NCJ Number
108773
Date Published
1983
Length
160 pages
Annotation
This examination of rape and the criminal justice response to it focused on the impact of rape law reforms and the victims' experiences of rape.
Abstract
Four major reforms have been enacted: changes in the definitions of various criminal sexual activities; delineations of degrees of sexual assault and related aggravating circumstances; substantive legal and procedural reforms to protect complainant privacy, and on the admissibility of complainant sexual history and corroborative evidence; and provision of victim support services, including financial, medical, counseling, and followup services. Studies on these reforms, conducted in 1981-1982, included interviews with 50 female rape victims on their experience; an analysis of police processing of rape cases based on interview and official records, an examination of reporting, police experience and training, police-complainant liaison, and medical examinations; and an analysis of examined evidentiary and privacy issues in 83 trials. A study of victim services throughout the country examined crisis centers, women's shelters, victim compensation, and the involvement of the medical profession and other counseling organizations. Finally, interviews and submissions from individuals and organizations were sought about proposed reforms to law and practice. 59 references.