NCJ Number
121867
Date Published
1986
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This booklet intends to help sexual assault victims and their supporters to a better understanding of their emotional reactions to the crime and the legal procedures in which they will be involved.
Abstract
After defining important terms pertaining to sexual offenses, the booklet outlines Michigan's criminal sexual conduct laws, emphasizing that rape is a violent act. An overview of common victim reactions to sexual assault encompasses fear, anger, phobias, self-blame and guilt, nightmares, mood swings, flashbacks, depression, and fear of sex. Guidance for dealing with these reactions includes seeking support from others, making a list of things to do each day, traveling, pampering oneself, writing down feelings, taking a self-defense class, and thinking positive. The importance of medical care is discussed; and hospital procedures, including the collection of physical evidence, are described. Factors in the decision about whether or not to report the sexual assault are reviewed, followed by a description of various steps in case processing and definitions of legal terms.