Select Page

Symposium—Beyond Prosecution: Sexual Assault Victim’s Rights in Theory and Practice Symposium

Much has been made in the public forum of the relationship of sexual assault victims with local, state and federal law enforcement authorities.  The reality of these relationships, however, is often messier and less monolithic than that portrayed in the popular media.  The question of public prosecution, with all of its attendant responsibilities to a generalized public good, sometimes conflicts with an individual victim’s security, interests or desires.  Further, society should be seen as having a larger mission than punishment when it comes to responses to victims of crimes, particularly those who are victims of sexual assaults.  Seen in a larger and more complete light, victims of violent crimes, especially the young and the poor, are often faced with serious legal disabilities in employment, housing, physical, and economic security, education and other aspects of their lives that the law might touch. . . .