NCJ Number
94819
Date Published
1981
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The Rape Counseling Team at Yale-New Haven Hospital in Connecticut has been instrumental in increasing the reporting of sexual assaults and in victims' cooperation with the prosecution.
Abstract
The New Haven County State's Attorney says that his office is handling between 80 and 100 sexual assault cases per year, with a conviction rate close to 95 percent. The counseling team, which has existed for 7 years, consists of physicians, social workers, nurses, and chaplains. Their purpose is to provide medical support, advocacy for the victim, and counseling for the victim's spouse, partner, or family. Although most of the counselors are women, men also play a vital role. When a rape victim arrives in the emergency room, the charge nurse notifies a member of the team. This person is usually the first to see the victim and may spend several hours talking with the victim before a physical examination is conducted. The focus is on restoring a sense of control to the victim. The patient is involved in decisionmaking from the outset. Counselors help victims deal with their initial emotional responses to the rape, their physical concerns, and their concerns about their relationships. Followup care continues during the crisis resolution period of 4 to 6 weeks. Victims are encouraged to report the rape to the police. Team director Barbara Moynihan has drafted a protocol for police training which has been adopted statewide. Guidelines to help citizens avoid rape, assault, or other violent crime are included.