Supporting Victims Of Rape

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Recommended: Psychological effects of rape

This research proposal aims to highlight some of the potential implications that may occur when supporting victims of rape. This paper will try to help identify how important it is to ensure that effective interventions are used, when dealing with victims of sexual assault, with the hopes of improving knowledge on the effective interventions. The researcher will review existing interventions used for supporting victims of sexual assault. Looking at both the arguments for and against using these interventions.
Rape is an unlawful sexual activity that usually involves threatening or forceful actions, to obtain sexual intercourse without the victim's consent (Queensland Government, 2017). Approximately 85,000 women and 12,000 men are raped in …show more content…

Rape can lead to both short-term and long-term effects. Things such as cognitive appraisal, coping and stress have also been suggested as long-term effects of rape (Koss & Burkhart, 1989). A study conducted by Santiago & McCall-Perez (1985) looked at the long-term effects of rape. The study concluded that rape victims were found to be more likely to be anxious, fearful and depressed in comparison to individuals that have not been sexually assaulted. In addition, this has been supported by Kilpatrick (2017) who suggested that almost one-third (31%) of all rape victims developed post-traumatic stress disorder sometime during their lifetime. The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder can include flashbacks, nightmares and hyperarousal (NHS, 2017). Victims of rape can experience any of these effects stated above and these effects could have an impact on both their health and well-being. Therefore it is important to ensure that all victims of rape are supported …show more content…

Koss & Burkhart, (1989) suggested that rape victims are less likely to receive any type of therapeutic intervention within the first few months after the assault. It was suggested that only 5% of college students that have experienced sexual assault obtained victim support or professional help. Due to the fact that the victims believe that if they do not talk about the event and try to avoid it then they will overcome it, therefore, the rape victims do not seek help or support immediately after the assault. Another study focused on male victims of sexual assault described talking about sexual assault as being highly distressing to the survivor as they will have to relive the situation again. It also suggested that victims of rape do not want to talk about the events that have occurred, which prevents them from attending counselling sessions. This can be identified as an issue when trying to help the victims of sexual assault (Groth and Burgess

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