ABSTRACT

The most effective way in eliminating a problem is first to put it fonvard with ali aspects. Along with other factors, the ne-gative approach of the related professions such as poliçe, attor-neys and judges stemming from their false beliefs is an important cause in low reporting ratios of sexual assaults. Educational programs where the real information is gathered seems to be the most important place to prevent the biased and unobjective approaches. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of se-xual assault training program on the professional approach to sexual assault events. Thırty graduate students having different professional backgrounds such as judges, attorneys, poliçe and psychologists, who took the “sexual crimes” course given by the author for 28 hours in 14 weeks voluntarily participated in the study. The observed differences in the consideration of the matter before and after the education are defined to be positive. As a consequence, post graduate sexual assault training programs received by the related professions will have positive im-pact on objective approach to sexual assault cases.

Keywords: Sexual assault, date rape, false believes, education