NCJ Number
101605
Date Published
1984
Length
315 pages
Annotation
To examine the current status of rape-victim services and identify additional service needs in Florida, interviews were conducted in 1983-84 with over 200 professionals in over 130 organizations, including rape service programs, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and State Attorneys' offices.
Abstract
Results indicate that the State has 25 outstanding programs providing specialized, high-quality services to rape victims. They vary in structure, staffing, and approach; most are underfunded; and most emphasize crisis intervention. However, 31 counties at present lack such specialized services. Victim services were most effective in programs where there were close linkages among service networks. While understanding of the treatment of rape victims has increased dramatically over the past decade in Florida, there has been little emphasis on prevention and there is a need for more public education to dispel the pervasive myths about rape and rape victims. Included are descriptions of the 25 rape victim programs; special innovations are highlighted. Recommendations for improving victim services focus on victims' medical, social services, and criminal justice needs. Emphasis is placed on the need for more funding, increased availability of specialized rape services throughout the State, more long-term services for victims, and greater emphasis on professional and public education. Supplementary research materials and 79 references.