NCJ Number
31110
Journal
Case and Comment Volume: 80 Issue: 6 Dated: (NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 1975) Pages: 3-16
Date Published
1975
Length
14 pages
Annotation
DISCUSSION OF THE TRAUMA SUFFERED BY THE RAPE VICTIM IN HER CONTACT WITH THE LEGAL SYSTEM.
Abstract
FROM THEIR STUDY OF 17 CASES OF RAPE THAT WENT TO COURT, THE AUTHORS IDENTIFY SOME OF THE PROCEDURES THAT ARE LIKELY TO PROVE EMBARRASSING OR PAINFUL TO RAPE VICTIMS. THESE ASPECTS OF THE PROCESSING OF RAPE VICTIMS ARE SKEPTICAL POLICE OFFICERS, INDIFFERENT PROSECUTORS, CONTINUANCES AND DELAYS, THE DOUBTING OF THE VICTIM'S REPUTATION AND CREDIBILITY, A SEEMINGLY REMOTE AND INDIFFERENT JUDGE, EMBARRASSING DIRECT EXAMINATION, HARSH AND SKIPTICAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS, AND FRUSTRATING CROSS EXAMINATION.