U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Effects of Receiving a Rape Disclosure: College Friend's Stories

NCJ Number
245943
Journal
Violence Against Women Volume: 19 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2013 Pages: 658-670
Author(s)
Kathryn A. Branch; Tara N. Richards
Date Published
May 2013
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Research suggests that college women are at greater risk for rape and sexual assault than women in the general population or in a comparable age group.
Abstract
Research suggests that college women are at greater risk for rape and sexual assault than women in the general population or in a comparable age group. College women, away from home and family, may turn to friends for support. Friends may experience emotional reactions that affect their own functioning and may not feel they have anywhere to turn. In this study, we interviewed male and female college students who had received a rape disclosure from a friend. Their unique stories provide insight into the secondary effects of rape disclosure on friends. Implications of these findings for college campuses are discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage.