NCJ Number
97302
Date Published
1985
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This paper on the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Rape (NCPCR) -- mandated to conduct research, training, and public education pertaining to the sexual assault of children and adults -- considers NCPCR relationships with other groups concerned with sexual assault, research priorities, and highlights of recent research projects.
Abstract
NCPCR maintains long-term relationships with other groups concerned with sexual assault, including the National Organization for Victim Assistance, the National Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and the American Bar Association's Victim's Rights Committee. NCPCR supports research on the causes of rape and sexual assault, mental health consequences, treatment of victims and offenders, and the effectiveness of programs designed to prevent and reduce such assaults. Recent research has found widespread sexual victimization and a lack of reporting. NCPCR research has found incest victims to manifest an adult pattern of impairment in intimate relations, low self-esteem, and negative identity formation. Moreover, behavior therapy has been found to offer treatment consonant with the nature of the victim's problems, particularly fear and anxiety. Furthermore, changes in sex role socialization of women and overt training in physical resistance may reduce the probability of being raped. Michigan's Criminal Sexual Conduct Statute has helped exert some control over criminal justice decisionmakers and has made legal standards for rape cases similar to those used for other violent crimes. The NCPCR research portfolio is listed, and twelve references are cited.