NCJ Number
166641
Journal
Violence and Victims Volume: 11 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1996) Pages: 143-157
Date Published
1996
Length
15 pages
Annotation
A mail survey of a convenience sample of 155 sexual assault victims in Los Angeles County (Calif.) focused on whether the type of social reactions the victims experienced varied according to the type of social support provider told about the assault.
Abstract
The survey used both closed-ended and open-ended written responses to determine whether their first disclosure was to a friend/relative, mental health professional, clergy, police, rape crisis center, or others; whether any of these people helped; and which sources were helpful. Results revealed that support in the form of tangible aid and information was reported more often from women disclosing to rape crisis centers, police, and physicians, whereas emotional support was commonly reported by those telling rape crisis centers. Being blamed, treated differently, distracted and discouraged from talking about the assault were more common responses for women telling physicians or police. The research also focused on the impact of social reactions on victim adjustment. As hypothesized, emotional support from friends was related to better recovery than was emotional support from other support sources. However, contrary to expectation, the impact of victim blame on adjustment did not vary according to the type of support provider. Tables, note, and 32 references (Author abstract modified)