Men after the sexual assault: The journey from medical service to court.

BACKGROUND: There may be significant physical and psychological consequences and impacts for males who experience sexual assault as adults, however, published literature in this context is sparse, specifically for the investigative outcomes in the criminal legal process. METHOD: This clinical audit tracked 138 adult males who presented for forensic and medical sexual assault care from initial presentation to ACT Police investigation and court outcome from 2004 to 2022. RESULTS: There were 103/138 (74.6%) males who attended for medical and forensic care within 72 h of the reported assault. Pre-existing mental health conditions were self-reported in 59/138 (42.7%) males. Nearly half of males 67/138 (48.5%) had a medical evidence kit collected. Males presenting for medical care 44/138 (31.2%) went on to report to ACT Policing, 36/44 (81.2%) of cases did not proceed to court. The most common clearance type was inadequate evidence to proceed (17/44, 38.6%). In 8/44 (18.2%) of adult male cases who subsequently reported to ACT Police, the investigation resulted in entry to the judicial process with a suspect charged with a sexual offence. Five of those cases resulting in a conviction. CONCLUSIONS: Many adult male patients presented within timeframes that enabled the provision of time critical medical care and provided an opportunity for forensic medical evidence collection. Many adult males 59 (42.7%) self-reported pre-existing mental health conditions upon initial presentation. Attrition occurred throughout the patient journey with many males not reporting to police and thus not presenting in the legal process. This further emphasises the need for independent sexual violence patient advisors to support adult male victims through the medical and criminal justice process.

Regulating Assault Weapons and Large-Capacity Magazines for Ammunition.

This Viewpoint discusses the history and current status of assault weapons bans in the US, provides evidence of the potential effectiveness of a US ban and information regarding the Australian ban, and explores potential next steps.

Coding of Sexual Assault by Emergency Physicians: A Nationally Representative Study.

INTRODUCTION: Sexual assault is a public health problem that affects many Americans and has multiple long-lasting effects on victims. Medical evaluation after sexual assault frequently occurs in the emergency department, and documentation of the visit plays a significant role in decisions regarding prosecution and outcomes of legal cases against perpetrators. The American College of Emergency Physicians recommends coding such visits as sexual assault rather than adding modifiers such as "alleged." METHODS: This study reviews factors associated with coding of visits as sexual assault compared to suspected sexual assault using the 2016 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample. RESULTS: Younger age, female gender, a larger number of procedure codes, urban hospital location, and lack of concurrent alcohol use are associated with coding for confirmed sexual assault. CONCLUSION: Implications of this coding are discussed.

The Real Threat of Deepfake Pornography: A Review of Canadian Policy.

Deepfakes may refer to algorithmically synthesized material wherein the face of a person is superimposed onto another body. To date, most deepfakes found online are pornographic, with the people depicted in them rarely consenting to their creation and publicization. Deepfakes leave anyone with an online presence vulnerable to victimization. As a testament to policy often being reactionary to antisocial behavior, current Canadian legislation offers no clear recourse to those who are victimized by deepfake pornography. We aim to provide a critical review of the legal mechanisms and remedies in place, including criminal charges, defamation, copyright infringement laws, and injunctive relief that could be applied in deepfake pornography cases. To combat deepfake pornography, we suggest current laws to be expanded to include language specific to falsely created pornography without the explicit consent of all depicted persons. We also discuss the extent to which host websites are responsible for vetting the uploaded content on their platforms. Finally, we present a call for action on a societal and research level to deal with deepfakes and better support victims of deepfake pornography.

