What is it.
There is a presumption that these cases involve “technical” statutory rape, classified as consensual experimentation between peers, which the assault was “technical” due to the age differences among the peers. However, evidence shows that most cases involve significant age gaps, abuse by trusted individuals, and ongoing patterns of coercion and exploitation. This study examined over 500 criminal cases involving 625 female youth to understand how cases are characterized in legal decision-making and whether common assumptions are supported by evidence.
How can it help me?
CYAC and their multidisciplinary team members can use this research to better understand challenges around victim credibility and common assumptions about behaviour, decision-making, and experiences, ultimately strengthening responses in sexual violence cases.
