NCJ Number
163974
Date Published
1996
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This chapter addresses various aspects of crisis intervention, criminal justice, and social services that pertain to the rape victim/survivor.
Abstract
The discussion focuses on the legal definition of rape, the frequency of this type of offense, and various crisis intervention and criminal justice issues and procedures. Attention is given to specific considerations designed to assist the intervener in addressing the emotional and physical needs of the rape victim/survivor. Also discussed are the reporting of rape to the police, types of rape, rape myths, and victim/survivor reaction to rape. A section on crisis intervention with the rape victim/survivor focuses on information gathering, initial contact between the victim/survivor and intervener, emergency medical intervention, and victim/survivor coping process and aftercare. Family and mate response and intervention are discussed as well. In considering how the criminal justice system interacts with the rape victim/survivor, the chapter notes that changes have recently occurred in the criminal justice processing of such cases; these changes include the use of specialized teams in law enforcement agencies and prosecutors' offices to address rape cases, the development of victim advocate and victim witness programs, and laws that reform the manner in which rape cases are prosecuted. Other issues discussed are rape shield statutes, rape victims and the issue of witness impeachment, rape trauma syndrome and the courts, and victim impact statements. Chapter questions, simulated exercises, and 46 references