The purpose of this handbook, created as a component of a sexual assault awareness program at Millikin University, is to provide information needed to assist victims of sexual assault. Information is included on several aspects of sexual assault, as well as references and websites available for additional information. Topics covered include:…

Studied psychological characteristics and other influencing factors of rape victims (N=77) who chose to prosecute their assailants. Results showed significant differences between women who prosecute and those who do not, i.e., prosecuters generally showed higher self-esteem and lower self-blame. (WAS)

Provides a rationale for women's groups and describes benefits to group members. The seven articles in this special issue deal with using a group approach to deal with anger, rape, lesbianism, sexuality awareness, issues for Black women and overcoming internal barriers to career development. (Author/JAC)

Investigated fear reactions in rape victims for one year following their assaults. Following the assault, victims were significantly more fearful than nonvictim controls. Although their overall fearfulness declined somewhat and stabilized by two months postassault, victims remained significantly more fearful than nonvictim controls at 12 months…

Students (N=271) were subjects in an experiment on the effects of exposure to films that portray sexual violence as having positive consequences. Results indicated that exposure to the films portraying violent sexuality increased male subjects' acceptance of interpersonal violence against women. Females exhibited tendencies in the opposite…

The implications and impact of immunity doctrines and the burden of proof upon the issues of postsecondary institutions' liability for sexual assaults occurring on campus are examined. The legal history of rape and rape cases, notably those civil cases involving third party defendants, are considered. (MLW)

In two experiments, subjects made attributions after reading a description of a rape. Responsibility was more strongly attributed to the victim's character for unrespectable victims, and to chance for respectable victims. Males blamed the victim's character more than females; females emphasized the role of chance more than males. (Author/GC)

This study investigated the nature of sex differences among university students' attitudes toward rape. Results showed males were quite different from females in their attitudes and tended to support many myths regarding rape. Implications of the results concerning the nature and prevention of rape on college campuses are discussed. (Author)

In this study, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) profiles of exposer (n=36), rapist (n=47), and assaulter (n=46) groups were investigated and compared. The most disturbed group, the rapists, had MMPI K-corrected mean raw scale scores that were significantly greater than those of the exposer group on many scales. (Author)

This article explains the legal distinctions between rape, statutory rape, and child abuse and school counselors' obligations related to each. In addition, complicating issues such as cultural differences as well as the potential effect of mandated reporting on counselors' roles are addressed. (Contains 18 references.) (GCP)

A model of the characteristics of sexually aggressive men which emphasizes the convergence of several interrelated factors is described. The model explores the role of sexual and power motives underlying rape and other forms of sexual aggression. Also describes a risk analysis which illustrates the potential relevance of the model to clinical…

The use of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) to facilitate sexual assault is increasing on campuses nationwide. This article provides college counselors with an overview of the use of GHB in campus sexual assault, outlines suggestions for crisis intervention, and discusses the challenges of counseling survivors of drug-facilitated sexual assault.…

Investigated sensitivity/specificity of phallometric test for pedophilia and hebephilia. Total samples were 154 men accused of sexual offenses against minors and 56 men accused of sexual offenses against adult women. Concluded that sensitivity of test in detecting pedophilia or hebephilia in complete nonadmitters is probably greater than or equal…

Examined attitudes of college students (n=172) regarding date rape. Results indicated that about one-half of the students believed date rape to be problem, although only small percentage believed it was major problem. Opinions of females and males were similar. Findings suggest that students expect institutions to be guardians of their safety,…

Explores rape in terms of specific trauma usually experienced after rape: posttraumatic stress disorder, rape trauma syndrome, and permanent life changes. Explores ways in which art therapy can help rape victim engage in healing. Reviews study of one rape victim and current literature as example of life-altering effects of rape and importance of…