NCJ Number
156621
Date Published
1992
Length
130 pages
Annotation
This analysis of standardized assessment of sexual assault victims in Washington State reviewed current practice in State- funded sexual assault treatment programs, determined the feasibility of standardized assessment, and developed a standard assessment device.
Abstract
The methodology involved convening a group of 10 consultants from various programs. The consultants emphasize that many victims and their families have multiple problems when they seek services, some of which may not be directly related to the assault experience but may affect recovery. Programs located in more general settings tend to integrate assault-specific treatment into the overall treatment program. Adolescent and adult rape victims were seldom identified as a major client population. This report recommends that the Department of Community Development (DCD) and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) encourage the use of the assault-specific checklist or require therapists to document assault-related psychological problems in those programs funded by these agencies. A second recommendation is that DCD and DSHS maintain a compendium of extant protocols and assessment devices to be made available to programs and practitioners. DCD and DSHS should also consider hosting a grantees' meeting once a year for information sharing and continuing education. Recommended as well are expanded treatment services for teenage and adult rape victims and additional research on treatment approaches. Appended assessment forms