: (in)actions of victims, actions that stall cases, and procedural words. Reports where victims were not believed or unfounded were similarly vague, procedural, and terse. Cases recommended for prosecution predictively mentioned suspects and the rape statute. ConclusionsWe taught a computer to detect signaling via words that were predictive of case progression and outcomes. Negative signals about a victim's credibility often presented as unqualified statements of “fact” or observations or procedural words, indicating a focus on the process vs. victim or suspect. Implications and recommendations are provided, including how unqualified doubts about victims' credibility have substantial public safety consequences.

Using machine learning to assess rape reports: Sentiment analysis detection of officers' “signaling” about victims' credibility

PurposeThe first of two articles from a larger study whose aim was to teach a computer to detect innuendo (or signaling) about a victim's credibility in incident reports of rape. This study explored the degree of sentiment and subjectivity in the reports and whether these predicted case progression and outcomes. MethodsWe employed machine learning, specifically sentiment analysis to assess sentiment (opinion) and subjectivity of textual content. The sample consists of 5638 incident reports of rape with a sexual assault kit from a U.S., urban Midwestern jurisdiction. ResultsSentiment was detected, tended to skew near neutral/slightly negative and more subjective, and predicted case progression and outcomes, but was not quite what was expected. ConclusionsWe taught a computer to detect signaling via tone that predicted case progression and outcomes. Findings indicate that the cases recommended for prosecution were longer and had positive sentiment and positive subjectivity. Cases not recommended for prosecution were shorter with more neutral statements of “fact” or observations. Implications and recommendations for improved, less biased report writing are provided.

Examining sharing economy operations: A process perspective

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Rehabilitation services must include support for sexual and gender-based violence survivors in Ukraine and other war- and conflict-affected countries.

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV)-both during times of war and peace-can have impactful negative social and health outcomes. Reports of rape being used as an act of war in Ukraine are drawing global attention to the need for specialized care for SGBV survivors during times of war and thereafter. While data remain limited, in 3 November 2022, 7 million people in Ukraine were reported to need SGBV prevention and response services. Services offered by the government and civil society include a coordination centre of free legal aid, online and mobile platforms, chat-bots, hotlines, assistance centres, shelters, crisis rooms and mobile brigades. Rehabilitation services to support women and girls who have experienced SGBV during times of conflict and war, however, remain limited. We must make sure that our understanding of rehabilitation extends beyond providing physical modalities or recovery after surgery and that SGBV survivors are not excluded from necessary care. This is particularly important if we want to ensure that rehabilitation services are meeting the needs of the most vulnerable populations. We call on the international rehabilitation community to ensure the availability of and access to these vital life-changing services.

ANÁLISE DO NÚMERO DE CASOS DE ESTUPRO EM UM MUNICÍPIO NO NORTE FLUMINENSE

Introduction: Rape means any oppression to the free exercise of an individual’s sexuality, whether for the purpose of reproduction or the pursuit of pleasure. Objective: Analyzing the cases of rape in Campos dos Goytacazes/RJ, computing its incidence, percentage in different perspectives and identifying the prevalence. Material and methods: Conducted through an exploratory and descriptive research, with a survey of data available at the Institute of Public Security of the State of Rio de Janeiro, being computed the data referring to Campos dos Goytacazes, North Fluminense Region and State of Rio de Janeiro, for comparison of information, between January and September of the years 2019 and 2020. Results: There was a drop in rape reports between the years analyzed. Within this perspective, it is questioned whether there was a reduction in cases or notifications. Regarding victims, there is a prevalence of women in relation to men, with a preponderance of white victims, followed by brown and black victims. About age, there is a predominance of minors and a predominance of cases that occur in the family environment. Conclusion: From the data analyzed, we observed that Campos dos Goytacazes follows part of the national standards and the scientific literature regarding rape, occurring predominantly with women, minors and in the family environment, however, in the city there is a prevalence of crime with white women, while nationally there is a predominance of blacks and browns. Also, there was a decrease in reports of domestic violence, which may have occurred due to different factors.

The adequacy of rape criminalisation in modern South Africa: A comparative study

In the past fifteen years, South Africa has embarked on substantial reform of its sexual offences laws. In many respects, these reforms are like those in other jurisdictions, addressing issues of definition and sentencing. Yet the country’s rape statistics remain startlingly high, and rape sentencing remains inconsistent. To assess the adequacy of rape criminalisation in South Africa, this article starts off with an overview of relevant local case law. It becomes clear that, although the state is not always consistent in prosecuting the accused of all variants of sexual penetration, prosecution in terms of the current, broader definition of rape is common, as is the imposition of minimum sentences for these convictions. Also, courts remain inconsistent in interpreting which factors should count as substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence. A comparative look at the legal position in England and Canada firstly confirms that rape remains a global concern, and that South Africa is not the only jurisdiction that has grappled with defining and sentencing the offence. Yet South Africa could stand to learn a few lessons from these two countries to further improve its law on rape. Recommendations include adopting a more succinct definition of rape, introducing more conduct-specific charges and sentencing (similar to England’s ‘assault by penetration’), and providing a well-defined list of substantial and compelling circumstances to establish greater legal clarity in the sentencing of rape offenders.

Does Self-Silencing Behavior Mediate the Relation Between Rejection Sensitivity and Sexual Violence Victimization?

