NCJ Number
146593
Journal
School Intervention Report Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: (Winter 1993) Pages: 1-16
Date Published
1993
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper focuses on why some victims of sexual assaults on college campuses decide to sue the college where the rape took place.
Abstract
By understanding more about these victims and the process they go through, colleges can learn more about how the process looks from the victim's point of view and how they can prevent a lawsuit. In addition, victims can learn about the costs and benefits of mounting a lawsuit against their school. The authors' interviews indicate that the factors associated with the decision to sue include parental involvement and support, mishandling by the institution, psychological variables, and the role of attorneys. The victims who sue are small in number, but their impact is disproportionate to their numbers. These young women experience significant pain, but the rewards can also be major. The analysis concludes that victims considering a lawsuit should try all other options first, select their attorney carefully, tell the attorney everything pertaining to the case, be committed to carrying the case through, and use all the support available.