In November 2018, West Coast LEAF published “We are Here: Women’s Experiences of the Barriers to Reporting Sexual Assault.” The report describes, in survivors’ own words, why survivors often do not report sexual assault through the criminal justice system. It identifies barriers in the justice system for survivors of sexual assault and aims to inspire change so that reporting to police becomes a viable option for all those who want to pursue it.
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Recommendation 1:
EDUCATION FOR ALL SYSTEM ACTORS—trauma-informed education for professionals engaged in all aspects of the criminal justice system
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Recommendation 2:
FUNDING—adequate staffing and staff training in the justice system, and well-resourced survivor-focused services and supports
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Recommendation 3:
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES IN HANDLING SEXUAL ASSAULT CASES—changes to justice system professionals’ decision-making practices and communication with survivors
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Recommendation 4:
IMPROVEMENTS TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM PROCESSESS AND SUPPORT FOR ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES—exploration of alternative programs and changes to the courtroom practices
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Recommendation 5:
IMPROVED SUPPORTS FOR SURVIVORS—expanded social and health services, information for survivors, and access to independent counsel
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Recommendation 6:
PUBLIC EDUCATION—efforts to raise public awareness about consent and sexual assault, options for survivors, the risks and benefits of reporting, and the steps in the justice system’s process
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