NCJ Number
146056
Date Published
1994
Length
202 pages
Annotation
Directed mainly to rape victims, this volume provides step-by-step instructions for gathering evidence, interacting with the police and other criminal justice professionals, preparing for the trial, testifying, and dealing with the psychological impacts of rape.
Abstract
The guidelines are also intended to assist victims of other crimes. The text details the specific elements of criminal investigations, the significance of medical evidence, and the steps involved in criminal proceedings and advises readers on how to aid prosecutors. It advises readers to write down everything they can remember about the rape or other crime, because their state of shock during the first interview with the police will probably prevent them from remembering many important details. The text provides guidance on how to describe a suspect, what questions to ask themselves or witnesses, how to testify positively, and how to deal with sexual assault trauma. Advice is also given on avoiding rape when at home, driving, or on the street. Appended profiles and interviews with rapists; recommendations for physicians, prosecutors, and police; a description of the responsibilities and records of the morals squad in the police department of Rochester, N.Y.; and guidelines on the preservation of medical evidence