Rape survivors and social work intervention

Abstract

This study' s aims are: to devise a social work intervention suited to meet the needs of rape survivors and to explore the possible need for a specialised team of social workers to work with rape survivors. A qualitative study was conducted including the following components: three case studies, an interview with two hospital social workers and one interview with a police officer. The three case studies include interviews with three rape survivors; a woman who is a survivor of stranger rape, a woman who is a survivor of acquaintance rape and a woman who is a survivor of marital rape. The aim of these interviews was to explore the women's experience of the rape and its aftermath and their perception of the professionals who come in contact with rape survivors. The purpose behind the interview with the two hospital social workers was to gather information on the treatment of women who have experienced rape, especially as compared to overseas. The aim of the interview with the police officer was to see how police officers assist a rape survivor. One of the main concepts which emerged from the three case studies is the loss of power and control rape survivors experience. All three participants said that this part was the hardest to overcome. Misconceptions about rape are still a reality and people still may think that the woman who was raped could have done something to stop it from happening. Another concept which emerged from the interviews with the respondents was the difficulty to trust people again after the rape. The difficulty to apply the term 'rape' was also found; this was especially evident in the marital rape survivor because of stereotypical ideas about rape. All three respondents said they received the assistance desired from some professionals and they also said that they were professionals whom, the participants feel, did not assist them as they wanted and expected. One of the main conclusions drawn from the findings was the importance of raising awareness. Key professionals who come in contact with rape survivors need to be trained about how best to assist them and professionals would need to gain the necessary knowledge about rape and the aftermath of rape in order to give the support and assistance rape survivors need.