Understanding Attrition in Rape Cases
Lead Research Organisation:
Glasgow Caledonian University
Department Name: Law and Social Sciences
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Lesley McMillan (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Lombard, N.; McMillan, L.
(2013)
Violence Against Women: Current Theory and Practice for Working with Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence and Exploitation
McMillan L
(2015)
"Silly Girls" and "Nice Young Lads" Vilification and Vindication in the Perceptions of Medico-Legal Practitioners in Rape Cases
in Feminist Criminology
McMillan L
(2014)
The role of the specially trained officer in rape and sexual offence cases
in Policing and Society
McMillan L
(2019)
Boundary-making in the medico-legal context: examining doctor-nurse dynamics in post-sexual assault forensic medical intervention.
in Sociology of health & illness
McMillan L
(2016)
Police officers' perceptions of false allegations of rape
in Journal of Gender Studies
McMillan, L.
(2009)
Police Officers' Perceptions of 'Real Rape'
in American Society of Criminology Annual Meeting: Criminology & Criminal Justice Policy
McMillan, L.
(2011)
'Real Rapes' or 'Good Cases'?: Police Officers' Perceptions of Reported Rape Cases
in Middlesex Sexual Violence Conference
McMillan, L.
(2010)
What Factors Influence High Attrition Rates, and Low Conviction Rates, in Reported Rape Cases?
in American Society of Criminology Annual Meeting: Crime & Social Institutions
| Description | Despite problems highlighted between the 1970s and 1990s in the treatment and processing of rape cases, the criminal justice system has continued to be criticised for failing to deal adequately with the problem of rape and sexual assault. These shortcomings include the low conviction rate, high levels of case loss (attrition) and poor victim experience. This research was the first study to take place after significant legislative and procedural changes in the early 2000s (e.g. Sexual Offence Act, 2003). The research provides a holistic understanding of the rape attrition problem in contemporary context. It establishes what influences the loss of cases from the criminal justice system, and the experiences, attitudes and practices of actors involved. The project utilised a multi-method case study approach. It involved quantitative case file analysis, case tracking, trial observations and in-depth qualitative interviews with criminal justice personnel (police officers, barristers, forensic medical staff, Crown Prosecutors, judges) and victims of rape (who reported to the police and who did not). The research established that most rape attrition happens at the earliest stages of the justice process with 65% of cases lost at the policing stage, and a conviction rate of 6%. Victim withdrawal from the process remains a significant problem with over one-third withdrawing and most (88%) at the investigation stage. Witness interviews, age of victim, relationship to the assailant, and presence of alcohol, are predictive variables for progression through the justice process. The 'real rape' stereotypes (stranger assault, public place, resistance, use of force) found in earlier research are not borne out by this study. Instead a new and more complex understanding on the part of police officers of 'good cases' and 'bad cases' influences the day to day policing of rape which in turn are influenced by myths and stereotypes which are implicitly rather than explicitly expressed. Further, significant numbers of police officers continue to believe a large proportion of rapes are false allegations. A key insight from the research is that contradictory views exist between criminal justice actors about the use and value of medico-legal evidence in the investigation and prosecution of rape cases. Further, the research found problematic attitudes amongst forensic medical examiners and nurses that are likely to impact on both victim experience and case processing. Additionally, professional boundaries between doctors and nurses operate in ways that result in certain tasks, and the cases associated with them, being considered only for doctors, thus creating a hierarchy of scientific expertise and a complex system of power relations. A further insight from the research is that procedural justice is a useful tool for understanding victim experience of the justice process; victims are more likely to accept negative criminal justice outcomes when the process is experienced positively. The research also found that the use of Sexual Offence Liaison Officers (SOLOs) is an important element of procedural justice and impacts on positive victim experience however poor management/supervision can detract from its success. A key finding is that a victim's decision to report rape is informed by a number of features including: available support structure outside the justice process; level of concern about being believed/received well and having the trauma "played out in public"; and whether and when victims name the incident as rape. The research found that when victims do report, tensions and contradictions around the police interview of rape victims are evident, revealing a mismatch between police and victim expectations. |
