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Report Finds Few Sex Assault Cases See Courtroom

picture of a gavel and scales of justice

Belleville News Democrat reporters George Pawlaczyk and Beth Hundsdorfer say they were inspired to write their "Violation of Trust" series after interviewing a sexual assault victim whose case never went to trial.

Pawlaczyk says in the 32 counties south of Interstate 70 in southern Illinois, their victim's story was not all that uncommon.

"Nobody had made this comparison, of the overall number of felony sex crimes compared to the number of prosecutions. We know that prosecutors weren't aware of it - they're just aware of the ones that they get."

The data - collected from courthouses, police departments, and city offices - shows 70% of felony sex crimes reported to police never see a courtroom.

A lack of evidence was routinely cited as the reason.

Hundsdorfer says many times, victims own situations and choices - from children who have trouble testifying to problems with drugs or other crimes - make it hard to get their stories heard.

"All those reasons that can turn them quickly into victims can make them bad witnesses, and that's why it's so important to find corroborating evidence that will be able to buoy their story."

Pawlaczyk says they're hopeful shedding light on the issue will bring change.
 
"If prosecutors and police will get together, maybe with the attorney general, and look at a way that more of these cases can be prosecuted - rather than less - that this would ease the rate of incidence of these crimes."
 
SIUC Rates:
One segment of the BND's series looked specifically at SIU-Carbondale's rates. It found roughly 10% of sexual assault cases at the university were prosecuted.

SIU Spokeswoman Rae Goldsmith says almost all cases of sexual assault that have a suspect are forwarded to the Jackson County State's Attorney's Office, and cases can also be sent through the university's Student Rights and Responsibilities process.
 

Jennifer Fuller joined Capitol News Illinois in July 2023 as the organization’s broadcast director. She will oversee the launch and operations of CNI’s new broadcast division.

Contact Jennifer Fuller at jfuller@capitolnewsillinois.com
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