A Systematic Literature Review of Specialist Policing of Rape and Serious Sexual Offences

Abstract

The policing of rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO) is increasingly under scrutiny, with rising reporting rates, high attrition rates, and ever-decreasing charge and conviction rates. Internationally there appear to be common inadequacies in RASSO investigations. Given these issues, policing specialism may be an effective tool to improve the investigation of RASSO. This article systematically draws together the existing literature from around the world on the use of a specialist approach to tackling RASSO. A systematic literature review was conducted, and 18 papers were included for analysis based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria. From these documents, five key themes were found: investigation procedures and processes; victim care; specialist training, knowledge and skills; officer wellbeing and capacity; and policing outcomes. The review highlighted that the specialist policing of RASSO can improve the investigative process on several levels: improving the efficacy of the individual components of the investigation; better engagement with victims; better officer wellbeing; and overall improved policing outcomes. Further research is required into the specific mechanisms that results in improvements into the investigative process, the set-up of such specialist units, as well as how training in this area can be as effective as possible.

Understanding sexual violence and factors related to police outcomes

“…The fact that research and recent reviews all suggest that a victim’s credibility is under scrutiny over and above the circumstances of the offence or the suspect identified, suggests that law enforcement are not taking a suspect focused approach to the investigation which may be hindering them from considering potential lines of inquiry when the investigation is perceived to be difficult. As noted above, while specialism in RASSO investigations may prove useful in many contexts ( Dalton et al, 2022 ), including specialist training designed to combat rape myth acceptance, real attitudinal and cognitive change seems to be difficult to achieve ( Lonsway et al, 2001 ). In short, it is possible that a combination of victim credibility and factors that fall outside of the “real rape” scenario are preventing thorough and fair investigations from being conducted.…”

Perpetrator sex and presence of a physical disability predict judgements of intimate partner violence

“…Despite, there being no previous judgement-related research on perpetrators of IPV with disabilities specifically, victims of sexual assaults perpetrated by disabled individuals are more likely to face victim blaming attitudes than their non-disabled counterparts (Dalton et al, 2022). This finding was explained through such victims being perceived as having more control over the outcome of IPV, such as by having greater physical power than the perpetrator and more opportunities to leave their abuser.…”

Stress-related psychosocial risk factors among police officers working on Rape and Serious Sexual Offences

“…The effect of stressors unique to policing as described above can be applied across police departments, but the recent literature has described some of the specific stressors associated with working with RASSO. Dalton et al's (2022) systematic literature review of specialist RASSO policing highlights the relationship between officer wellbeing with team cohesion and resourcing. Williams et al (2021) further detail these issues by pointing out the negative consequences resulting from organisational changes that have reduced RASSO specialisms across many forces.…”