Rape: Victims and Survivors (From Crisis Intervention in Criminal Justice/Social Service, Fourth Edition, P 233-267, 2006, James E. Hendricks, Bryan D. Byers, eds., -- See NCJ-215593)

• NCJ Number: 215601
• Author(s): Diane M. Daane
• Date Published: 2006
• Length: 35 pages
• Sale Source: Charles C. Thomas
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Curriculum
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter provides an overview of the crime of rape with a focus on crisis intervention, criminal justice, and social services issues.

Abstract

Rape is a violent crime that can result in serious negative physical and psychological outcomes for victims. Rape crisis interveners must be well trained and knowledgeable about both the crime of rape and its consequences for victims/survivors and their friends and family. The author begins the chapter by dispelling common rape myths and then moves on to a discussion of the legal definition of rape followed by a review of the frequency and characteristics of rape and the different types of rape--stranger, acquaintance, date, and marital. The victim/survivor’s reaction to rape is considered and generally depends on a variety of factors, including the victim’s age, life situation, personality, the circumstances of the rape, and the response of those with whom the victim comes into contact with immediately following the attack. The author provides an overview of the goals and process of crisis intervention with rape victims/survivors, offering advice at each stage of the crisis intervention process: information gathering, initial contact with the victim/survivor, emergency medical intervention, and the coping and aftercare stage. Crisis intervention with family and friends of the victim/survivor is also considered as those close to the rape victim/survivor also experience intense emotion and trauma following the crime. Next, the author discusses the impact of the criminal justice process on the rape victim/survivor and notes the various reforms that have helped to ease this process for victims. Recent changes in the response of the criminal justice system to rape include the use of specialized teams to address rape cases, the development of victim advocate and victim witness programs, and the creation of rape shield laws that block courtroom discussion of a rape victim/survivors’ previous sexual experiences and relationships. The chapter concludes with discussion questions, simulated exercises, and a listing of Internet resources. Appendix, references