Counseling Rape Victims

• NCJ Number: 85818
• Author(s): D L Watts
• Date Published: 1978
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: Eric Document Reproduction Service; Not Available Through National Institute of Justice/NCJRS Document Loan Program
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. Portions of this paper presented at the annual meetings of the American Personnel and Guidance Association, Chicago, 1976 and Washington, DC, 1978

Annotation

The psychological treatment of rape victims is complicated due to the nature of the crime; the trauma which may occur in four main areas of the victim's life (social, emotional, physical and sexual); community agency involvement and treatment, if any; and the societal attitude that places the blame on the victim.

Abstract

Therapists, in treating rape victims, must have an awareness of possible ramifications and must be prepared to deal with them in the counseling relationship. This paper focuses on the many aspects that therapists must consider in treating a sexual assault victim and describes common therapeutic issues and strategies that can be employed. Special circumstances such as a client in ongoing therapy who discloses a rape that had previously not been acknowledged is addressed. These aspects are illustrated with case material. (ERIC (Educational Resource Information Center) abstract)