NCJ Number
141036
Date Published
1991
Length
24 pages
Annotation
Although rape victims can experience profound and longlasting effects, recent research and development on theories and treatment appear promising.
Abstract
Cognitive, behavioral, and emotional reactions after a sexual assault typically follow a predictable pattern, beginning with strong immediate reactions and continuing in many women with chronic and disabling psychological difficulties. Feminist, crisis, social learning, and cognitive theories have all contributed to the understanding of these issues. Treatment for rape victims has traditionally occurred in rape crisis centers and has emphasized crisis intervention and supportive therapy. Behavioral interventions include systematic desensitization, cognitive therapy, flooding, sexual dysfunction therapy, and stress inoculation training. In the few outcome studies conducted so far, no therapy has been found superior to the others being compared and no one therapy has provided benefits to all clients. All the therapies avoid attitudes of blaming the victim and provide a supportive, matter-of- fact attitude in which rape is considered a criminal victimization rather than a stigmatizing event. The therapies are also brief, although some victims may require more extensive treatment. Case study, table, figures, and 92 references