NCJ Number
121854
Date Published
1986
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This third booklet of a three-companion set for disabled sexual assault victims provides information to help the victim's family members, advocates, and care providers understand and render services to the victim.
Abstract
After defining terms in the California State Penal Code relevant to sexual assault, the booklet presents statistics on the frequency and reporting of the sexual assault of disabled persons. Victims' behavioral, emotional, and medical signs of sexual assault are listed to help family members and professionals identify that sexual abuse has occurred when the victim will not volunteer this fact. This is followed by an outline of the symptoms of rape trauma syndrome. Advice on responding to a victim's disclosure includes believing what the victim says, staying calm, not displaying anger at the perpetrator, listening, being sympathetic, and not making promises that cannot be kept. Detailed advice is offered for the first person told of the assault by a victim shortly after the assault has occurred. In discussing aspects of confidentiality, the book provides guidelines on who should be told and by whom. Additional information covers the reporting of assaults, police and hospital procedures, court proceedings, victim compensation, and feelings of victims and their supporters. Resource list, glossary.