RAPE VICTIM - CHALLENGE TO THE HELPING SYSTEMS

• NCJ Number: 37146
• Journal: Victimology Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (SUMMER 1976) Pages: 263-271
• Author(s): M BARD
• Date Published: 1976
• Length: 9 pages
• Corporate Author: Visage Press, Inc
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THIS PAPER IDENTIFIES COMMON FINDINGS EMERGING FROM RESEARCH STUDIES ON THE RAPE CRISIS, STRESSING THEIR PROGRAM AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS FOR THE ROLES PLAYED BY THE VARIOUS HELPING SYSTEMS.

Abstract

THE SYSTEMS IDENTIFIED AS HAVING INTEGRAL ROLES TO PLAY IN PROVIDING SERVICES TO RAPE VICTIMS ARE HEALTH CARE AGENCIES, THE POLICE, SOCIAL AND MENTAL HEALTH AGENCIES, PROSECUTORS AND COURTS, AND WOMEN'S GROUPS. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT THE TRAUMATIC EFFECT OF THE ACT OF RAPE UPON THE VICTIM THAT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED BY RESEARCH STUDIES REQUIRES THAT RELEVANT HELPING SYSTEMS CHANGE BOTH ATTITUDES AND OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES IF THE VICTIM'S SUFFERING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DAMAGE IS NOT TO BE COMPOUNDED. STRATEGIES FOR CHANGE TO EFFECTIVELY SERVE VICTIMS ARE OUTLINED. REFERENCES ARE INCLUDED.