Fahmy, Weyam and Snook, Brent and Luther, Kirk and McCardle, Meagan (2019) Unveiling the Truth : The Effect of Muslim Garments and Face Covering on the Perceived Credibility of a Victim’s Court Testimony. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, 51 (1). pp. 53-60. ISSN 0008-400X
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Abstract
The perceived credibility of a sexual assault victim’s court testimony was examined. A 2 (Face Covered: No, Yes) x 2 (Muslim Garment: No, Yes) between-participant design was used. Participants (N = 120) were assigned to watch one of four videos of a sexual assault victim providing testimony, and asked to rate her credibility. The effect of Muslim Garment on victim credibility ratings was significant; the victim was perceived as more credible when she wore a niqab or hijab compared to when she did not wear either of these garments. The effect of Face Covering on credibility ratings was non-significant, and the interaction was non-significant. The implications for women who wear Muslim garments while testifying about sexual assault are discussed.