NCJ Number
44177
Date Published
1975
Length
90 pages
Annotation
INFORMATION ON LEGAL AND MEDICAL PROCEDURES, CRISIS RESPONSE, AND RESOURCES IS PRESENTED IN A MANUAL DIRECTED TO RAPE VICTIMS AND TO PERSONS WHO PROVIDE SERVICES TO RAPE VICTIMS IN MINNESOTA.
Abstract
THE MANUAL IS THE WORK OF A GROUP OF RAPE VICTIMS, TRAINED RAPE COUNSELORS, AND OTHER WOMEN INTERESTED IN THE RAPE ISSUE WHO FORMED MINNESOTA'S NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN TASK FORCE ON RAPE. THE MANUAL OPENS WITH A DISCUSSION OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF PERSONS WHO PROVIDE SUPPORT SERVICES TO RAPE VICTIMS. PATTERNS OF RESPONSE TO THE RAPE CRISIS ARE CONSIDERED, AND WAYS IN WHICH SERVICE PROVIDERS CAN HELP RAPE VICTIMS DEAL WITH THEIR EXPERIENCE ARE SUGGESTED. THE DISCUSSION TOUCHES ON THE VICTIM'S FEAR OF PEOPLE AND SENSE OF VULNERABILITY, HER FEELING THAT SHE HAS LOST CONTROL OVER HER LIFE, HER FEAR OF THE RAPIST OR CONCERN ABOUT WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO HIM, AND THE RANGE OF FEELINGS THE VICTIM MAY EXPERIENCE (ANXIETY, GUILT, SHAME, EMBARRASSMENT, ANGER). FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE RESPONSE OF POLICE, ATTORNEYS, JURIES AND OTHERS TO RAPE VICTIMS ARE ALSO EXAMINED. A DETAILED OUTLINED OF MEDICAL SERVICES THAT SHOULD BE OFFERED TO RAPE VICTIMS IS PRESENTED, AS ARE GUIDELINES FOR AVOIDING RAPE AND FOR SELF-DEFENSE AGAINST RAPISTS. MINNESOTA'S RAPE LAWS ARE REVIEWED, LEGAL RIGHTS AND PROCEDURES FOR RAPE VICTIMS ARE EXAMINED, AND SUGGESTIONS FOR REVISING MINNESOTA'S LAWS AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT ARE OFFERED. THE RESOURCE SECTION OF THE MANUAL INCLUDES A SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY ON RAPE AND DESCRIPTIONS OF MEDICAL, LEGAL, AND SOCIAL AGENCIES SERVING RAPE VICTIMS IN MINNESOTA.