Counseling Victims of Rape - Their Needs and a New Treatment Approach (From Victim in International Perspective, P 358-374, 1982, Hans J Schneider, ed. - See NCJ-86192)

• NCJ Number: 92262
• Author(s): L E Ledray
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 17 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper delineates psychological treatment approaches specifically useful with rape victims.

Abstract

It identifies the counseling needs of adult female rape victims directly after the rape, in the acute phase of disorganization, and during the later phase, reorganization. Counseling methods currently in use in each phase is discussed, and the use of 'Guide to Goals' in a therapeutic approach to treating victims of sexual assault at the Sexual Assault Resource Service in Minneapolis is explained. It is emphasized that initial counseling must provide emotional support with unconditional positive regard and acceptance of the victim who has suffered loss of personal power, helplessness and defenselessness. Being nonjudgmental and responding to the victim as a normal, healthy individual who is reacting to a serious life crisis is deemed an essential component of rape counseling. Use of the the Guide to Goals, a client-centered treatment approach that keeps the power and control in the hands of the victim rather than the counselor has proven especially successful with the short-term therapy required by rape victims to regain self-esteem and overcome depression and anxiety. Tabular data, 38 notes, and over 30 references are given.