NCJ Number
35031
Date Published
1976
Length
70 pages
Annotation
THIS PROJECT PROVIDES MEDICAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES TO RAPE VICTIMS, AIDS CRIMINAL JUSTICE PERSONNEL IN THE INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION OF SEXUAL ASSAULT OFFENDERS AND PROVIDES THE COMMUNITY WITH RAPE EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
Abstract
SECTION 1 OF THIS REPORT PRESENTS A PROJECT OVERVIEW, INCLUDING INFORMATION RELATIVE TO THE PROJECT'S HISTORY, DESIGN, AND ORGANIZATION, WHILE SECTION 2 PROVIDES A DISCUSSION OF THE FIVE EXEMPLARY PROJECTS SELECTION CRITERIA. A SUMMARY OF THE PROJECTS STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES IS PRESENTED IN SECTION 3 AND SUPPORTING DATA, PROJECT FORMS AND EXEMPLARY APPLICATION MATERIALS ARE IN THE APPENDIX. THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THE CENTER IS TO DECREASE THE PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA FOR VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS, LEADING TO GREATER RAPPORT AND COOPERATION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PROSECUTORIAL AGENCIES AND ULTIMATELY RESULTING IN AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF CONVICTIONS FOR RAPE/SEXUAL ASSAULT OFFENSES. THE PROJECT STAFF CONSISTS OF A PROJECT COORDINATOR, A VICTIM CONTACT WORKER, A SECRETARY, AND A SPECIAL PROSECUTOR (AVAILABLE ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS). THE SEXUAL ASSAULT CARE CENTER GRANT HAS SHOWN SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN THE AREAS OF INTER-AGENCY COODINATION AND COOPERATION, VICTIM SERVICES PROVISION, CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROCESSING OF SEXUAL ASSAULT CASES, ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION. WHILE MUCH OF THE PROJECT IS DESIGNED TO ASSIST THE SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM, THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS, IN RELATION TO LEAA GOALS, IS THE 37 PERCENT INCREASE IN REPORTING OF RAPE CASES AND THE DECREASE OF CASE 'DROPOUT' FROM 94 PERCENT TO 63 PERCENT. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)