| Exploitation Route | The findings are of great importance to practioners (including police, Crown Prosecutors and Procurators Fiscal, Barristers, Judges, Lawyers, Advocacy Workers, and those working in the Violence Against Women Sector) for improving the main statutory response to sexual crime - that is the criminal justice response. The findings highlight what improvements can be made for the processing of rape cases, evidence collection and use, and the experience of victims throughout the process. |
| Sectors | Communities and Social Services/Policy Government Democracy and Justice |
| Description | The research has had significant impact through identifying aspects of good practice, areas for improvement, and the provision of robust empirical evidence of the attrition problem and victim experience. In these respects the research has had considerable impact on individuals and organisations especially in criminal justice (particularly policing), policy making, third sector organisations such as rape crisis and support, and the general public. This impact is evidenced across all UK jurisdictions. The research findings have had impact at the highest level of government policy and decision making by contributing to 'The Stern Review': An Independent Review into How Rape Complaints Are Handled by Public Authorities in England and Wales 2010. McMillan was an expert witness to the review providing evidence from McMillan and Thomas (2009) direct to Baroness Stern in person, and that was cited in the review (p.44). Additionally, following presentations of the findings at a conference on Perspectives on Rape and the Policing Process in 2012, McMillan was invited to sit on the Rape and Sexual Crime Advisory Group of Scotland's new single national police force, Police Scotland; this group is on-going and contributes to sexual crime policy and practice for the force. The research has had an impact on policing in the UK in a number of ways. The research has also been used in the Sussex's Strategic Assessment of Rape and Sexual Offences a joint document of Sussex Police, Sussex Crown Prosecution Service, and forensic medical providers. The research findings were also disseminated in detail to the Sussex Rape Steering Group (2011) a multiagency body that directs rape strategy, on which McMillan acted as expert advisor. The findings of the research were used to train serving police officers in 2011 who deal regularly with rape cases (Scottish Police College, Tulliallan). The training mobilised findings from the research about victim disclosure and effective interviewing with victims and provided police officers with tools to facilitate and improve police-victim interaction. Additionally the findings were used in 2013 to support a successful case made by Police Scotland to the Scottish Government to fund the provision of Victim Advocacy Workers to support victims. Following a successful pilot, Rape Crisis Scotland were awarded £1.85 million additional funding to employ a support and advocacy workers across its centres . Furthermore, McMillan was invited by the Head of Sexual Crime for the Association of Chief Police Officers of Scotland (ACPOS) to address the multi-agency Sexual Crime Working Group and outline the findings around victim interviewing and the use of Sexual Offence Liaison Officers (SOLOs) including officers responsible for setting SOLO deployment policy in Scotland. The findings were used to directly inform SOLO policy in Scotland. Further, the case analysis and tracking database developed from the research has been used in conjunction with Police Scotland to develop a nation-wide case tracking database that will track cases through policing, prosecution and trial stages in the criminal justice process. The research has had impact on the processes used by criminal justice agencies to track monitor and improve attrition rates. In 2009, fndings related to the use of SOLO officers have been taken up by the Life Centre (Sussex) a third sector rape support organisation that also currently provides training for SOLO officers in the county of Sussex. The training lead at the Life Centre has incorporated the findings on optimal victim interviewing to embed a positive interview experience into training for SOLOs. The research has also had an impact on the general public understanding of what constitutes rape through extensive media coverage in the national press, and social media. For example The Guardian (24th August 2012) cited the findings to illustrate the experience and treatment in the justice process of reported cases to challenge comments made by George Galloway about what constituted rape in light of the international high profile Julian Assange case. The research findings are therefore being used to engage directly with public debate around rape and sexual violence. The readership of The Guardian is estimated at 9 million worldwide (in paper and electronic form), and electronically the article was posted from The Guardian's website to various social media (Facebook, Twitter) by 163 users (at 1/11/2012) with incalculable distribution within those sites. Additionally, the research findings were also reported by the BBC (12th December 2012). |
| First Year Of Impact | 2009 |
| Sector | Communities and Social Services/Policy,Government, Democracy and Justice |
| Impact Types | Cultural Societal |
