NCJ Number
34679
Journal
Prosecutor Volume: 11 Issue: 5 Dated: (1976) Pages: 357-359
Date Published
1976
Length
3 pages
Annotation
THIS ARTICLE OUTLINES THE PRIMARY FEATURES AND RESULTS OF THE MULTNOMAH COUNTY PROGRAM WHICH SEEKS TO IMPROVE PROSECUTION OF RAPE CASES AND PROVIDE ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT FOR RAPE VICTIMS.
Abstract
THE SPECIFIC GOALS OF THIS PROJECT, INITIATED IN DECEMBER 1971, WERE TO: (1) TO INCREASE THE PERCENTAGE OF RAPES REPORTED TO THE POLICE; (2) TO REDUCE TRAUMA AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF RAPE ON THE VICTIM; (3) TO PREVENT AN INCREASE IN ACTUAL NUMBERS OF FORCIBLE RAPES; (4) TO ALTER COMMUNITY ATTITUDES TOWARD THE CRIME OF RAPE; (5) TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF ARRESTS AND CONVICTIONS OF RAPE OFFENDERS; AND (6) TO ARRIVE AT A BETTER KNOWLEDGE OF THE CRIME AND TREATMENT NEEDS OF VICTIMS AND OFFENDERS. FEATURES OF THIS PROGRAM INCLUDE IMPROVED MEDICAL PROCEDURES, CONSULTATIONS WITH VICTIMS REGARDING PLEA NEGOTIATIONS, UNIT ISSUING OF RAPE CASES TO DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEYS, AND USE OF AN ADVOCACY STAFF OF THREE WOMEN AND VOLUNTEERS TO COUNSEL RAPE VICTIMS. THESE PROCEDURES HAVE HAD A DECIDED IMPACT IN THE ADJUDICATION OF RAPE CASES, THE AUTHOR NOTES. IN ADDITION, THE PROGRAM CONDUCTS PROFESSIONAL AND PUBLIC EDUCATION CONCERNING RAPE CASES. RESEARCH ON OFFENDER AND VICTIM CHARACTERISTICS AND CRIME-RELATED VARIABLES IS ALSO CONDUCTED, AND THE RESULTS OF THAT RESEARCH ARE BRIEFLY SUMMARIZED.