NCJ Number
68995
Date Published
1980
Length
0 pages
Annotation
A RAPE VICTIM EXPLAINS HOW SHE USED HER TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE TO HELP OTHER WOMEN DEAL WITH SIMILAR SITUATIONS.
Abstract
FOR 3 YEARS AFTER THE RAPE, THE VICTIM EXPERIENCED GUILT, DEEP DEPRESSIONS, THEN ANGER AT SOCIETY FOR TREATING HER LIKE A CRIMINAL. HOWEVER, WHEN SHE WAS ASKED TO ORGANIZE A RAPE TASK FORCE FOR THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN, SHE FELT ENORMOUS RELIEF AT THE CHANCE TO TALK WITH OTHER VICTIMS AND DECIDED TO ESTABLISH A HOT-LINE WITH EMERGENCY COUNSELING SERVICES FOR VICTIMS. HER GREATEST PLEASURE NOW LIES IN HELPING OTHER WOMEN IN HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOMS, ALTHOUGH THE MEN SHE HAS DATED SINCE HER DIVORCE RARELY UNDERSTAND HER ACTIVITIES. SHE ENCOURAGES VICTIMS NOT TO SUPPRESS HOSTILE FEELINGS, TO EXPECT UNPLEASANT AFTEREFFECTS SUCH AS FLASHBACKS AND TO REALIZE THAT THE LOSS OF PRIDE AND DIGNITY WILL AFFECT THE COURSE OF THEIR LIVES. EVERY WOMAN, IN HER VIEW, NEEDS A HUSBAND OR BROTHER TO HELP HER THROUGH THE EXPERIENCE OF RAPE. SHE FAVORS SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING FOR ALL WOMEN AND HOPES TO SEE LAWS CHANGED TO SUPPORT VICTIMS. SHE ALSO ADVOCATES SENSITIZATION OF EMERGENCY ROOM DOCTORS TO THE FEELING OF RAPE VICTIMS AND TO THEIR NEEDS. FOR PART I, SEE NCJ-68994.