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.
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.