NCJ Number
75338
Journal
Human Services in the Rural Environment Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: (September-October 1979) Pages: 29-39
Date Published
1979
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article describes the problems and needs of sexual assault victims in rural areas, discusses how those problems negatively affect the rural justice system, outlines a model rural rape crisis center in operation in Mississippi, and offers suggestions for improving the quality of rural justice.
Abstract
Although rural and urban rape victims share many needs and problems, the lack of anonymity and confidentiality can be a great problem in rural areas. Pressure not to report the crime or to press charges may be exerted by family members in an effort to maintain the social fabric of the community. Problems of objectivity exist in rural courts, where victims with unchaste reputations or who live outside the community may find it difficult to prosecute or convict a local male. Another major problem is that few rural areas have the finances to support a full-time rape crisis center; the number of rapes may not justify a center's establishment. A rape crisis center, which began as part of the regional community mental health center in Mississippi, built on existing resources. In this center, skilled mental health professionals form a team comprised almost entirely of females to provide community education, to train outreach workers, to advise community health and legal personnel, and to provide specialized services to victims. Overcoming suspicion of and opposition to a new service is accomplished through a community oriented effort based on the existing consultation and education component of the regional mental health program. Nine notes and three references follow the text.