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The Peter Ellis web
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New interview techniques being
trialled by Wellington police for rape and sexual assault complainants was
recently reported. Such techniques are to be applauded if the quality of the
information received is better, and the process is less stressful for the
complainant. There are however two concerns
says peterellis.org.nz spokesperson Paula Weir. The first is that the police
continue to refer to rape complainants as "victims". The police
should be very aware that in many cases the accused is the victim, and not
the complainant. False allegations do
occur. This sort of mistake is
inexcusable for police who should know better than to prejudge
investigations. The police procedure to never
interview complainants straight away is also misguided. The best time to interview a complainant
without contaminating evidence is as soon as possible. While immediate
interviews may not be appropriate in many cases, there is no reason to delay
interviews as a matter of policy. Of particular concern is the assumption that
counselling prior to police interview is a good idea. Counsellors may indeed
be very helpful for victims of sexual assault. There are, unfortunately, very few
counsellors with the appropriate skills and understanding to help the growing
number of women who are, wittingly or unwittingly, fabricating an allegation.
ENDS |
