NCJ Number
85716
Date Published
1981
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Mental health services for victims are inadequate because they have evolved from the service system's need for a response to certain pressure groups (i.e., rape victims, Vietnam Veterans) rather than from an understanding of the trauma of victimization.
Abstract
Relevant issues are being raised by constituent victim groups, and mental health service research and development agendas should address them. A responsive outreach capability and refined short-term, crisis-oriented services are needed along with support systems for family members, particularly those who may be at risk for related difficulties. Treatment approaches mediating or reversing the long-term effects of victimization need to be developed, and useful goals need to be established in the treatment of victims that will encourage further self-development. Standards need to be set for evaluating the success of these initiatives. In sum, a generic, theoretical model of catastrophe, trauma, or posttraumatic stress reactions has yet to be developed, along with designs and methods for conducting evaluations of the service delivery offered victims. A total of 27 references are given.