Criminal justice outcomes of prosecution of child sexual abuse: A case flow analysis

Evaluation of the Children’s Advocacy Center Model: Efficiency, Legal and Revictimization Outcomes

“…Other studies of sexual abuse cases have found that referral rates ranging from 55% to 60% of cases (Stroud, Martens, & Barker, 2000;Martone, Jaudes, & Cavins, 1996;Cross, Whitcomb, & DeVos, 1995). Once the decision has been made to prosecute, research has shown that in most cases the defendant plea bargains with only 1-9% of cases resulting in an actual trial (Cross et al, 1995;Martone et al, 1996;Stroud et al, 2000). With the exception of child sexual abuse cases going to trial more often, Cross et al (1995) reported that these figures are not much different from US felony prosecutions in general.…”

“…Once the decision has been made to prosecute, research has shown that in most cases the defendant plea bargains with only 1-9% of cases resulting in an actual trial (Cross et al, 1995;Martone et al, 1996;Stroud et al, 2000). With the exception of child sexual abuse cases going to trial more often, Cross et al (1995) reported that these figures are not much different from US felony prosecutions in general.…”

The Justice System for Juvenile Victims

“…However, because so many cases end with guilty pleas, relatively few children have to testify in trial court. Only 5% to 15% of cases involve a child victim's testimony at a trial or a court hearing (Berliner & Conte, 1995;Cashmore & Horsky, 1988;Cross, Whitcomb, et al, 1995;Goodman et al, 1992;Martone, Jaudes, & Cavins, 1996;Rogers, 1982). Finally, there are sometimes voluntary opportunities for a victim to provide testimony at a sentencing hearing (see e.g., U.S. Department of Justice, 1999).…”

“…As part of the process, a child may be asked to testify at a preliminary hearing or grand jury. Studies have reported that 12% to 31% of children in prosecuted cases testify at pretrial proceedings (Cashmore & Horsky, 1988;Cross, Whitcomb, & De Vos, 1995;Goodman et al, 1992;Smith & Elstein, 1993). If an actual trial is held, a child may testify again, often in conjunction with some prior meetings with the prosecutor.…”

Offenders Incarcerated for Crimes Against Juveniles

“…State inmates represent a population that has been convicted of only the most serious offenses-those considered grave enough to warrant at least a year or more of imprisonment. (Chapman and Smith, 1987;Cheit, 1997;Cross, 1995;Goodman et al, 1992;Smith and Saunders, 1994).…”