Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Summer 2024

Abstract

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is pervasive yet frequently unprosecuted. Thus, we explored predictors of CSA case prosecutorial decisions. Legal professionals (N=262) read a mock case depicting a 9-year-old who disclosed sexual abuse perpetrated by her teacher. We experimentally manipulated the CSA victim’s investigative cooperativeness (uncooperative vs. cooperative), the victim’s race (Black vs. White), and the perpetrator’s race (Black vs. White). Although there were few effects of defendant or victim race, participants less often recommended prosecution when the victim was uncooperative (vs. cooperative)—effects mediated by reduced perceived victim credibility and beliefs that jurors would be skeptical of the CSA allegations.

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