NCJ Number
214701
Date Published
July 2002
Length
41 pages
Annotation
Intended for adult victims of sexual assault and their supporters, this guide for coping with sexual assault explains the characteristics of sexual assault and sexual violence and discusses emotional concerns and reactions after the assault, medical concerns, legal issues, the court process, victims' rights, long-term issues, and where to go for help.
Abstract
Information on the nature of sexual assault and sexual violence explains the many kinds of sexual violence and describes sexual assault as any physical sexual contact against the victim's will. Various tactics an offender may use to control the victim are noted. The booklet identifies the range of emotions that may be experienced following a sexual assault and ways of dealing with each feeling. The section on medical concerns provides general information on seeking medical care, concerns about pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, the use of alcohol and other drugs in a sexual assault, and information on "date-rape" drugs. The discussion of legal issues and the criminal justice process addresses the decision to report the crime, the police interview and investigation, evidence collection (rape kit exam), and polygraph and voice stress tests. The description of the court process covers the arraignment, preliminary hearing, the grand jury hearing, the trial, the sentencing hearing, and after the trial. Other legal and criminal justice topics discussed are accompaniment and support, bond and harassment, requesting an HIV test of the perpetrator, plea bargaining, testifying in court, and civil lawsuits. The section on victims' rights lists the legal rights a crime victim has in seeking care or becoming involved in the criminal justice system. Long-term issues considered pertain to emotional recovery and interactions with family members and friends. The booklet concludes with a listing of national and State/Territory resources of sexual assault victims.