Rape crimes: Are victims’ acute psychological distress and perceived social support associated with police case decision and victim willingness to participate in the investigation?

Nina Beck Hansen*, Maj Hansen, Louise Hjort Nielsen, Rikke Holm Bramsen, Ask Elklit, Rebecca Campbell

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

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.
Original languageEnglish
JournalViolence Against Women
Volume24
Issue number6
Pages (from-to)684-696
ISSN1077-8012
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2018

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