Between a rock and a hard place

Abstract

What is it about rape that makes it so difficult to report, investigate and successfully prosecute? This article proposes that a psychological analysis of the criminal justice system is needed to understand its apparent resistance to decades of attempts at reforming rape law, and to develop procedures that are not inhibitory to people reporting offences or authorities' investigation and prosecution of them. In particular, an understanding of rape stereotypes and the attrition problem are needed if we are to restore faith in the criminal justice system.