Emotional reactions of rape victim advocates: A multiple case study of anger and fear

This research explores the emotional reactions of a rarely studied group of women who work closely with survivors of sexual violence: rape victim advocates. Women who assist rape victims in obtaining medical, criminal justice, and mental health services were interviewed about their experiences, and qualitative analysis was used to delineate the situational context of the advocates' emotional reactions. Results indicate that respondents experienced anger and fear in response to both individual (e.g., a perpetrator's menacing glare) and environmental (e.g., community denial of a problem) cues. Additionally, some experienced rape victim advocates perceived their emotional reactions to be an important part of their work with rape victims. These findings suggest that intense emotional reactions, previously conceptualized within a vicarious trauma framework, may at times serve as resources for women working with rape survivors.
Author: 
Wasco,Sharon M.
Campbell,Rebecca
Reprint Status: 
IN FILE
Start Page: 
120
End Page: 
130
Journal/Periodical Name: 
Psychology of Women Quarterly
Volume: 
26
Issue: 
2
Abstract: 
This study evaluates rape victim advocates' emotional responses to their work. Qualitative analysis was conducted on the emotional reactions of women who support rape victims through the criminal justice process and through other services provided after the assault (physical and mental). Results showed that women respond to individual factors and environmental factors surrounding rape with emotions of fear and anger. Also, some rape victim advocates viewed their emotional responses as beneficial to the victim specifically and within their work in general.
Topic Areas: 
Advocate Self Care, Rape Crisis Centers, Victim Services
Reference Type: 
JOUR
Reference ID: 
1922
Publication Date: 
2002/June