Perceived Types, Causes, and Consequences of Financial Exploitation: Narratives From Older Adults.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to investigate the perception of financial exploitation and its causes and consequences by older adults who have firsthand experience of being exploited. METHOD: Thirty-one cognitively healthy older adult participants aged 50 or older were drawn from the Finance, Cognition, and Health in Elders Study. In-depth, one-on-one interviews were conducted. Interview transcripts were analyzed using an iterative, data-driven, thematic coding scheme and emergent themes were summarized. RESULTS: Categories of financial exploitation included (a) investment fraud, (b) wage theft/money owed, (c) consumer fraud, (d) imposter schemes, and (e) manipulation by a trusted person. Themes emerged around perceived causes: (a) element of trust, (b) promise of financial security, (c) lack of experience or awareness, (d) decision-making, and (e) interpersonal dynamics. Perceived consequences included negative and positive impacts around (a) finances, (b) financial/consumer behaviors (c) relationships and trust, (d) emotional impact, and (e) future outlook. DISCUSSION: These narratives provide important insights into perceived financial exploitation experiences.

Beyond roofies: Drug- and alcohol-facilitated sexual assault.

ABSTRACT: Substance use in victims of sexual assault, whether voluntary or involuntary, changes the aftermath and recovery process significantly, affecting the way memories are processed and recalled, the chances of developing significant mental health complications, and the disclosure reactions that the survivor receives. Clinicians must understand these differences in order to provide the best possible care to survivors. This article provides an overview of these topics, detailing some of the nuances of interviewing, testing, and the physiology of memory formation and how that affects the outcomes of prosecution in these crimes.

Cyberbullying and cybervictimization: Does gender matter?

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate gender effects on college students' judgements about a hypothetical episode of cyberbullying on Facebook that resulted in the suicide of a cybervictim. A total of 176 undergraduate students at a midsize public university in the Northeast served as participants. Four one-page versions of a hypothetical trial transcript detailing a cyberbullying case were utilized. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: male cyberbully/male cybervictim, male cyberbully/female cybervictim, female cyberbully/male cybervictim, and female cyberbully/female cybervictim. After reading one of the trial transcripts, participants rated eight variables, including criminal guilt and intent of the cyberbully, responsibility of entities involved, and appropriate punishment for the cyberbully. Results revealed significant differences in judgments based on the gender of the cyberbully, cybervictim, and participant.

Depoimento especial, testemunho judicial, diretrizes internacionais: dissonâncias / Special testimony, judicial testimony, international guidelines: dissonances / Declaración especial, testimonio judicial, directrices internacionales: disonancias

Resumo O depoimento especial de crianças e adolescentes e a Lei 13.431/2017 questionam a interface entre a psicologia e a justiça. Essa lei tem em suas fontes a Resolução 20/2005, do Conselho Econômico e Social das Nações Unidas, que traça diretrizes para a justiça em casos de crianças vítimas ou testemunhas de crime. Realizou-se pesquisa qualitativa, baseada em levantamento bibliográfico e documental, tendo por eixo as legislações mencionadas e os procedimentos e papéis profissionais nelas previstos. Avalia-se a dissonância entre os dois documentos e suas consequências, bem como as definições de vitimização secundária, revitimização, pessoa de apoio e intermediário, não adotadas na Lei 13.431/2017. Algumas práticas estrangeiras alinhadas à Resolução 20/2005 são descritas e comentadas, mostrando diferenças significativas em relação ao que é realizado no Brasil. Conclui-se que uma dessas diferenças entre um e outro documento é o aspecto da proteção, que perde sua força e revela o limite do funcionamento do judiciário no acolhimento daquele que demanda cuidado.(AU)

Abstract The special testimony of children and adolescents and the Law 13431/17 question the interface between psychology and justice. This law results from the Resolution 20/2005 of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, which outlines guidelines for justice in matters involving child victims or witnesses of crime. Considering the aforementioned legislation and their provisions for procedures and professional roles, a qualitative research based on bibliographic and documentary surveys was conducted to evaluate the dissonances between the two documents and their consequences, as well as the definitions of secondary victimization, revictimization, support person, and mediator - not provided in the Law 13431/17. This paper describes and comments some foreign practices aligned with the Resolution 20/2005, showing significant differences with the practices employed in the Brazilian scenario. The results indicate that the protection aspect loses its strength between one document and the other, revealing the limit of the judiciary functioning in hosting those who demand care.(AU)

