Citation

Monroe LM, Kinney LM, Weist MD, Dafeamekpor DS, Dantzler J, Reynolds MW. J. Interpers. Violence 2005; 20(7): 767-776.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A statewide assessment was conducted of assaults, experiences, needs, and recommendations of 125 adult victims receiving care at 19 sexual assault centers (SACs) in the State of Maryland. More than one half of the victims (55.6%) waited years before disclosing, with delays in reporting especially likely if the assault was perpetrated by a family member (the most frequent perpetrators at 42.4% of respondents). About one half of the victims (51.3%) had been previously sexually assaulted, yet only 9% of these victims had sought treatment. The majority of respondents (69.4%) indicated they would not be filing charges against perpetrators, and of those who did, 46.2% reported dissatisfaction with the interview with police. Psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety were the most common reasons for seeking care at the centers. Nearly all of respondents rated the care they received at the centers as very good or excellent. Respondents recommended more SACs, better advertising of their services, more mental health care within them (especially group therapy), and improved laws and law enforcement of perpetrators. (Abstract Adapted from Source: Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 2005. Copyright © 2005 by SAGE Publications)

Maryland
Sexual Assault Effects
Sexual Assault Victim
Sexual Assault Reporting
Sexual Assault Treatment
Needs Assessment
Sexual Assault Assessment
Victim Anxiety
Victim Adjustment
Victim Depression
Victim Anxiety
Psychological Victimization Effects
Violence Against Women
Adult Victim
Adult Female
Female Victim
12-05