Past research has found that individual differences in both attitudinal and situational variables may be associated with males’ likelihood of acquaintance rape (LAR). The present research was conducted to examine the predictive value of both attitudinal and situational factors on males’ likelihood of forcing a female acquaintance to have non-consensual sexual intercourse. In Study 1, male and female respondents (Rs) were presented with a scenario depicting a hypothetical sexual interaction between the respondent and a newly acquainted member of the opposite sex. As the encounter progressed from one sexual activity to the next, Rs made three ratings regarding their own and partner’s intent to engage in each successive activity. The scenario ended with the female refusing further activity and males’ affect ratings, adherence to attitudes conducive of rape, and LAR were measured. Males’ initial perceptions of female sexual intent (to later engage in sexual intercourse) best predicted LAR. Study 2 was conducted to examine the role of female sexual communication on perceptions of consent to sexual intercourse. Rs were presented with a scenario similar to that in Study 1, but at each stage were requested to rate the extent to which the female had consented to engage in each sexual activity. Males completed the same affect and attitudinal measures. The results of Study 2 again suggested that males’ initial perception of female consent to (later) engage in sexual intercourse best predicted LAR. The present research suggests that further investigation into the role of situational factors and males’ initial perception of sexual intent and consent in the aetiology of acquaintance rape is required.

This study explores the contribution that traumatic experiences and psychological post-traumatic stress symptoms make to predicting subsequent revictimisation in a sample of violent crime victims. In addition, the timing of first trauma exposure was also explored. Fifty-four adult victims (27 male and 27 female) of police recorded violent crime were interviewed and their traumatic exposure history, trauma symptomology, age at first trauma exposure as well as psychological and psychosocial functioning were assessed. These victims were followed longitudinally and subsequent revictimisation between six and twelve months post index victimisation measured. A greater number of types of trauma exposure was related lower emotional stability, higher trauma symptomology and revictimisation. Those victims with childhood traumatic exposure reported more trauma symptomology exposure than those without prior exposure. The implications for law enforcement and victim services are discussed.

Purpose – There is a body of evidence that suggests a range of psychosocial characteristics demarcate certain adults to be at an elevated risk for victimisation. The purpose of this paper is to examine consistency between one police force, and a corresponding Victim Support service based in England, in their assessment of level of risk faced by victims of violent crime. Design/methodology/approach – This study explored matched data on 869 adult victims of violent crime gathered from these two key services in Preston, namely, Lancashire Constabulary and Victim Support, from which a sub-group of comparable “domestic violence” cases (n=211) were selected for further examination. Findings – Data analyses revealed methodological inconsistencies in the assessment of victimisation resulting in discrepancies for recorded levels of risk in domestic violence cases across these two agencies. Practical implications – These findings provide a compelling argument for developing a more uniformed approach to victim assessment and indicate a significant training need. Originality/value – This paper highlights areas of good practice and forwards several recommendations for improved practice that emphasises the integration of empirical research conducted by psychologists to boost the validity and reliability of risk assessment approaches and tools used.

Purpose The aim of this study was to provide the first formal evaluation of a unique 12‐session group therapy programme developed by the UK‐based National Association for People Abused as Children (NAPAC). Method The therapy outcomes of this programme were assessed using the CORE‐OM tool. Clients comprised 26 individuals (7 males and 19 females), with an age range of 19–67 (mean = 41; SD = 12.76). Clients were survivors of sexual, physical, emotional or neglectful childhood abuse, or a combination of these, and were from four different locations: London (n = 9), Bury (n = 4), Belfast (n = 8) and prison (n = 5). Findings Across all CORE domains, improvements were shown from pre‐ to post‐therapy. No gender or age differences were revealed, and improvements were shown across both community members and prison inmates. Implications A person‐centred approach to group therapy is beneficial to a wide range of adult clients within the community and prison settings that require therapy after historical sexual, physical, emotional or neglectful childhood abuse.

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