“…Importantly, the authors highlight racial and ethnic disparities in sexual assault case processing and the systematic erasure of Black and Brown experiences in the criminal-legal system. Acquaviva et al (2024) note that victim cooperation and engagement in the process is essential to arrest and prosecution but also note that stereotypes, particularly from law enforcement officers, significantly impair case processing especially for victims of color. In essence, racialized stereotypes harm victim legitimacy and ultimately intensify mechanisms of systemic racism in the criminal-legal system.…”