Previous research reveals that rejection sensitivity is associated with both sexual violence victimization and self-silencing behavior, yet the association among these variables has not been examined. As the foundation for this study, we propose a theoretical model that integrates these constructs. Using mediational analyses with bootstrapping, the results from a sample of 241 heterosexual college women revealed that consistent with the proposed model, self-silencing mediated the link between rejection sensitivity and reports of unwanted sexual contact and rape. The implications of the findings for the prevention of victimization/revictimization and interventions with victimized women are discussed.

The Effect of Systemic Racism and Homophobia on Police Enforcement and Sexual and Emotional Violence among Sex Workers in East London: Findings from a Cohort Study

There is extensive qualitative evidence of violence and enforcement impacting sex workers who are ethnically or racially minoritized, and gender or sexual minority sex workers, but there is little quantitative evidence. Baseline and follow-up data were collected among 288 sex workers of diverse genders (cis/transgender women and men and non-binary people) in London (2018–2019). Interviewer-administered and self-completed questionnaires included reports of rape, emotional violence, and (un)lawful police encounters. We used generalized estimating equation models (Stata vs 16.1) to measure associations between (i) ethnic/racial identity (Black, Asian, mixed or multiple vs White) and recent (6 months) or past police enforcement and (ii) ethnic/racial and sexual identity (lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) vs. heterosexual) with recent rape and emotional violence (there was insufficient data to examine the association with transgender/non-binary identities). Ethnically/racially minoritized sex workers (26.4%) reported more police encounters partly due to increased representation in street settings (51.4% vs 30.7% off-street, p = 0.002). After accounting for street setting, ethnically/racially minoritized sex workers had higher odds of recent arrest (adjusted odds ratio 2.8, 95% CI 1.3–5.8), past imprisonment (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1–5.0), police extortion (aOR 3.3, 95% CI 1.4–7.8), and rape (aOR 3.6, 95% CI 1.1–11.5). LGB-identifying sex workers (55.4%) were more vulnerable to rape (aOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1–5.2) and emotional violence. Sex workers identifying as ethnically/racially minoritized (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.0–4.5), LGB (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0–4.0), or who use drugs (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.8) were more likely to have experienced emotional violence than white-identifying, heterosexual or those who did not use drugs. Experience of any recent police enforcement was associated with increased odds of rape (aOR 3.6, 95% CI 1.3–8.4) and emotional violence (aOR 4.9, 95% CI 1.8–13.0). Findings show how police enforcement disproportionately targets ethnically/racially minoritized sex workers and contributes to increased risk of rape and emotional violence, which is elevated among sexual and ethnically/racially minoritized workers.

An Analytical Study on the Medical Reports of Rape Survivors in Nepal

Case reports of rape is increasing in society. Rape adversely affects physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Clinicians are at the forefront for the medical management as well providing medico-legal documentation as per the guidelines protocol imposed by the State. This is a retrospective rape case law study of cases retrieved from the Nepalese Supreme Court website. The medical reports provided were studied on the rape cases claimed and analyzed. 149 rape cases were analyzed for medical report. Only one third of the rape cases had positive findings of rape. However, only physical evidence of violence was noted, mainly on the state of hymen, signs of struggle and the presence or absence of spermatozoa in female genitalia. Age determinations were requested to mitigate the punishment in perpetrator. The significance of mental, behavioral, and social wellbeing in rape victims were completely overlooked in the medical report documentation.

Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on reporting of rape, serious sexual offences, and domestic abuse in one English police force

Research suggests that during the COVID-19 pandemic reports of rapes and serious sexual offences to the authorities have declined while calls to domestic violence helplines have soared. This article focuses on the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak on reporting to the police in cases of rape, serious sexual offences and domestic abuse in one police force in England. Data from the force’s crime reporting system was provided from 2018 to 2021, including over 10,000 reports of rapes and serious sexual offences and over 5,000 reports of domestic abuse. An Interrupted Time Series analysis was used to evaluate the impact of lockdown on reporting rates, with segmented regression to measure the changes in reporting before and after the start of the pandemic in March 2020. This article is the first of its kind to explore the impact of COVID-19 on sexual and domestic violence at more than an aggregate level, demonstrating how COVID-19 has had a variable impact on different groups of victims, and how stay at home orders specifically have impacted on reporting rates. These data provide novel and valuable insights into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the reporting of sexual violence and domestic abuse.

Forensic genetic value of 27 Y-STR loci (Y-Filer® Plus) in the South African population

South Africa has one of the highest rape statistics in the world, with an average of 117 rapes reported daily. Y-STR genotyping is becoming a popular tool in the analysis of DNA evidence collected after a crime of a sexual nature has been committed, but has yet to be implemented in South Africa’s forensic laboratories. This study aimed to investigate the forensic value of the 27 Yfiler™ Plus loci in the South African population. A total of 271 samples from the African, Asian/Indian, Mixed Ancestry11The term ‘Coloured’ is recognized and officially used in South Africa to refer to people of mixed ancestry. However, this population will be referred to as ‘Mixed Ancestry’ throughout the paper., and Caucasian populations at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa were amplified and analysed using ThermoFisher Scientific’s Yfiler™ Plus PCR Amplification kit. Of the 271 samples, 261 were identified to be unique, with an overall discrimination capacity of 98.15%. Discrimination capacities ranged from 91.67% for the Asian/Indian population to 100% for the Mixed Ancestry population. The haplotype diversity across the four populations is 0.9999, with an average gene diversity across all loci of 0.717. The forensic parameters estimated in this study provide evidence for the potential use of the commercial Yfiler™ Plus PCR amplification kit in a forensic application in South Africa.