NCJ Number
153274
Date Published
1985
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Through comments by sexual assault victims, police officers, medical personnel, and an administrator of a rape crisis center, this video explores the importance and nature of sensitive responses to sexual assault victims.
Abstract
Sexual assault victims comment on their feelings and needs, especially their sense that society in general blames and demeans sexual assault victims for behavior that is perceived to increase their risk of being sexually assaulted. Victims voice their sense of being at fault for their victimization, which makes them particularly sensitive to judgmental remarks and indifferent demeanor by any officials involved in the criminal justice processing of the case. This includes police officers and medical emergency room personnel who conduct physical examinations for treatment and the obtaining of evidence. Comments by professionals who deal with rape victims note that the impact of rape may be more mental than physical, as victims feel they have lost control of their lives, particularly their psychological and physical security. Specific instructions to medical personnel are to never leave the victim in the emergency room waiting area, guide them immediately into a private room, and have a nurse in the presence of and attending to the victim at all times. The doctor who conducts the exam should be sensitive to the feelings of the victim and explain the role, nature, and purpose of the medical exam. A police officer explains the difference between an "expressive" (emotional) and "controlled" (unemotional) victim response. The officer cautions that a "controlled" response should not be interpreted to mean that the victim is being dishonest about the rape.