Memory for repeated sexual misconduct: Does repetition matter?

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Snow, MD
Malloy, LC
Brubacher, SP
Sutherland, JE
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Pozzulo, Joanna

Pica, Emily

Sheahan, Chelsea

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2020
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Abstract

Sexual misconduct is often repeated and lacking corroborating evidence. The successful resolution of such cases therefore rests to a considerable degree on victim testimony. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the empirical literature pertaining to victims’ memory for repeated sexual misconduct. First, we review several theoretical perspectives of repeated-event memory including source monitoring, script theory, and fuzzy trace theory. Second, we outline several person characteristics (age, trauma symptomatology, perceived responsibility) and event characteristics (delay, distinctiveness) that contribute variously to the improvement or impoverishment of repeated-event memory. Third, we discuss the implications of this research program on legal policy and practice, and we offer several avenues for future research. The present chapter is not exhaustive but aims to highlight several major theoretical perspectives and specific variables that are crucial in understanding what can and cannot be remembered by victims of repeated sexual misconduct.

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Memory and Sexual Misconduct: Psychological Research for Criminal Justice

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1st

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Psychology

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Snow, MD; Malloy, LC; Brubacher, SP; Sutherland, JE, Memory for repeated sexual misconduct: Does repetition matter?, Memory and Sexual Misconduct: Psychological Research for Criminal Justice, 2020, pp. 42-70

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