Resumen La declaración especial de niños y adolescentes y la Ley 13.431/2017 cuestionan la relación entre psicología y justicia. Esta ley tiene en sus fuentes la Resolución 20/2005, del Consejo Económico y Social de las Naciones Unidas, relativa a directrices sobre la justicia para los niños víctimas o testigos de delitos. Se realizó una investigación cualitativa, basada en levantamiento bibliográfico y documental, cuyos ejes fueron las mencionadas legislaciones y los procedimientos y roles profesionales previstos en ellas. Se evalúa la disonancia entre los dos documentos y sus consecuencias, así como las definiciones de victimización secundaria, re-victimización, persona de apoyo e intermediario, no adoptadas en la Ley 13.431/2017. Algunas prácticas extranjeras acorde a la Resolución 20/2005 se describen y comentan, subrayando diferencias significativas con lo que se realiza en Brasil. Se concluye que una de estas diferencias es la protección que pierde su fuerza y evidencia el límite del funcionamiento del sistema judicial en la protección de quien demanda cuidado.(AU)

Before Saying "I Do": Legal and Policy Considerations for Facilitating Clarity on Human Trafficking and the Protection of Children in Albania.

Data available on victims of human trafficking in Albania does not appear to point to a significant problem of human trafficking in the country. For example, from the years 2016 to 2018, 61 persons were officially determined to be victims of human trafficking, in a context where the average population for that period was 2,871,978 persons. However, beneath this representation of an ostensible average level of trafficking in Albania are signs which seem to be suggestive of a more serious problem in the country. Reports, for example, indicate that authorities have sometimes associated trafficking with a transnational element, while challenges have continued to be posed to the identification of those involved in forced begging, particularly unaccompanied children, street children, and children crossing borders. In addition to highlighting and assessing evident challenges that exist in the identification of real and potential victims of trafficking and the gaps that exist in the protection of children and vulnerable groups in law and in practice, this report provides clarity on the meaning of human trafficking and what could be done to provide a clearer picture of victims of trafficking in Albania. As Albania is being considered for accession negotiations in respect of entry into the European Union, the time is opportune to address challenges and gaps to the prevention and response to trafficking particularly given the European Commission's concerns on human trafficking and child trafficking in Albania.

DNA evidence in sexual assault cases in Pakistan.

Sexual assault is becoming a global epidemic, affecting close to a billion women throughout the world. This paper explores the challenges in the admissibility of DNA evidence in rape cases in Pakistan. Delays in the medical examination of victims, and improper collection and packaging of evidentiary material, compromise the probative biological evidence. In the last few years, existing laws have been amended to increase the utility of DNA evidence during criminal trials. However, various issues - for example lack of proper knowledge of DNA evidence by lawyers and judicial officers, inadequacies in existing laws and conflicting decisions of apex courts - can affect the admissibility of DNA evidence during criminal trials.

Prosecutor Preference for Forensic Nurse Testimony: Outcome of Expanding a Forensic Program.

INTRODUCTION: The objective was to evaluate the impact of using forensic nurse examiners for patients with trauma on prosecutors' preference for testimony in criminal court. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of a database of 562 subpoenas received from January 2012 to December 2017 was conducted for patients with trauma seen in a level 1 trauma center with a comprehensive forensic nursing program. RESULTS: The prosecutors' preferences in 453 of the 562 subpoenas received by the Forensic Nurse Examiners program involving a patient with trauma were analyzed. The prosecutors preferred the use of the forensic nurse examiner alone in 441 of the 453 cases (97.4%), with a decrease (100% to 2.7%) in preference for physicians testifying in criminal court after the expansion of our forensic nursing program compared with previous years before the program expansion. DISCUSSION: The quality of the expanded Forensic Nurse Examiner program was validated by an increased prosecutor preference for forensic nurse examiner testimony in criminal court as the program matured over the years.

