Rape accusations in psychiatric hospitals: institutional dynamics in crisis.

Abstract

This paper only represents an initial attempt to understand some of the psychosocial and administrative problems that can emerge following a rape accusation by a psychiatric inpatient. Because of the seriousness of the crime and the increasing incidence of reported rapes within the United States, it behooves hospital psychiatrists and administrators to become more acquianted with the psychological, social, and managerial issues that lead to and stem from an allegation of rape. Although many questions need to be answered, further research and study could focus upon (a) ascertaining the prevalence and characteristics of rape accusations by psychiatric inpatients, (b) understanding the psychodynamics of these allegations, (c) refining procedures for investigating allegations, (d) learning about the effects that these accusations have upon other staff members and patients, (e) developing methods to enhance the accused individual's legal rights, (f) discovering means to anticipate these allegations, and (g) finding ways to prevent rape of hospitalized individuals. Social pressures and professional ethics demand that we no longer avoid an open discussion of this subject within our academic forums.