An Analysis of Services for Victims of Marital Rape

Abstract

This case study examines the official incidence rate of marital rape and the subsequent services available to these victims in the Richmond (Virginia) metropolitan area. The present study examines services provided and evaluates these services using a model developed by Koss and Harvey (1987) who proposed five dimensions of assessment: availability, accessibility, quantity, quality, and legitimacy. The purpose of the study is to determine if the services provided to these victims offer a supportive community response to marital rape. Victim service providers were identified by the researchers, subsequently interviewed, and asked to indicate others who might offer services to such victims. This snowball sampling technique resulted in identifying all possible service agencies that may or may not provide services specifically to victims of marital rape. All service providers identified were interviewed. The results indicate very few officially reported incidents of marital rape; however, two agencies offer services to such victims-the YWCA and the Victim Witness office. Such services include hotlines, hospital accompaniment, court accompaniment, and counseling. While the overall assessment is one of general support for marital rape victims, the authors maintain more must be done to increase the awareness and reporting of this crime.