NCJ Number
44700
Editor(s)
D R NASS
Date Published
1977
Length
188 pages
Annotation
PROBLEMS FACED BY RAPE VICTIMS AND THERAPEUTIC RESPONSES TO THE RAPE TRAUMA ARE DISCUSSED IN A COLLECTION OF 14 ARTICLES.
Abstract
THE WRITINGS REFLECT THE IDEA THAT THE PSYCHOLOGICAL PAIN EXPERIENCED BY THE RAPE VICTIM ARISES NOT ONLY FROM THE EVENT ITSELF, BUT ALSO FROM SOCIETAL FACTORS THAT TEND TO EXACERBATE THE VICTIM'S SUFFERING. THIS VIEW SUGGESTS A NEED FOR TWO KINDS OF SUPPORTIVE SERVICES: COUNSELING TO THE VICTIM TO HELP HER OVERCOME HER SENSE OF UNRESOLVED GUILT; AND EDUCATION DIRECTED AT MODIFYING THE ATTITUDES OF THE PUBLIC. PART I ARTICLES DISCUSS SUCH PROBLEMS AS THE RESPONSE OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO DISCLOSURES INVOLVING ILLICIT SEX ACTS; THE SKEPTICISM OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, HEALTH CARE, AND COURT PERSONNEL CONCERNING THE RAPE VICTIM'S INNOCENCE; AND THE CORROBORATION DEMANDED FOR CONVICTION OF A DEFENDANT IN A RAPE CASE. PART II ARTICLES CONCERN THE ASSESSMENT OF THE RAPE SITUATION AND THE MEDICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES REQUIRED BY RAPE VICTIMS. LISTS OF REFERENCES ACCOMPANY THE INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES. AN INDEX IS PROVIDED. FOR SEPARATE ARTICLES, SEE NCJ-44701 THROUGH 44709 AND NCJ-12611, 43437, 19314, 36935, AND 34001.