NCJ Number
82082
Date Published
1981
Length
154 pages
Annotation
Based on a survey of experts in the field of sexual assault, state-of-the-art concepts in sexual assault prevention and treatment are presented, along with criteria for practice.
Abstract
Delphi procedures were used in the survey. This survey method provided that each of the 51 nationally-based participants be given multiple opportunities to answer the same set of questions. For the three rounds of inquiry, participants were given summaries of previous-round responses to consider in formulating their judgment. The most strongly endorsed outcomes associated with victim intervention involve providing assistance in coping with emotional and physical trauma occasioned by the assault. The design should be guided by the victim's needs and capacities. Perspectives on assailant intervention generally support a focus on attitudinal and behavioral changes rather than intrapersonal objectives. Priority objectives are the development of more egalitarian attitudes toward women and alternative ways of handling anger. Respondents generally indicated that the conditions conducive to sexual assault are reinforced by a society that nurtures violence and aggression. Major institutional targets of primary prevention should be families, educational agencies, and public media. Generic interview skills were indicated to be the most important characteristics of service providers. A primary policy suggestion changing the legal definition of major sexual assault terms ('rape' and 'incest') to a construct that specifically identifies forced sexual contact as the proscribed behavior. The questionnaire and tabular data are provided. (Author summary modified)