Reactions to rape: a military forensic psychiatrist's perspective.
Accusations of rape or sexual harassment are currently very high-profile in the military. This article discusses rape allegations in the military legal system from a psychiatric perspective. The original definition of "rape trauma syndrome" and subsequent psychiatric thinking about the diagnosis are briefly outlined. Common reactions seen in military victims in this era are described. A prototypical military case is presented. An adequate evaluation of an alleged victim is outlined. Credentials and preparation of an expert witness are also briefly discussed, with cautions about the use of expert testimony in cases of alleged sexual assault and rape trauma syndrome.
Department of Psychiatry, Walter Reed Health Care System, Washington, DC 20307, USA.
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Ritchie
D000328:Adult; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005260:Female; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D008890:Military Psychiatry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011902:Rape / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000209:etiology*; D014481:United States