NCJ Number
163626
Editor(s)
T L Jackson
Date Published
1996
Length
275 pages
Annotation
This volume covers salient issues involved in the crime of acquaintance rape; written by researchers, clinicians, and consultants, volume chapters are intended to be informative, instructional, and representative of current knowledge and techniques relevant to various aspects of acquaintance rape.
Abstract
Recent research suggests that between 50 and 90 percent of females represented in clinical samples report a history of rape or other forms of sexual assault. Because acquaintance rape appears to be relatively frequent, the volume has three goals: (1) increase sensitivity regarding individual and societal contexts in which acquaintance rape occurs; (2) enhance assessment and treatment knowledge in working with victims and perpetrators of acquaintance rape; and (3) expand information and available techniques regarding education and prevention strategies designed to prevent unwanted sexual contact in the context of both personal and professional relationships. Factors that allow rape to continue at an unabated pace are addressed, including societal issues, situational circumstances, mistaken perceptions, blame factors, and cultural responses to victims and perpetrators. Characteristics of rapists and assessment and therapeutic issues involved in dealing with perpetrators are described. Particular attention is focused on responses of acquaintance rape victims and on treatment issues. The importance of rape education and prevention is discussed, and sexually assertive communication training is summarized as a significant component of rape education and treatment programs. Definitional issues and incidence figures involving rape and sexual assault are presented. References and tables