NCJ Number
91960
Date Published
1979
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This document describes the Stop Rape Crisis Center (SRCC) in Baton Rouge, La., a coordinated service for rape victims that is run mostly by volunteers.
Abstract
The rape victim typically contacts SRCC via its 24-hour hotline telephone number. A special telephone service automatically forwards calls from the SRCC office to a counselor's home during nonworking hours. The counselors offers the victim immediate advice and support and explains the reporting procedure. A trained escort counselor accompanies the victim from the time she reports the crime through the medical examination, investigation by police and prosecutor, preparation for trial, and throughout all trial hearings. The SRCC has several outstanding features: it is placed within the District Attorney's Office, which greatly enhances its credibility in dealing with other criminal justice personnel, community agencies, the public, and potential and actual rape victims; representatives of the police and sheriff's department, and local physicians all participated in the planning of the SRCC; and emergency medical services are provided to rape victims at no cost to the victim or the project by two hospitals. Photographs are included. For full report, see NCJ-60498.