Rape Crimes: Are Victims’ Acute Psychological Distress and Perceived Social Support Associated With Police Case Decision and Victim Willingness to Participate in the Investigation?

Abstract

This study examined level of acute psychological distress and perceived social support in 64 victims of rape and the association with police case decisions and victims’ willingness to participate in the investigation. The results of independent-sample t tests revealed that victims’ unwillingness to participate in the investigation was significantly associated with a higher level of psychological distress in the acute phase following the assault. The results suggest that victims of rape who disengage with the police investigation may do so because of a high level of acute psychological distress. Clinical implications are discussed.

Keywords

rape sexual assault psychological distress social support legal process

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