Circumstances and attrition of alcohol-related rapes in the South African criminal justice system
Machisa, M Jina, R Labuschagne, G Vetten, L Loots, L Swemmer, S Meyersfeld, B Jewkes, R
Machisa, M
Jina, R
Labuschagne, G
Vetten, L
Loots, L
Swemmer, S
Meyersfeld, B
Jewkes, R
Citations
Altmetric:
Abstract
Study Settings & Methods: RAPSSA Study - the first national study of investigation, prosecution and adjudication of rape matters reported to the police. Aims: Deepen understanding of epidemiology, context and circumstances of rape to inform prevention “Track” case progression/attrition within the criminal justice system and Investigate (amenable) factors for case attrition Findings & Recommendations: Alcohol intoxication is a situational factor that affects the collection of evidence and impedes possibilities of securing justice for victims through pathways involving prosecutor biases about the credibility of evidence and perception of the potential for convictability. Qualitative data shows that prosecutors are motivated to pursue cases where they perceive higher convictability and that contribute to meeting performance targets. Continual gender-affirming training is a necessary intervention to address the prosecutor biases and rape stereotyping that negatively impact case outcomes. Given the limitations of statement evidence in such cases, there is a need for the NPA to investigate systemic challenges in performance management that negatively affect victims. Strengthening other evidence collection, especially medico-legal and forensic evidence, which is useful, especially in cases where perpetrators are unidentified. Sexual violence risk reduction interventions must incorporate elements sensitising communities about the sexual-violence-related risks of alcohol and other drug intoxication
Description
GAPC 2023 Conference in Cape Town, 24-26 October 2023.
Date
2023-10-24