TOO OFTEN A RAPE VICTIM IS FURTHER ABUSED BY THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND MEDICAL OFFICIALS. COUNSELORS AND MEDICAL PERSONNEL SHOULD BE PREPARED TO RAPIDLY ASSIST THE VICTIM AND ALLEVIATE HER FEARS. NURSES ASSIGNED TO RAPE CASES MUST BE WELL-TRAINED TO DEMONSTRATE PROPER CONCERN FOR THE VICTIM, AND TO FOLLOW PROPER MEDICAL AND LEGAL PROCEDURES. A VICTIM SHOULD NOT BE COMPELLED TO REPEAT HER STORY TO EACH PERSON WHO ASSISTS HER, BUT SUFFICIENT INFORMATION SHOULD BE CAREFULLY OBTAINED TO ENABLE THE MEDICAL PERSONNEL TO BEGIN TREATMENT OF TRAUMA AND FOR ADEQUATE EVIDENCE OF THE CRIME TO BE OBTAINED. DOCTORS ALSO MUST ASSURE THE PATIENT THAT MEDICAL INFORMATION WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL. DETAILED INFORMATION WILL BE REQUIRED FOR PROPER TREATMENT FOR VENEREAL DISEASE AND PREGNANCY. SPECIFIC TEST PROCEDURES AND EVIDENCE COLLECTION TECHNIQUES ARE DESCRIBED. REFERENCE IS MADE TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF ANTIBIOTICS AND CONTRACEPTIVE MEDICATIONS. EMOTIONAL TRAUMA IS COMMON, AND REQUIRES CAREFUL COUNSELING AND THE SUPPORT OF FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS. FOLLOWUP ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE MADE WHILE THE VICTIM IS STILL AT THE HOSPITAL. (TWK)