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The Power of Believing Survivors: Lessons from Collaborative Policing
Table of Contents
I’ll never forget what one woman said to me after the verdict. she hadn’t testified,but had come to bear witness. When the sentencing was over and the courtroom emptied out, she turned to me and whispered: “I didn’t think anyone would believe me unless I was dead.”
That sentence still haunts me. As I’ve felt it, too.
The Ancient Disbelief of Survivors
For decades, survivors of sexual assault, especially those involved in sex work, have faced systemic disbelief from law enforcement and the justice system. This disbelief stems from deeply ingrained societal biases and stigmas. Historically, police often viewed sex workers as unreliable narrators, or even as complicit in their own victimization, hindering investigations and perpetuating a cycle of impunity for perpetrators.This lack of trust created a significant barrier to reporting and seeking justice. A 2018 study by the National Center for Victims of Crime found that only 31% of sexual assaults are reported to the police [VictimConnect], and this number is likely even lower for those involved in the sex industry due to fear of further victimization or legal repercussions.
A Proof of Concept – Not a Fairytale
Let me be clear: this wasn’t some magical turning point where sex workers and cops became best friends. We didn’t ride off into the sunset. We didn’t start co-authoring press releases. That’s not how this works.
What *did* happen was a shift in approach – a willingness to listen, to believe, and to collaborate. It began with recognizing that customary policing methods were failing to protect the most vulnerable.The key was building trust, and that required acknowledging past harms and actively working to dismantle the systems that perpetuated them.
The Collaborative Approach: Building Trust and Accountability
The collaborative policing model, as it emerged in this context, centered on several key principles:
- Survivor-Centered Approach: Prioritizing the needs and safety of survivors above all else. This meant creating a safe space for reporting, offering support services, and respecting their autonomy in the investigation process.
- community Involvement: Actively engaging with sex worker advocacy groups and community organizations to gain insights, build relationships, and ensure accountability.
- Trauma-Informed Training: Providing law enforcement officers with complete training on trauma, sexual assault, and the specific vulnerabilities faced by sex workers. This training aimed to challenge biases and promote empathy.
- Focus on Trafficking: Shifting the focus from criminalizing sex work to targeting traffickers and those who exploit vulnerable individuals.
this approach wasn’t about ignoring the law; it was about applying the law in a way that prioritized justice and safety for all. It meant recognizing that many individuals in the sex industry are victims of trafficking or coercion, and that their involvement is not always voluntary. according to Polaris, a leading anti-trafficking organization, approximately 88% of reported human trafficking cases involve sexual exploitation [Polaris Project].
The Impact of Believing Survivors
The results of this collaborative approach were significant.Reporting rates increased,more perpetrators were brought to justice,and survivors felt safer and more empowered. Perhaps most importantly, it began to chip away at the systemic disbelief that had long silenced victims.
The woman’s whisper – “I didn’t think anyone would believe me unless I was dead” – became a stark reminder of the stakes. It fueled our commitment to creating a system where survivors are not only heard but believed, and where justice is finally within reach.
Key Takeaways
- Systemic disbelief is a major barrier to justice for survivors of sexual assault, especially those involved in sex work.
- Collaborative policing, built on trust and survivor-centered principles, can be an effective approach to addressing this issue.
- Trauma-informed training and community involvement are
Worth a look