NCJ Number
180952
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 29 Issue: 3/4 Dated: 1999 Pages: 171-181
Date Published
1999
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This case study examines the official incidence rate of marital rape and subsequent services available to the victims in the Richmond, Virginia, metropolitan area.
Abstract
The study attempted to determine if victims’ services provided a supportive community response to marital rape. It examined services provided and evaluated those services in five dimensions: availability, accessibility, quantity, quality and legitimacy. The YWCA and the Victim Witness office offered to victims of marital rape services such as hotlines, hospital accompaniment, court accompaniment, and counseling. While the overall assessment is one of general support for marital rape victims, the article suggests that more must be done to increase awareness and reporting of this crime. At the very least, local law enforcement should keep accurate records of marital rape. Additionally, Virginia law must be amended to include charges of marital rape when the couple is living together at the time of the assault and when serious physical injury is not present. Figure, note, references, statutes