NCJ Number
72803
Date Published
1980
Length
179 pages
Annotation
Viewing rape as an aggressive criminal act, this book provides rape victims with practical information concerning preserving evidence, approaching the court process, and finding witnesses. It also analyzes the personality of the rapist.
Abstract
Refuting the idea that rape victims in some way 'invite' encounters, the author asserts that rape is not a sex crime but a crime of violence committed by individuals with personality disorders distinguished by lack of conscience. Practical information is given for aiding the victim in gathering crucial data that may lead to conviction. Specific police procedures are detailed. Questions that are critical to the identification of the criminal are provided, and a special form (such as that many law enforcement agencies use for finding missing persons) is included. Medical aspects of rape investigation are discussed, and a rape treatment center form is reproduced. Further, the victim's participation in the legal process of prosecuting the rapist is discussed. The victim should be versed in at least the rudimentary terms of the law. Emphasis is given to the importance of her testimony: she must choose her words carefully, speak with conviction, and address the jury directly when answering questions from the attorney. Precautions that women can take to lessen their vulnerability to rape are provided for use in the street, the home, and the car. The characteristics and motivations of rapists are discussed in a lengthy appendix which includes interviews with convicted rapists. Other appendixes include notes for professionals who are involved in rape cases, information about the morals squad, and instructions for handling clinical evidence from rape victims. Charts, forms, and procedure outlines are included.