Twenty-Five Years of Empirical Research on Treatment Following Sexual Assault

Abstract

In the United States, rape is a frequent and devastating occurrence. Survivors experience numerous social, medical, and psychological difficulties, including post-traumatic stress disorder. This article reviews the empirical research on interventions following sexual assault, identifies gaps in the research, and considers future directions for research and practice. Searches of PsycINFO and Social Work Abstracts were conducted for peer-reviewed articles published between 1980 and summer 2005. Keywords used were “rape” or “sexual assault,” and “treatment,” “intervention,” or “therapy.” Reference lists were searched for additional articles. Most of the published articles presented here report positive results. However, the strength, quality, and relative efficacy of the research beg further analysis. Given the strength of accumulated evidence, rape crisis centers and social workers would be well advised to consider exposure and cognitive behavioral interventions when presented with a rape survivor.

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