NCJ Number
49615
Date Published
1974
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS AUDIOCASSETTE EXAMINES THE MEDICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, AND INFORMATION NEEDS OF THE RAPE VICTIM AND DESCRIBES SOME OF THE SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE TO MEET SUCH NEEDS.
Abstract
ALTHOUGH SOME RAPE VICTIMS EXPERIENCE NO PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA, OTHERS ARE AFFECTED SO SEVERELY THAT THEY MUST BE INSTITUTIONALIZED. MANY COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY ARE ESTABLISHING TREATMENT PROGRAMS FOR RAPE VICTIMS AND RAPISTS. HOTLINES AND RAPE COUNSELING CENTERS PROVIDE COUNSELING AND INFORMATION SERVICES. IN ADMINISTERING TREATMENT TO RAPE VICTIMS, HOSPITALS CHECK FOR DEFINITE SIGNS OF RAPE, TEST FOR VENEREAL DISEASE, TREAT INJURIES, AND TRY TO MAKE THE VICTIM AS COMFORTABLE AS POSSIBLE. WHILE MANY WOMEN FIND IT HELPFUL TO TALK TO FRIENDS OR PARENTS AFTER THE RAPE, OTHERS DO NOT WANT THEIR FAMILIES TO KNOW ABOUT THE INCIDENT. THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF TREATMENT IS CONSIDERED TO BE SHOWING COMPASSION FOR THE VICTIM AND TRYING TO MAKE HER AS COMFORTABLE AS POSSIBLE. GENERALLY RAPE VICTIMS EITHER DISPLAY A GREAT DEAL OF HOSTILITY TOWARD THEIR ATTACKER OR SHOW NO EMOTIONS AT ALL. REGARDLESS OF THE VICTIM'S REACTION TO THE ATTACK, EACH DESERVES AS MUCH HELP AS POSSIBLE FROM COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS, HOSPITALS, THE POLICE, AND FRIENDS. (BAC)