NCJ Number
150812
Journal
School Intervention Report Volume: 7 Issue: 4 Dated: (Summer 1994) Pages: 10-12
Date Published
1994
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Costs associated with sexual assault totaled $63 million in 1990 and included medical expenses, lost pay, theft and damage, and other costs.
Abstract
The average cost for sexual assault victims totaled $47,000, primarily for the treatment of psychological trauma. About 60 percent of rape victims were physically injured, compared to 30 percent of victims of other crimes. Of 229,000 sexual assaults documented between 1987 and 1990, 148,000 victims were raped more than once, 305 victims died, 90,000 victims suffered nonfatal physical injuries, and 6,000 victims required hospitalization. Sexual assault victims frequently received counseling and advocacy services following the attack. Almost one-third suffered from posttraumatic stress disorder at some point in their lives. Psychological injury resulted from 57 percent of sexual assaults. Mental health costs per sexual assault victim were estimated at $36,306. Criminal justice funds spent due to sexual violence involved law enforcement expenses, court costs, criminal justice personnel, public education, and offender incarceration. Sexual assault victims required a range of medical services, including emergency medical care, pregnancy testing, HIV testing, testing for sexually transmitted diseases, and sometimes abortion. The total expenditure for victim services exceeded $200 million in 1987, and sexual harassment cost major corporations $6.7 million per year in 1988. 7 references