Misconceptions of sexual crimes against adult victims: Barriers to justice

Reports of sexual offences in Australia have increased over recent years, with an eight-year high recorded in 2017 (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2018; Australian Institute of Health & Welfare 2018). Attrition of sexual offence cases, however, has remained high, and conviction rates have remained low (Daly & Bouhours 2010; Fitzgerald 2006; Spohn 2020). Just outcomes in cases of sexual crime may rely on the knowledge base of legal professionals and jurors, but public understanding of sexual offending is lacking (Cossins, Goodman-Delahunty & O'Brien 2009; McGee et al. 2011). This is understandable, as sexual offending is a profoundly hidden crime. Much of what we know about sexual crime is imagined or gained through mainstream media (O'Hara 2012). Most people are not aware of the vast body of scientific literature on sexual offending. This is despite specialist knowledge being critical in effective criminal justice responses to sexual crime (Cossins 2006).