https://eipublication.com/index.php/jsshrf <p><strong>Crossref doi - 10.55640/jsshrf</strong></p> <p><strong>Frequency: 12 issues per Year (Monthly)<br /></strong></p> <p><strong>Areas Covered: Social Science and Humanity Research<br /></strong></p> <p><strong>Last Submission:- 25th of Every Month</strong></p> Jenny Michel en-US Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Fundamentals 2748-9345 <p>Individual articles are published Open Access under the Creative Commons Licence: <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0</a>.</p> https://eipublication.com/index.php/jsshrf/article/view/3041 <p>This article critically analyzes the pervasive issue of skepticism as a significant barrier to effective evidence collection and justice for victims of sex crimes. Despite advancements in forensic science and victim support, the initial response from law enforcement, often influenced by ingrained rape myths and biases, can lead to victim disbelief, re-victimization, and ultimately, a failure to secure crucial evidence. This study synthesizes existing literature to explore how skepticism manifests in police procedures, its detrimental impact on victims' willingness to report and engage with the justice system, and the subsequent challenges in prosecuting sex crime cases. The findings highlight that police perceptions of sexual assault victims, often shaped by harmful stereotypes, directly influence the quality of evidence collection and the likelihood of a case being "unfounded." This analysis advocates for a transformative shift in police procedures, moving from a skeptical, blame-oriented approach to a victim-centered, trauma-informed framework. Recommendations include mandatory comprehensive training on rape myths and trauma, standardized empathetic interview techniques, robust evidence collection protocols, and accountability mechanisms to ensure that initial police response prioritizes victim dignity, fosters trust, and facilitates the effective collection of evidence essential for justice.</p> Dr. Heather M. Hammonds Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Heather M. Hammonds https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-06-01 2025-06-01 5 06 1 8