NCJ Number
90024
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 11 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1983) Pages: 225-232
Date Published
1983
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article discusses principles for police interaction with rape victims, the impact of rape on the victim, rape myths, and rape prevention.
Abstract
The police officer has the responsibility of taking action to relieve the rape victim of physical and emotional suffering resulting from the crime and in addition must take steps to investigate the case and preserve the evidence. These responsibilities are interrelated in that the victim is more likely to be of assistance in the investigation if she is treated with understanding, patience, and kindness. The officer should make every effort to communicate understanding of what the victim is suffering, which must be based on officer training in the effects of rape, and to guard against putting the victim 'on trial' in the content and manner of questioning. It is also important that the officer be aware of rape myths and not lend support to these myths in verbal and nonverbal communications with the victim. Regarding the effects of rape, the primary emotional reaction of any rape victim is normally fear, with additional reactions including shame, humiliation, degradation, guilt, anger, self-blame, and revenge. Rape prevention tactics can include self-defense training, avoiding isolated public areas, keeping the doors and windows of houses and cars locked, and carrying nonlethal weapons to ward off attackers (mace, pens, keys, etc.). Twenty references are provided.