NCJ Number
26992
Journal
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CRIMINOLOGY AND PENOLOGY Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: (MAY 1975) Pages: 101-110
Date Published
1975
Length
10 pages
Annotation
A STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF SEVERAL INSTITUTIONS - INCLUDING THE POLICE, HOSPITALS, AND COURTS - ON RAPE VICTIMS.
Abstract
THE STUDY IS BASED ON THE MONITORING OF 61 RAPE VICTIMS' PROGRESS THROUGH THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AFTER REPORTING THE CRIME. TWO THIRDS OF THE VICTIMS REPORTED THAT THE POLICE HAD TREATED THEM WELL. TWO THIRDS WERE EAGER TO PRESS CHARGES, CITING MOST OFTEN A DESIRE TO PROTECT OTHERS, BUT ALSO GIVING PERSONAL OUTRAGE AND A DESIRE FOR JUSTICE AS REASONS. THOSE DECLINING TO PRESS CHARGES CITED FEAR OF REVENGE, UNWILLINGNESS TO SEND SOMEONE TO JAIL, AND FEAR OF THE COURT ORDEAL. OF THOSE WHO DO GO TO COURT, MOST FEEL VICTIMIZED BY THE COURT PROCEDURE, DUE TO DELAYS, THE PUBLIC SETTING, AND THE TENDENCY TO TREAT THE VICTIM LIKE AN OFFENDER.