NCJ Number
78355
Date Published
1981
Length
42 pages
Annotation
This evaluation of local sexual assault programs in Minnesota was conducted to provide information on strengthening sexual assault services and for measuring the impact of local programs on each service area.
Abstract
Data were collected for fiscal year 1980 from the grantees' quarterly reports and from a survey of community organizations, county attorneys and law enforcement, social service and hospital personnel with each grantee's service area. The report evaluates data on four program components -- victim services, professional training, coordination of services and community education -- as well as programming to meet the needs of special populations. Findings indicate that 20 grantees provided services to 2,103 victims throughout the State. There has been a substantial increase each quarter in the number of victims served by the grantees since July 1979; the range of services included crisis intervention, referral, peer support groups, and assistance in such life sustaining needs as housing and child care. Of the victims served, 94 percent were women and 6 percent men, 82 percent were Caucasian, nearly one-third were under the age of 18, and a significant number were 46 years of age or older. Additionally, grantees provided 275 training programs to 7,025 participants, over half of the social services professionals made referrals to grantees, 874 public education presentations were provided, three grantees addressed the needs of special populations, volunteers contributed 80,000 hours to the programs, and funds were evenly distributed among victim services, professional training, and public education. Among the recommendations listed is the call for additional programs for racial minority sexual assault victims. Program profiles, a service area map, and data tables are provided.