Human Trafficking of Children.

Human trafficking has been increasingly recognized worldwide as a major public health problem. It is a crime based on exploitation of the most vulnerable and marginalized people of any community and is a violation of human rights. Children, especially immigrant and refugee children, are at risk of victimization and may experience considerable physical and mental health consequences. Adding these problems to pre-existing vulnerabilities and adversities makes human trafficking a complex health issue that needs to be addressed by a multidisciplinary team that includes health care providers. This article aims to provide an overview of human trafficking and the red flags that may alert the pediatrician to the possibility of exploitation, with a special focus on immigrant and refugee children. It describes a trauma-informed, rights-based approach and discusses ways in which pediatricians can contribute to a multidisciplinary response to human trafficking. [Pediatr Ann. 2020;49(5):e209-e214.].

Gross Negligence Manslaughter in Healthcare: Time for a Restorative Justice Approach?

This article explores the merits of employing a restorative justice approach in cases of gross negligence manslaughter involving healthcare professionals, in line with the recent policy turn towards developing a just culture in addressing episodes of healthcare malpractice within the National Health Service in England. It is argued that redress for victims and rehabilitation of offenders should operate as key values, underpinning the adoption of a restorative justice approach in such cases. It would also be vital that a structured pathway was designed that established suitable protocols and safeguards for both victims and offenders taking account of problematic issues such as the informality of the process, power asymmetries between parties, and the context in which the offence took place. Taking all such matters into account, we propose that consideration be given to establishing a pilot involving the use of restorative justice in cases of gross negligence manslaughter involving healthcare professionals, which would be subject to judicial and stakeholder oversight to ensure transparency and accountability, which in turn could inform future policy options.

Vitriolage (vitriolism) - a medico-socio-legal review.

Vitriolage (acid attack) involves an intentional act of violence in which any corrosive is thrown onto the face and body of a person with the intention of disfiguring them. The most common type of corrosive used in these attacks is sulfuric acid (oil of vitriol) hence the name "vitriolage". Sulfuric acid is a strong acid/corrosive and has a toxic nature that is capable of causing bodily injuries leading to damage to mucous membranes, tissues and skin with blindness, burning, and scars often leading to significant disfigurement with temporary or permanent disability. The main reasons for acid attacks are marriage refusal, rejection of love proposals, dowry issues and male aggression. Acid attacks have horrendous physical, social, psychological and economic effects on victims. This review will delineate the various legal provisions relating to acid attacks with special reference to the recent Indian Criminal Law Amendment Act of 2013 which addressed the issue of these attacks specifically by making it a separate offence in the Indian Penal Code under sections 326 A and B. The Bangladesh Acid Offences Prevention Act 2002 and Acid Crime Control Act, 2002, and legislation and policies combating acid attacks in Cambodia, Nepal and Pakistan will also be mentioned. Additionally, the paper will discuss the role of the judiciary in South Asia by focusing on other landmark judgments and decisions and throw light on the campaign in India namely "Stop Sale Acid" aimed at stopping the unrestricted sale of acid. Finally, further suggestions are proposed to assist in combating this heinous crime.

Child's Play or Sexual Abuse? Reviewing the Efficacy of the Justice Framework in Dealing with Child on Child Sexual Abuse in the United Kingdom.

This literature review appraises how the justice system of the United Kingdom deals with child on child sexual abuse allegations. It is crucial to consider the impact of minor sexual abuse within the community. Sensationalized reporting of sex crimes demonizes offenders and unintentionally hides some perpetrators by not representing children can cause harm. Cases where children demonstrate sexual agency are confusing and uncomfortable to appropriate blame. A freedom of information request to the Metropolitan Police uncovered 5,500 minor sex abuse allegations in England and Wales between 2011 and 2014, including, 4,000 physical assaults and 600 rape allegations. Officials caution these figures only represent a small proportion of known sexual abuse cases but the full extent of the problem is yet to be seen. Children are being exposed to explicit imagery far beyond their developmental age causing a blurring of the lines between normal sexual curiosity, harmful behavior, sexual deviance, and abuse. Evidence suggests societal failings and technological advances have created vulnerabilities from which new and dangerous sexual norms have evolved. Therefore, this paper reviews the justice, welfare, and restorative justice frameworks to explore the efficacy of the justice system in dealing with child on child sexual abuse in the UK.

Perceptions of plea bargaining in cases of elder financial abuse.

The present study investigated perceptions of plea bargains in elder financial abuse. Approximately 78-90% of felony convictions are the result of plea bargains, yet very little work examines the public's perceptions of it. Additionally, elders lose an estimated $2.6-36.5 billion dollars each year to financial abuse and exploitation. Participants were recruited from Mturk (N = 74) and completed a mixed-factors 2 (Amount of Money Stolen: $5,000 vs. $50,000) x 2 (Relationship of Victim and Perpetrator: son vs. caretaker) x 2 (Type of Sentence: reduced jail sentence vs. probation) x 2 (Participant Gender) design. Amount, relationship, and sentence were within-participant factors, while gender was between-participant. It was found that there were main effects of amount, sentence, and relationship between victim and defendant such that participants showed a preference for plea bargains when the amount in question was lower ($5,000 vs. $50,000), when the sentence given was harsher (a reduced jail sentence vs. probation), and when the defendant was the victim's son (vs. a caretaker).

Protective and Supportive Injunctions for Children Exposed to Sexual Abuse: The First Data from Turkey.

Child sexual abuse (CSA) requires multidisciplinary approach by forensic, social, and medical services, thus Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) have been established to evaluate CSA cases in Turkey. At CACs the social needs of children are assessed by social workers. Protective and supportive injunctions (PSIs) are considered at each step of evaluation and are proposed to child courts. This study aimed to evaluate PSIs at a local CAC, which is one of the leading CACs in Turkey. The study group consisted of children and adolescents exposed to CSA admitted to Izmir CAC between April 2014 and April 2015. Socio-demographic characteristics, social investigation reports, psychiatric reports, and proposed PSIs were evaluated. The rate of social investigation necessity was 28.3% (n = 113), and the rate of being proposed for at least one PSI was 24.3% (n = 97). The most common proposed injunctions were maintenance care injunctions (n = 47; 48%) and counseling injunctions (n = 46; 47%). The rate of proposed PSIs was significantly higher in adolescents, incest cases and abuse types including penetration than in the other groups. This is the first study to evaluate PSIs in the child protection system. Our results provide data about the risk groups that need PSIs among the victims of CSA cases.

"Most [False Reports] Involve Teens": Officer Attitudes Toward Teenage Sexual Assault Complainants-A Qualitative Analysis.

Scholars, advocates, and victims have repeatedly criticized the police treatment of sexual assault (SA) complainants. Apathetic attitudes and hostile behavior on the part of the police have likely resulted from socialization into a culture that condones the use of force and violence and blames SA victims for their victimization. Using data from in-depth semistructured interviews with 52 Los Angeles Police Department sex crimes detectives, we examine officer attitudes toward teenage complainants of SA. Notably, almost three fourths of the respondents (n = 38; 73%) mentioned that teenagers lie about SA. Practical implications, theoretical advancements, and directions for future research are discussed.

Responding to Intimate Partner Violence: Urban Women's Decisions About Getting Personal Protection Orders When Other Resources are Scarce.

Intimate partner violence continues to be a widespread and serious problem. African American women experience a high lifetime prevalence of physical intimate partner violence, but resources for them are often scarce. This mixed-methods analysis of telephone survey responses found that women who were African American, had less education, and were dissatisfied with criminal justice responses to an abusive incident were less likely to seek personal protection orders (PPOs). The qualitative analysis showed that many women did not seek POs because their assessment of their partners indicated it was not needed or increased risk. Practical obstacles in obtaining orders were noteworthy.