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Rape Victims' Concerns About Possible Exposure to HIV Infection

NCJ Number
126579
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1990) Pages: 49-60
Author(s)
T C Baker; A W Burgess; E Brickman; R C Davis
Date Published
1990
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The advent of the HIV virus, and its relationship with AIDS, has added to the trauma of rape victims.
Abstract
This article presents preliminary finds of a study currently being conducted in New York City. Data on concerns of sexual assault victims regarding HIV infection and AIDS are examined in light of three hypotheses: (1) that victims expressing concerns about AIDS display higher levels of post-crime symptomatology than those not expressing concern; (2) that both economic status and race affect level of AIDS anxiety; and (3) that victims are concerned about the response of their social network to the threat of HIV infection. It is hoped that these preliminary data will alert rape counselors to the fact that some victims will be concerned about HIV infection and to provide some insight into the nature of that fear. 5 tables and 30 references