| Description | Police Scotland Rape and Sexual Offences External Advisory Group |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | The group contribute to policy setting, information sharing and practice around the response to rape and sexual assault cases in Scotland. Informing policy, practice (for example SOLO training), advocacy schemes, prevention campaigns, establishing and understanding change, and multi-agency working. |
| Description | The Stern Review: An Independent Review Into How Rape Complaints are Handled by Public Authorities in England and Wales |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| Impact | Significant change and policy development in the area of the criminal justice rseponse to rape and sexual assault in England and Wales. Full impact is outlined in the Government's Response: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/97907/government-stern-review.pdf |
| URL | https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/97907/government-stern-rev... |
| Description | Santander Universities Researcher Mobility Scheme |
| Amount | £2,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Santander Universities |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2014 |
| End | 08/2014 |
| Description | Vice President Research Strategic Initiatives Fund, Visiting Scholar Support Grant |
| Amount | $3,000 (CAD) |
| Organisation | Trent University |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | Canada |
| Start | 03/2014 |
| End | 05/2014 |
| Title | Case Tracking Database |
| Description | The case data collection tool used for the project was modified to create a Case Tracking Database for rape and sexual assault cases. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2013 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The data collection tool used for the collection of case data has been adapted in collaboration with Police Scotland to create a Case Tracking Database that Police Scotland now use nationally to collect data about reported rape cases, and to analyse case features and outcomes. This now allows for greater monitoring of what is reported, when, by whom, what features cases have, what outcomes they get, and any change in these aspects over time. |
| Description | Comparative Study of Rape |
| Organisation | Drexel University |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Joint analysis of research data, and co-authored publications (under review), conference presentations, and public engagement. Including applications for further grant funding. Interdisciplinary working was facilitated by bringing expertise in criminology and socio-legal studies. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Joint analysis of research data, and co-authored publications (under review), conference presentations, and public engagement. Including applications for further grant funding. Interdisciplinary working was facilitated by bringing expertise in the social studies of science and technology, law, anthropology and political science. |
| Impact | McMillan, L. and White, D. Sexual assault and the constitution of medico-legal expertise: Exploring power, dynamics and variability at the nexus of science, medicine and law, The Society for the Social Studies of Science (4S) Annual Meeting, Buenos Aires, 20th - 23rd August, 2014 McMillan, L. and White, D. Police Understanding of Medico-legal Intervention in the Processing of Rape and Sexual Assault Cases: A Comparative Analysis, Law and Society Association Annual Meeting, Law and Inequalities: Global and Local, Minneapolis, 29th May - 1st June, 2014 McMillan, L. and White, D. Power, Hierarchies and Evidentiary Processes: Mapping Professional Boundaries in the Medico-Legal Processing of Rape Cases, Law and Society Association Annual Meeting, Power, Privilege, and the Pursuit of Justice: Legal Challenges in Precarious Times, Boston, 30th May - 2nd June 2013 McMillan, L. and White, D. 'Silly Girls' and 'Unfortunate Lads': Attitudes of Forensic Medical Practitioners Towards Rape, Law and Society Association Annual Meeting, Socio-legal Conversations across a Sea of Islands, 5th - 8th June 2012 Honolulu, Hawaii McMillan, L. Rape & Attrition: Key Findings from UK Research & the Use of Medico-Legal Evidence, International Symposium on Medico-Legal Evidence in Rape Cases, Peterborough, Canada, 21st - 24th July 2010 McMillan, L. The Attrition Problem: Police Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Rape and the Justice Process, Comparative Analysis in Rape Seminar: Practitioner Attitudes to Rape and Sexual Assault: International Perspectives, Institute for Society and Social Justice, Glasgow Caledonian University, 19th October 2011 McMillan, L. When is Rape Legitimate? International Responses to Medico-legal Intervention in Sexual Assault, Invited Roundtable, Earle Mack School of Law, Drexel University, Philadelphia, 5th September 2012 McMillan, L. What is our criminal justice response to rape in the 21st century?, Responding to Rape: A Comparative Analysis of Rape Research Symposium, Marquette University, Milwaukee, 26th - 29th May 2013 |
| Start Year | 2010 |
| Description | Comparative Study of Rape |
