NCJ Number
59226
Journal
MIDWIFE, HEALTH VISITOR AND COMMUNITY NURSE Volume: 12 Issue: 9 Dated: (SEPTEMBER 1976) Pages: 284-286
Date Published
1976
Length
3 pages
Annotation
A BRITISH POLICE MEDICAL OFFICER DISCUSSES THE EFFECTS OF RAPE ON WOMEN AND THE PART THE COMMUNITY NURSE CAN PLAY IN COUNSELING ANS ASSISTING RAPE VICTIMS.
Abstract
THE DISCUSSION TOUCHES ON THE TRAUMAS SUFFERED BY RAPE VICTIMS AS THEY ATTEMPT TO CONVINCE THE POLICE OF THE VALIDITY OF THEIR COMPLAINTS, UNDERGO MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS, AND THEN ARE SUBJECTED TO HARSH CROSS-EXAMINATION DURING TRIAL. A BRITISH GOVERNMENT REPORT WHICH RECOMMENDED CURTAILMENT OF THE CROSS-EXAMINATION OF RAPE VICTIMS AND ANONYMITY FOR VICTIMS IS NOTED, AS IS THE POSSIBILITY THAT SUCH MEASURES WOULD ENCOURAGE MORE WOMEN TO FILE CHARGES IN RAPE CASES. THE IMPORTANCE OF DEALING SYMPATHETICALLY WITH RAPE VICTIMS DURING MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS IS BROUGHT OUT, AS IS THE NEED FOR CAREFUL HANDLING OF ALL EVIDENCE. ANECDOTES ARE USED TO ILLUSTRATE THE PSYCHOLOGICAL DAMAGE CAUSED BY RAPE, THE PROBLEMS INVOLVED IN GATHERING AND PROTECTING EVIDENCE, AND CASES IN WHICH WOMEN FILED FALSE COMPLAINTS OF RAPE. COMMUNITY NURSES ARE URGED TO ENCOURAGE WOMEN TO REPORT RAPES; TO EXPLAIN TO THEM THAT THEY WILL BE TREATED SYMPATHETICALLY BY POLICE SURGEONS AND THAT THEY MAY REQUEST A FEMALE MEDICAL OFFICER; TO EXPLAIN WHY DETAILED HISTORIES AND MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS AND THE TAKING OF SAMPLES ARE NECESSARY IN RAPE CASES; AND TO BECOME INVOLVED IN COUNSELING VICTIMS. (LKM)