NCJ Number
58006
Date Published
1977
Length
110 pages
Annotation
THE ROLES OF POLICE, HOSPITALS, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELORS IN ASSISTING RAPE VICTIMS ARE DISCUSSED, AND A MANUAL TO GUIDE DEVELOPMENT OF A RAPE VICTIM PROGRAM IN LEAVENWORTH COUNTY, KANS., IS PRESENTED.
Abstract
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE PROBLEMS OF RAPE VICTIMS IS PRESENTED, WITH EMPHASIS ON THE NATURE OF RAPE AS A VIOLENT (AS OPPOSED TO SEXUAL) CRIME AND ON THE RAPE TRAUMA SYNDROME (A PSYCHOLOGICAL RESPONSE TO EXTREME FEAR). THE LITERATURE ON RAPE VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS AND TECHNIQUES IS REVIEWED. DUTIES OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY DISPATCHERS, PATROL OFFICERS, EVIDENCE-GATHERING PERSONNEL, AND DETECTIVES ARE SPECIFIED. BASED ON AN ANALYSIS OF THE NEEDS OF RAPE VICTIMS IN LEAVENWORTH COUNTY, A MANUAL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPREHENSIVE VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR THE COUNTY IS APPENDED. THE MANUAL INCLUDES A DISCUSSION OF THE RAPE TRAUMA SYNDROME, PLUS THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF POLICE, HOSPITALS, AND COUNSELING AGENCIES. THE GOAL OF THE PROPOSED PROGRAM IS TO REDUCE THE TRAUMA EXPERIENCED BY RAPE VICTIMS, TO PROMOTE RECOGNITION OF RAPE AS A LEGITIMATE HEALTH ISSUE, AND TO INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD THAT RAPE VICTIMS WILL FOLLOW THROUGH IN THE PROSECUTION OF THEIR ASSAILANTS. BOTH THE MANUAL AND THE STUDY REPORT INCLUDE BIBLIOGRAPHIES. (LKM)