| Organisation | Marquette University |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Joint analysis of research data, and co-authored publications (under review), conference presentations, and public engagement. Including applications for further grant funding. Interdisciplinary working was facilitated by bringing expertise in criminology and socio-legal studies. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Joint analysis of research data, and co-authored publications (under review), conference presentations, and public engagement. Including applications for further grant funding. Interdisciplinary working was facilitated by bringing expertise in the social studies of science and technology, law, anthropology and political science. |
| Impact | McMillan, L. and White, D. Sexual assault and the constitution of medico-legal expertise: Exploring power, dynamics and variability at the nexus of science, medicine and law, The Society for the Social Studies of Science (4S) Annual Meeting, Buenos Aires, 20th - 23rd August, 2014 McMillan, L. and White, D. Police Understanding of Medico-legal Intervention in the Processing of Rape and Sexual Assault Cases: A Comparative Analysis, Law and Society Association Annual Meeting, Law and Inequalities: Global and Local, Minneapolis, 29th May - 1st June, 2014 McMillan, L. and White, D. Power, Hierarchies and Evidentiary Processes: Mapping Professional Boundaries in the Medico-Legal Processing of Rape Cases, Law and Society Association Annual Meeting, Power, Privilege, and the Pursuit of Justice: Legal Challenges in Precarious Times, Boston, 30th May - 2nd June 2013 McMillan, L. and White, D. 'Silly Girls' and 'Unfortunate Lads': Attitudes of Forensic Medical Practitioners Towards Rape, Law and Society Association Annual Meeting, Socio-legal Conversations across a Sea of Islands, 5th - 8th June 2012 Honolulu, Hawaii McMillan, L. Rape & Attrition: Key Findings from UK Research & the Use of Medico-Legal Evidence, International Symposium on Medico-Legal Evidence in Rape Cases, Peterborough, Canada, 21st - 24th July 2010 McMillan, L. The Attrition Problem: Police Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Rape and the Justice Process, Comparative Analysis in Rape Seminar: Practitioner Attitudes to Rape and Sexual Assault: International Perspectives, Institute for Society and Social Justice, Glasgow Caledonian University, 19th October 2011 McMillan, L. When is Rape Legitimate? International Responses to Medico-legal Intervention in Sexual Assault, Invited Roundtable, Earle Mack School of Law, Drexel University, Philadelphia, 5th September 2012 McMillan, L. What is our criminal justice response to rape in the 21st century?, Responding to Rape: A Comparative Analysis of Rape Research Symposium, Marquette University, Milwaukee, 26th - 29th May 2013 |
| Start Year | 2010 |
| Description | Comparative Study of Rape |
| Organisation | Trent University |
| Country | Canada |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Joint analysis of research data, and co-authored publications (under review), conference presentations, and public engagement. Including applications for further grant funding. Interdisciplinary working was facilitated by bringing expertise in criminology and socio-legal studies. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Joint analysis of research data, and co-authored publications (under review), conference presentations, and public engagement. Including applications for further grant funding. Interdisciplinary working was facilitated by bringing expertise in the social studies of science and technology, law, anthropology and political science. |
| Impact | McMillan, L. and White, D. Sexual assault and the constitution of medico-legal expertise: Exploring power, dynamics and variability at the nexus of science, medicine and law, The Society for the Social Studies of Science (4S) Annual Meeting, Buenos Aires, 20th - 23rd August, 2014 McMillan, L. and White, D. Police Understanding of Medico-legal Intervention in the Processing of Rape and Sexual Assault Cases: A Comparative Analysis, Law and Society Association Annual Meeting, Law and Inequalities: Global and Local, Minneapolis, 29th May - 1st June, 2014 McMillan, L. and White, D. Power, Hierarchies and Evidentiary Processes: Mapping Professional Boundaries in the Medico-Legal Processing of Rape Cases, Law and Society Association Annual Meeting, Power, Privilege, and the Pursuit of Justice: Legal Challenges in Precarious Times, Boston, 30th May - 2nd June 2013 McMillan, L. and White, D. 'Silly Girls' and 'Unfortunate Lads': Attitudes of Forensic Medical Practitioners Towards Rape, Law and Society Association Annual Meeting, Socio-legal Conversations across a Sea of Islands, 5th - 8th June 2012 Honolulu, Hawaii McMillan, L. Rape & Attrition: Key Findings from UK Research & the Use of Medico-Legal Evidence, International Symposium on Medico-Legal Evidence in Rape Cases, Peterborough, Canada, 21st - 24th July 2010 McMillan, L. The Attrition Problem: Police Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Rape and the Justice Process, Comparative Analysis in Rape Seminar: Practitioner Attitudes to Rape and Sexual Assault: International Perspectives, Institute for Society and Social Justice, Glasgow Caledonian University, 19th October 2011 McMillan, L. When is Rape Legitimate? International Responses to Medico-legal Intervention in Sexual Assault, Invited Roundtable, Earle Mack School of Law, Drexel University, Philadelphia, 5th September 2012 McMillan, L. What is our criminal justice response to rape in the 21st century?, Responding to Rape: A Comparative Analysis of Rape Research Symposium, Marquette University, Milwaukee, 26th - 29th May 2013 |
