NCJ Number
63473
Date Published
1978
Length
78 pages
Annotation
THIS REPORT EVALUATING THE RESPONSE OF THE BROWARD COUNTY, FLA., SEXUAL ASSAULT TREATMENT CENTER (SATC) TO THE RAPE VICTIM FOCUSES ON THE VICTIM, THE CRIME, THE LAW, THE PUBLIC, AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.
Abstract
THE EVALUATION SOUGHT TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PROGRAM INCREASED THE NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS AND PROVIDED CONTINUING SUPPORT TO VICTIMS. SATC WAS SUPPORTED BY LEAA FUNDS AND STATE AND LOCAL MATCHING FUNDS. IT BEGAN FULL OPERATIONS IN AUGUST 1977. SATC GOALS WERE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT AND IMMEDIATE MEDICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES TO VICTIMS OF RAPE, CHILD MOLESTATION, AND INCEST; TO AID PROSECUTION EFFORTS; AND TO EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY ON ALL ASPECTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT, ESPECIALLY PREVENTION. THE PROGRAM INCLUDES A 24-HOUR HOTLINE SERVICE, 24-HOUR EMERGENCY PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES, FOLLOWUP THERAPY, AND RELATED SERVICES. THE EVALUATION WAS BASED ON RECORD REVIEW, SITE VISITS, AND QUESTIONNAIRES TO CLIENTS, POLICE, MEDICAL PERSONNEL, AND REFERRAL AGENCIES. RESULTS INDICATED THAT MOST VICTIMS FOUND THAT SATC EFFECTIVELY PROVIDED MEDICAL AND EMOTIONAL TREATMENT. AGENCIES SURVEYED ALL VOICED CONTINUING SUPPORT OF THE PROGRAM, BUT RECOMMENDED CERTAIN PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS. FEASIBLE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THOSE SURVEYED INCLUDED (1) ENSURING THAT MEDICAL REPORTS ARE CONFINED TO MEDICAL OPINION, (2) PROVIDING A BACKUP SYSTEM FOR DOCTORS TO PREVENT DELAY, (3) STRENGTHENING FOLLOWUP, (4) PROVIDING SPECIALIZED COUNSELING TO CHILD VICTIMS, (5) USING VICTIMS TO HELP TRAIN VOLUNTEER COUNSELORS, (6) ESTABLISHING VICTIM GROUP ENCOUNTER SESSIONS, (7) GIVING POLICE WALLET-SIZED SATC REFERRAL CARDS, (8) PHOTOGRAPHING SEXUAL BATTERY TO AID PROSECUTION, (9) ESTABLISHING A SPECIAL RAPE UNIT IN EACH POLICE DEPARTMENT, (10) INCREASING PUBLIC AWARENESS, (11) ESTABLISHING ANOTHER TREATMENT CENTER, (12) IMPROVING RECORDS FOR TRACKING, (13) PROVIDING LEGAL COUNSELING, AND (14) PLACING THE PROGRAM TELEPHONE NUMBER IN THE EMERGENCY LISTING SECTION OF THE TELEPHONE DIRECTORY. DIAGRAMS, TABLES, AND EXTENSIVE EXHIBITS PROVIDING ADDITIONAL DATA AND THE PROGRAM BROCHURES ARE INCLUDED. (CFW)