Title: Rape and Sexual Assault
Headings: 

Content: Ringel, 1996). In turn, those cases are never investigated or prosecuted. Despite vast improvements in the investigation and prosecution of rape, more are needed. Too few victims who sustain rape-related mental or physical health problems obtain effective treatment. This page will address the following issues: Defining rape and other types of sexual assault
The scope and mental health effects of rape
Victims� concerns
Improving cooperation from victims
Improving the way criminal justice officials and victim assistance providers
Improving the investigation and prosecution of rape cases
Evolution of the Definition of Sexual Assault and Rape
Several authors have observed (e.g. Bourque, 1989; Estrich, 1987; Koss, 1993 ) that many people still believe that rape occurs only when a stranger attacks an adult woman using overwhelming force. Using this definition, boys or men cannot be raped; girls and adolescents cannot be raped;