NCJ Number
212759
Journal
Violence Against Women Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2006 Pages: 30-45
Date Published
January 2006
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study compared the post-rape legal and medical system experiences of rape survivors who used a rape victim advocate with those of rape survivors who did not use an advocate.
Abstract
Over 1,000 community-based rape crisis centers assist rape victims across the country. Among their services are crisis intervention, medical and legal advocacy, and counseling. This study assessed how advocates might influence the medical and legal experiences of rape survivors by interviewing 81 rape victims in 2 large urban hospitals right before their discharge. Interviews focused on what had just occurred in their contacts with the medical and law enforcement systems, the service delivery methods, secondary victimization behaviors, and secondary victimization emotions. Results of statistical analyses indicated that victims who worked with advocates were more likely to have police reports taken and were less likely to have negative experiences with police officers. Similarly, victims who worked with advocates received more medical services and reported fewer negative experiences and less distress related to their medical care. The findings suggest that rape crisis centers should make the widespread availability of rape victim advocates a priority. Tables, references