| Start Year | 2010 |
| Description | Comparative Study of Rape |
| Organisation | University of Southampton |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Joint analysis of research data, and co-authored publications (under review), conference presentations, and public engagement. Including applications for further grant funding. Interdisciplinary working was facilitated by bringing expertise in criminology and socio-legal studies. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Joint analysis of research data, and co-authored publications (under review), conference presentations, and public engagement. Including applications for further grant funding. Interdisciplinary working was facilitated by bringing expertise in the social studies of science and technology, law, anthropology and political science. |
| Impact | McMillan, L. and White, D. Sexual assault and the constitution of medico-legal expertise: Exploring power, dynamics and variability at the nexus of science, medicine and law, The Society for the Social Studies of Science (4S) Annual Meeting, Buenos Aires, 20th - 23rd August, 2014 McMillan, L. and White, D. Police Understanding of Medico-legal Intervention in the Processing of Rape and Sexual Assault Cases: A Comparative Analysis, Law and Society Association Annual Meeting, Law and Inequalities: Global and Local, Minneapolis, 29th May - 1st June, 2014 McMillan, L. and White, D. Power, Hierarchies and Evidentiary Processes: Mapping Professional Boundaries in the Medico-Legal Processing of Rape Cases, Law and Society Association Annual Meeting, Power, Privilege, and the Pursuit of Justice: Legal Challenges in Precarious Times, Boston, 30th May - 2nd June 2013 McMillan, L. and White, D. 'Silly Girls' and 'Unfortunate Lads': Attitudes of Forensic Medical Practitioners Towards Rape, Law and Society Association Annual Meeting, Socio-legal Conversations across a Sea of Islands, 5th - 8th June 2012 Honolulu, Hawaii McMillan, L. Rape & Attrition: Key Findings from UK Research & the Use of Medico-Legal Evidence, International Symposium on Medico-Legal Evidence in Rape Cases, Peterborough, Canada, 21st - 24th July 2010 McMillan, L. The Attrition Problem: Police Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Rape and the Justice Process, Comparative Analysis in Rape Seminar: Practitioner Attitudes to Rape and Sexual Assault: International Perspectives, Institute for Society and Social Justice, Glasgow Caledonian University, 19th October 2011 McMillan, L. When is Rape Legitimate? International Responses to Medico-legal Intervention in Sexual Assault, Invited Roundtable, Earle Mack School of Law, Drexel University, Philadelphia, 5th September 2012 McMillan, L. What is our criminal justice response to rape in the 21st century?, Responding to Rape: A Comparative Analysis of Rape Research Symposium, Marquette University, Milwaukee, 26th - 29th May 2013 |
| Start Year | 2010 |
| Description | BBC News Article - Rape Research |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Generated inquiries and interest in the research. Generated inquiries from the public and practitioners. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| URL | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-20693077 |
| Description | British Science Festival Session: Attitudes to Men's Violence Against Women |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Questions and discussions afterwards with members of the public. Follow-up request for a short piece for the British Sociological Association's Network magazine and other press interest. Follow-up request for a short piece for the British Sociological Association's Network magazine. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | British Sociological Association Network Magazine |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
| Results and Impact | Sparked inquiries. None of note. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | Crown Prosecution Service Presentation (English County) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Questions and discussion of how the research findings applied to the Crown Prosecution Service. Stimulated discussion between the CPS and Police around best practice with rape cases. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
