Book Review: Policing Sexual Assault
| Author | Charisse T.M. Coston |
| DOI | 10.1177/026975800000700409 |
| Published date | 01 September 2000 |
| Date | 01 September 2000 |
| Subject Matter | Book Reviews |
336
The authors shy away from drawing any conclusions about whether one model
is preferable to another and given the relatively small sample of cases studied and
indeed the 'newness' of this work this is understandable. Responses from
victims interviewed during the research reflected a considerable degree of con-
sistency.
It is worth noting that the clearest statement given to probation services within
the Probation Circular initiating victim contact work (PC61/95) was in relation
to purpose. Essentially this was defined in terms of information giving and
receiving and did not embrace support or consultation.
Experience has shown the task to be far more complex than this and the
Northumbria model specifically addresses this in its design, providing a clarity
of purpose and role demarcation which appears missing in West Yorkshire.
Both Services, however, are acknowledged as having pioneered work with
victims of crime and have provided a coherent and impressive service at a time
when resources for this work had to be carved out of shrinking budgets. The
research makes clear that there remains a considerable agenda that must be
grasped by both the Home Office and service managers. The Victim's Charter
has raised expectations of victims but these are not being fully realised and
victims of crime remain relatively marginalised within the criminal justice
system. Probation Services need to be properly resourced to undertake this work
and the researchers provide a set of clear challenges for both service managers
and the Home Office. It is to be hoped that the incoming Director of Probation
will feel able to give this important work as much attention as undoubtedly will
be devoted to issues of law enforcement.
Roger Ford
Chief Probation Officer, Shropshire
Lead Officer: Work with Victims of Crime,
Association of Chief Officers of Probation
UK
POLICING SEXUAL ASSAULT
Jeanne Gregory and Sue Lees. Routledge; London, 1999. pp.244.
ISBN 0-41516388-9. £15.99.
Although Gregory and Lees (1999) focus on sexual assault in Great Britain, they
have made a distinguished attempt at bringing these issues and their obstacles to
recognition on an international level. The findings in their book, although
country specific, appear to be the current state of affairs globally in reference to
the handling of sexual assault cases. Their book provides the reader with a
comprehensive, detailed, international review of the literature.
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