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Victim-Centered Care

Righting the Wrongs of the Past

You don't have to delve too far into the past to discover that the "system" has not always done right by rape victims. In the not-too-distant past, rape victims were often stigmatized and demoralized for disclosing their assaults and were thrust into a system that would rather sweep the incident under the rug than take action. This treatment created an environment where victims were reluctant to come forward and sex crimes were grossly under-prosecuted. We're happy to report that things are changing. We are now in an enlightened era. Agencies involved in sexual assault response have banded together and changed their ways. Today, more often than not, rape victims are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. We want to make this especially true in Montana.

Victim-centered care is a hallmark of this new enlightened era of sexual assault response. Rape is a crime of power and control, and it leaves victims feeling powerless and out-of-control of their lives. Victim-centered care puts rape survivors back in control. Victim-centered care means listening to, believing and supporting rape victims. It means respecting their decisions and providing them with easy-to-understand information about rape exams and their options. Victim-centered care empowers rape survivors to be active participants in their recovery.

Victim-Centered Care At A Glance

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women has a comprehensive section on victim-centered care in its National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations - Adults/Adolescents. This is a wonderful resource, one of the major resources for this website, and it is well worth the time and paper to download and print a copy for any facility conducting rape exams.

Some of the highlights of victim-centered care from the national protocol include:

  • Give sexual assault patients priority as emergency cases.
  • Provide the necessary means to ensure patient privacy.
  • Adapt the exam process as needed to address the unique needs and circumstances of each patient.
  • Involve victim service providers and advocates in the exam process as soon as possible to offer support, crisis intervention, and advocacy to victims, families and friends.
  • Respect patient's requests to have a relative, friend or other personal support person present during the exam, unless considered harmful by responders.
  • Prior to starting the exam and conducting each procedure, describe to the patient what is entailed and its purpose. Ask the patient's permission to proceed and respect their right to decline any part of the exam.
  • Assess and respect patients' priorities.
  • Address patients' safety concerns. They have legitimate reasons to fear further assaults from their attackers.
  • Provide information that is easy to understand and that can be reviewed at their convenience.
  • After the exam, provide the patient with the opportunity to wash, brush their teeth, change clothes, get food or drink, and make needed phone calls. Assist them in arranging transportation.

Rape victims should be strongly encouraged to have a rape exam and report criminal activity to law enforcement, but the final decision is the victim's to make. This right should be respected regardless of the outcome.