Module 10
Language Access: Interpreters in Adult Victim Sexual Assault Cases

Introduction

Many people in our society, including many navigating the criminal justice system, require support to communicate effectively due to limited English proficiency or hearing/vision impairments. Without adequate support to communicate effectively, victims face a barrier to accessing justice. As explained in Modules 2 and 3, the criminal justice system is complex. Victims navigating that system must be able to communicate with all those within the system in a way that works for each individual victim. Victims must be able to communicate in a manner that ensures they understand the information they receive about the criminal justice process and in a manner in which they are best able to relay information about their victimization. Effective communication is essential to law enforcement’s ability to thoroughly investigate a crime and to the prosecution’s ability to accurately assess and present the evidence.

This module will:

  • Explain the importance of skilled language interpretation at every stage of the criminal justice system;
  • Raise awareness of the issues unique to interpreting a sexual assault case and how to identify whether victims are communicating clearly with criminal justice professionals;
  • Explain who is responsible for securing interpretation services at each stage; and
  • Explain a victim advocate’s role in ensuring that a sexual assault victim can effectively communicate throughout the criminal justice process.
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