Library of Parliament HillNote on Under-Reporting and Low Conviction Rates for Sexual Assault

The Library of Parliament earlier this week published a HillNote on Under-Reporting and Low Conviction Rates for Sexual Assault. HillNotes are brief analyses of current or emerging issues:

"In practice, the experiences of victims of crime depend not only on the laws and institutions in place, but also on the individuals victims encounter throughout their interaction with the justice system."

"From the police officer receiving the complaint to the judge at trial, everyone in the justice system has a part to play. This is reflected in the theme of this year’s National Victims of Crime Awareness Week from April 21–27, which is We All Have a Role."

"To illustrate the significance of this theme, this HillNote examines difficulties faced by victims of sexual assault, an offence ranging from sexual touching to what was previously called rape. In particular, it examines factors behind under-reporting and low conviction rates."