NCJ Number
38884
Journal
American Journal of Orthopsychiatry Volume: 47 Issue: 1 Dated: (JANUARY 1977) Pages: 91-96
Date Published
1977
Length
6 pages
Annotation
PAPER IDENTIFIES PROBLEMS INHERENT IN MEN ATTEMPTING CRISIS INTERVENTION COUNSELING OF FEMALE RAPE VICTIMS AND DISCUSSES MALE MISCONCEPTIONS AND RESPONSES THAT MAY UNDERMINE THE EFFORTS OF WELL-MEANING COUNSELORS.
Abstract
THE AUTHOR CONTENDS THAT THERAPEUTIC COUNSELING IS EFFECTIVE WHEN THE COUNSELOR EMPATHIZES WITH THE RAPE VICTIM. NOTED ARE SOME OF THE DIFFICULTIES MALE COUNSELORS MAY EXPERIENCE IN RESPONDING TO THE TRAUMA WITHOUT BIAS OR PRECONCEIVED MISCONCEPTIONS OF THE CRIME ITSELF. ALSO TREATED IS THE PROBLEM OF A MALE COUNSELOR IDENTIFYING WITH A FEMALE RAPE VICTIM. IT IS FURTHER SUGGESTED THAT AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE VICTIM'S RESPONSE TO THE CRISIS WILL ESCALATE HER RECONSTITUTIVE EFFORTS. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT THE INITIAL INTERACTION WITH A RAPE VICTIM SHOULD NOT BE A COMPENSATORY OR CORRECTIVE EXPERIENCE, BUT ONE IN WHICH AN EMPHATHIC COUNSELOR OFFERS SUPPORTIVE COMMUNICATION...KAP