Taking the Test: Participation in a Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Exam as an Indicator of Victim Cooperation with the Criminal Justice System and a Predictor of Suspect Arrest

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Sexual assault medical forensic exam
• victim cooperation
• arrest
• focal concerns theory
• justice gap

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Heather Hensman Kettrey

Heather Hensman Kettrey is Assistant Professor of Sociology at Clemson University. Her research focuses on power, violence, and inequality specifically as they pertain to gender and sexuality.

Alyssa J. Davis

Alyssa J. Davis is a graduate student in the MS program in Social Sciences at Clemson University.

Jessica Liberman

Jessica Liberman is a graduate student in the MS program in Social Sciences at Clemson University.

Alyssa Seeman

Alyssa Seeman is a graduate student in the MS program in Social Sciences at Clemson University.