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                            Library & Multimedia
 Predictors of Prosecutorial Decisions in Reports of Child Sexual Abuse
NCJ Number
              305005
Journal

*Child Maltreatment* Volume: Online Dated: January 2022
Author(s)
          Stephanie D. Block;
                        Hannah M. Johnson;
                        Linda M. Williams;
                        Kristy L. Shockley;
                        Eric Wang;
                        Keith F. Widaman
Date Published

January 2022
Annotation
              A retrospective examination of 500 child sexual abuse reports to prosecutor’s offices analyzed case progress and predictors of attrition, including details about alleged perpetrator(s), victim(s), their families, and other case characteristics.
Abstract
              Less than one in five cases proceeded to prosecution. For the full sample, we describe all outcomes and differentiate prosecutors’ decisions to (a) intake/close, (b) investigate/close, or (c) prosecute; these stages comprise a 3-level dependent variable. Because it is important to understand which variables are associated with progress to each stage, we examined unique predictors of the decision to “investigate,” and to “prosecute.” Our multivariate analyses examined 325 cases with a perpetrator aged 16 and older. Caregiver support and perpetrator age were significant predictors across all outcome variables, while other factors were barriers to the “prosecute” decision only. Results highlight the complexities of case characteristics that are important at different stages of prosecutorial decision-making and inform future interventions. (Publisher Abstract Provided)
      
  
          Additional Details
Grant Number(s)
        2014-MU-MU-0001


  
  
        
  Agencies
        NIJ-Sponsored


  
  
        
  Publication Type
        Research (Applied/Empirical)


  
  
        
  Award
        The prosecution of child sexual abuse: A partnership to improve outcomes
    
  
  
Date Published: January 1, 2022
    
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        Child sexual abuse
        Prosecution
        Prosecutorial discretion
        Case Management



  
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