Using Research to Improve Services for Victims of Sexual Assault

Abstract

During 1998, Georgia received over $10 million in Violence Against Women Act and Victims of Crime Act funding, used in part to serve 14,000 victims of sexual assault through rape crisis centers and victim witness assistance programs. Despite millions of dollars and years of program administration, it is unknown whether the needs of victims are adequately addressed. In response, the Georgia Statistical Analysis Center dedicated its 1997 and 1998 State Justice Program grant funds to studying sexual assault. This article summarizes the first in a series of studies—reporting on 300 surveys of victim service program directors, frontline staff, and victims. The study represents the first attempt in Georgia to understand the availability, quality, and delivery of services to victims of sexual assault statewide. The study provided policymakers with critical information on how increased availability of counseling services, improved public awareness campaigns, and professional education and training can ultimately improve services to victims of sexual assault.