NCJ Number
198995
Date Published
2002
Length
106 pages
Annotation
This guide provides a uniform definition of sexual violence and suggests data elements in order to more accurately measure the problem of sexual violence in the United States.
Abstract
Sexual violence is a pervasive social and public health problem. It is estimated that one in six women experience an attempted or completed rape during their lifetime. However, due to its private and sensitive nature, sexual violence remains an elusive crime. It is an under-reported crime that also has many different definitions. Varying definitions compound the problem of assessing its prevalence. As such, this guide offers uniform definitions for sexual violence and its associated terms. Establishing clear and uniform definitions for acts of sexual violence is crucial to monitoring its prevalence, deciphering trends, and comparing the problem across jurisdictions. Data elements for tracking sexual violence are also presented to assist jurisdictions in creating instruments for surveillance. Each data element contains a description or definition, uses of the data element, types of surveillance recommended, data type, maximum allowed field length, field values, and coding instructions. The technical notes at the end of the guide describe data types and addresses missing, unknown, and null data. Recommendations are included for handling data elements that are not applicable to the selected groups of individuals. Although this guide deals specifically with measurement issues and surveillance, it is recommended that future research focus on the psychological consequences of sexual violence and the connections between multiple experiences of sexual violence over the life course. References, technical notes, appendix