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IF IT HAPPENS TO YOU - RAPE

NCJ Number
47486
Author(s)
N W PORTER
Date Published
1976
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THE PORTRAYAL OF A YOUNG FEMALE RAPE VICTIM IN THIS FILM EMPHASIZES THE TREATMENT OF THE WOMAN'S PSYCHOLOGICAL, AS WELL AS PHYSIOLOGICAL, NEEDS AFTER BEING ASSAULTED.
Abstract
THE RAPE CRISIS INTERVENTION PROGRAM IN MASSACHUSETTS ATTENDS TO THE PHYSICAL TREATMENT OF A VICTIM IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND ASSISTS THE VICTIM THROUGH NOTIFICATION OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS, IF REQUESTED BY THE VICTIM. COUNSELING IS PROVIDED BY TRAINED PERSONNEL, AND INITIAL TESTIMONY CONCERNING THE ASSAULT IS TAKEN IN A NONTHREATENING MANNER. THE YOUNG VICTIM IS GIVEN ASSURANCE AND KINDNESS, UNLIKE OTHER SYSTEMS IN WHICH RAPE VICTIMS ARE LARGELY NEGLECTED. RAPE AND RESULTING TRAUMA ARE RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR AGGRESSIVE ASPECTS, RATHER THAN BEING CLOUDED BY MYTHS OF THEIR SEXUALITY AND ROMANCE. THE PATIENTS ARE GIVEN CAREFUL EXPLANATIONS OF THE LEGAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE PELVIC EXAMINATION, THE SMEAR FOR SPERM, AND THE BLOOD TESTS FOR VENEREAL DISEASE. CONTRACEPTION IN THE FORM OF THE MORNING-AFTER PILL IS AVAILABLE. UNDER MASSACHUSETTS LAW ANY PERSON CAN BE RAPED, AND RAPE OCCURS WITH THE MERE THREAT OF FORCE, NOT JUST WITH THE ACTUAL USE OF FORCE. POLICE WORK HAS BEEN IMPROVED TO INCLUDE THE PROTECTION OF VICTIMS WHO MAY HAVE BEEN THREATENED OR WHO SIMPLY ASK FOR SURVEILLANCE OF THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS. THE POLICE HAVE ALSO IMPROVED THEIR PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING EVIDENCE AND TESTIMONY IN RAPE INVESTIGATIONS. (TWK)