Abstract

This study examined indirect effects of sexual assault medical forensic exams (SAMFEs) on suspect arrest, through their effect on criminal justice professionals’ reports of victim cooperation during case investigation and processing. Using a sample of 413 sexual assault case files, we utilized path analysis to model the direct effect of SAMFEs on arrest as well as indirect effects through reports of victim cooperation with law enforcement and prosecution. Cases in which the victim participated in a SAMFE exhibited greater probability of reports that the victim cooperated with law enforcement and prosecution. These reports were, in turn, associated with greater probability of suspect arrest. The direct path between SAMFE participation and suspect arrest was not significant. Findings indicate participation in a SAMFE does not have a direct effect on arrest, but does have an indirect effect on arrest by serving as an indicator of victim cooperation to criminal justice professionals.

摘要

本研究通过性侵犯医学法医检查 (SAMFE) 对刑事司法专业人员在案件调查和处理期间合作报告的影响，检验了性侵犯法医检查 (SAMFE) 对嫌疑人逮捕的间接影响。我们使用 413 份性侵犯案件档案作为样本，利用路径分析来模拟 SAMFE 对逮捕的直接影响以及通过受害者与执法和检察机关合作的报告产生的间接影响。受害人参与 SAMFE 的案件显示受害人与执法和起诉合作的报告的可能性更大。反过来，这些报告与嫌疑人被捕的可能性更大有关。SAMFE 参与和嫌疑人被捕之间的直接联系并不显着。