| Description | Drexel Univerity 'Legitimate Rape' Roundtable |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Generated significant discussion, questions and interest. Further requests were made from US based practitioners and scholars about the research findings and information was provided to be utilised in their practice. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| Description | Gender Based Violence Research Network Presentation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Generated questions and discussion afterwards. Further requests for information and participation. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| Description | Guardian Article - Rape Research |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Sparked inquiries and discussion. Generated contact from interested individuals and further media inquiries. The readership of The Guardian is estimated at 9 million worldwide (in paper and electronic form), and electronically the article was posted from The Guardian's website to various social media (Facebook, Twitter) by 110 users with incalculable distribution within those sites. Additionally, the research findings were also reported by the BBC (12th December 2012). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| URL | http://www.theguardian.com/society/2012/aug/24/george-galloway-todd-akin-rape-comments |
| Description | ISSJR Comparative Rape Event: Practitioner Attitudes to Rape and Sexual Assault: International Perspectives |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Generated questions and discussions afterwards, and resulted in requests for further information and consultation. Many practitioners in attendance requested further information, and a Sexual Assault Referral Centre invited me to attend their service to explore using the research findings and looking at other research opportunities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
| Description | PSVI Global Summit: End Sexual Violence in Conflict |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Significant discussion and questions, participation in cross-national discussions and dissemination. Significant knowledge transfer Requested to consider becoming a recognised expert for the PSVI programme. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | Presentation to Police Management and Practitioners (English County) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Presentation of research finding generated discussion of what changes and developments were required going forward and how the police force might use them to inform practice. The research findings were used in the police force's Strategic Action Plan. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
| Description | Presentation/Workshop with Forensic Psychologists |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Interactive discussion, questions and debate about police interviewing of victims and victim experience, and implications for forensic psychology practice. Forensic psychologists asked for further findings from the study and if they might apply to perpetrators. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009 |
| Description | Responding to Rape: A Research Symposium, Marquette University |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Sparked questions, discussion and requests for further information. A number of individuals made contact after the symposium to request further information about the research, and it also supported the production of a joint article (currently under review). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| Description | SCCJR Research Workshop - Investigating the Role of Gender in Police Decision Making |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
| Results and Impact | Stimulated discussion and questions. Generated more inquiries about the research, the findings and methodology. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| Description | SCCJR/Police Scotland Rape Research Working Group |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
| Results and Impact | Resulted in questions/discussions on how to utilise existing reserach, and about future research needs, futures bids, and building upon the current funded research. Joint funding bids, building on the existing ESRC funded research, are currently being developed for submission. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013,2014 |
| Description | Scottish Police, Continuous Professional Development - Victims of Sexaul Crime Training |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Full-day training event for serving CID police officers in Scotland. Genereated discussion, promoted best practice, and attitudinal change. Police officers reported a deeper understanding of the use of empathy in their work, a greater understanding of the experience for victims of reporting sexual crime, and more knowledge of interviewing approaches and why their may be inconsistencies in accounts. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
| Description | Sussex Police Rape Steering Group |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Contributed to discussions on policy, practice and decision making around rape and sexual assualt in this multi-agency steering group - using expertise from the research, this stimulated discussion, decision making, and requests for further inputs. The research was used to inform practice and decision making within the force, and utilised in the production of the Strategic Action Plan for Rape and Sexual Assault. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2007,2008,2009,2010 |
| Description | University of Cincinnati - School of Criminal Justice Seminar |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Generated questions and discussions about the challenges of researching rape in the criminal justice system. Further requests for information. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |