Qualitative Analysis of Prosecutors' Perspectives on Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners and the Criminal Justice Response to Sexual Assault
Autor: | Theodore P. Cross, Thaddeus Schmitt, Megan Alderden |
---|---|
Rok vydání: | 2017 |
Předmět: |
Nursing (miscellaneous)
Poison control Suicide prevention Nurse's Role Pathology and Forensic Medicine Interviews as Topic 03 medical and health sciences Nursing Criminal Law Injury prevention Credibility Humans 0505 law 030504 nursing Jurisdiction 05 social sciences Sex Offenses Human factors and ergonomics General Medicine United States Psychiatry and Mental health Issues ethics and legal aspects 050501 criminology Criminal law Forensic Nursing Pshychiatric Mental Health 0305 other medical science Psychology Law Criminal justice |
Zdroj: | Journal of forensic nursing. 13(2) |
ISSN: | 1939-3938 |
Popis: | Objective The aim of this study was to understand prosecutors' perspectives on the contribution of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) to evidence collection and trials in sexual assault cases. Background Several studies have suggested that a sexual assault case is more likely to progress in the criminal justice system when a SANE conducts the forensic medical examination. However, little is known about how prosecutors perceive SANEs and what they value about SANEs versus other medical professionals. Method Semistructured interviews, conducted in one jurisdiction with eight assistant district attorneys who prosecute sexual assault cases, included questions about the value of SANEs in evidence collection and trials. Interview transcripts were analyzed to identify common themes and variability among prosecutors. Results Most prosecutors identified advantages for SANEs in evidence collection, trial preparation, and testimony. Specific advantages cited by one or more prosecutors included superior documentation, thoroughness of the physical examination, better identification of injuries, quality of relationships with patients, professionalism, skill in trial preparation and testifying, and credibility with jurors. Discussion These findings help validate SANEs' contribution to the criminal justice response to sexual assault, despite the study's limitations in sample size and inclusion of only one jurisdiction. The study also suggests the value of further education about SANEs for prosecutors who may not have the opportunity to learn about the range of skills SANEs possess. |
Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
Externí odkaz: |