NCJ Number
158205
Journal
Violence and Victims Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1995) Pages: 73-84
Date Published
1995
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study examined reactions to crime among 138 significant others of victims of both sexual and nonsexual assault. The significant others (SOs) included both men and women, and romantic and nonromantic partners.
Abstract
The subjects completed a number of self-report instruments focusing on their levels of distress, strain symptoms, fear of certain situations, and supportive and nonsupportive behaviors they exhibited toward the crime victim. The results showed that level of victim distress did not affect SO distress, nor were SO distress levels higher in sexual assault than in nonsexual assault cases. Contrary to study hypotheses, SOs in romantic relationships with victims did not experience more distress than other SOs. However, female friends and family members reported higher distress levels than either male romantic partners or male family and friends. High levels of SO distress did not affect the supportive behaviors shown toward crime victims, but were associated with nonsupportive behavior. Higher levels of nonsupportive behavior were found among SOs of sexual assault victims. 3 tables, 5 notes, and 40 references