Rape in the District of Columbia

Abstract

From July, 1969, through December, 1970, almost 1,200 female alleged victims of sexual assault were brought for medical examination at D. C. General Hospital. Ninety per cent alleged vaginal penetration. Coercion occurred with the use of threat, weapon, or physical injury, or threat was felt although only implied. Thirty per cent of attacks were by 2 or more males. The number of attacks per hour increased from the daytime, to the “swing shift”, to evening, to night. The alleged victims were 76 per cent Black. Ages of the victims ranged from 15 months to 82 years, with 63 per cent 18 years and over. Practically all assaults were by Black males, and 60 per cent were strangers to the victims. Fifteen women and girls had injuries requiring hospitalization; 58 with severe injuries and 33 with emotional trauma needed emergency room treatment. Follow-up by nurses provided emotional support and opportunity for patients to abreact the event. Patients brought for treatment included 61 with emotional disturbances, 53 with gonorrhea, and 15 for therapeutic abortions. Nine patients were hospitalized for emotional reactions and reactivations. In comparison to periods from September, 1965 through 1969, there were increases in complainants to the Sex Section and brought to initial medical examination, with a shift to older alleged victims; more were White and attacked by strangers, with injuries and emotional trauma. Constant reiteration made interns and residents aware of the latter. Because of a nursing shortage, follow-up was not as extensive, but a larger number and proportion of patients were brought to treatment for emotional disturbances, gonorrhea, and pregnancy.