Rape myths can affect jurors’ perceptions of sexual assault, and that needs to change

In Canada, more than 34,000 cases of sexual assault were reported to police in 2022, representing a 38 per cent increase from 2017.

However, it is estimated that only about six per cent of sexual assaults are reported to police, making the actual number of sexual assaults in Canada much higher.

In a recent study with my graduate student Lauren E. Thompson, we sought to understand jurors’ perceptions of the credibility of sexual assault charges when there is a delay in reporting them. Lint to article can be found here.