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After reading the assigned reading this week I could not help but look back on my past. I worked as a police officer for several years and dealt with many rape cases. In the readings it explained that when counseling a rape victim you need to provide warmth and support for the survivor and make her feel as if she is in control of the situation. She should not be pressured to talk, rather encouraged to share her feelings. Maybe some of these things need to be brought to light because in the real world this does not happen too often. I do understand they are referring to counselors however I have seen victims that call the police and when they arrive on the scene the victim is still bleeding and bruised as often times physical assaults go along with the rape. Upon the arrival of the police she is asked multiple questions usually by a man and these questions are very intimate in nature. How can any individual feel warmth and as if they are in control of a situation when this happens. In my opinion rape is one of the worst crimes in our society due to the fact that after talking with the patrol officer she has to talk to a detective, then a medical provider (for evidence) and then to a counselor at the rape crisis center. And it does not stop at this point. Then there is court in which she must have to explain her story to the district attorney several times and then in open court in front of several people all while the attacker sits in the courtroom just feet from her. I have often thought that maybe someone needed to advocate for a change in this area. In some states child rape victims are not required to be in the courtroom with the suspect but can testify from a closed circuit television. I believe this would help the victim feel more comfortable when testifying. And just a thought to throw out there, why has no social service agency contacted the local police department and volunteer to respond with an officer. This would allow the victim to tell her story to someone with training in this area and cut out several people with whom she is certain to feel uncomfortable talking with. Police often rely on social workers notes for court and could do the same in this situation however I don’t see anybody jumping at the chance to volunteer to get a call at two in the morning. Like I said just a thought.

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