Sexual Assault: Victimization Across the Life Span, Volumes I & II

• NCJ Number: 201997
• Author(s): Angelo P. Giardino; Elizabeth M. Datner; Janice B. Asher
• Date Published: 2003
• Length: 1430 pages
• Sale Source: G. W. Medical Publishing, Inc.
• Publication Format: Book (Hardbound)
• Publication Type: Overview Text; Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Designed to bring together the best information available on sexual victimization across the entire lifespan, the chapters of the first volume of this two-volume book are organized to present information from the medical and mental health literature specific to the various victim age groups; the second volume is a Color Atlas that constitutes a photographic elaboration of the first volume, using over 1,600 photographs arranged by cases of injury, non-assault, and normal findings.

Abstract

The goal of this book is to present information that will lead to better protection and care for victims of sexual assault. Written for healthcare professionals and other mandated reporters, the first volume defines sexual assault, explores its various aspects, and outlines treatment and interventions on behalf of victims. Victim characteristics are discussed, with an emphasis on child victims. The information presented is intended to improve the effectiveness of both those who care for the victims and those who manage the disposition of the perpetrators. Attention is given to the knowledge and responsibilities required of physicians, paramedics, law enforcement personnel, court personnel, social workers, and professionals who work with children. The volume also offers information on programs that are operating or are being planned to aid in preventing sexual assault. The information provided is categorized by the age group of the victim (child, adolescent, and adult), by circumstance and type of sexual assault, and by type of injury or possible effect (e.g., sexually transmitted disease, pregnancy, and psychological harm) of the assault. The second volume, the Color Atlas presents photographs pertinent to sexual assault diagnosis and injury arranged by the developmental stages of infancy, childhood, preadolescence, Tanner stage 1 (9-12 years), adolescence, adulthood, middle-age, and the elderly. The provision of such photos is based in the belief that the healthcare professionals who deal with persons who might be victims of sexual assault must have an understanding of the anatomical and physiological changes through the life span and how these changes will affect the observations made in a sexual assault examination. Chapter references