U.S. Justice Department statistics indicate that only 26 percent of all rapes or attempted rapes are reported to law enforcement officials, and only slightly more than half of these result in the arrest of a suspect. Part of the problem lies in the public’s lack of faith in the criminal justice system’s ability to effectively deal with rape, victims, and the offenders.

Practical Aspects of Rape Investigation: A Multidisciplinary Approach, Fourth Edition presents several new research findings and forensic techniques which enable agencies to overcome past impediments to successful intervention and prosecution. This revision of the perennial bestseller adds several new chapters and expertly advances the state of knowledge for police, health professionals, rape crisis staffs, and other criminal justice professionals.

The book begins with a focus on the victim and reviews contemporary issues in the field of sexual violence, discusses the impact of sexual assault on the victim, and outlines victim care services. Then, from an investigative perspective, the book examines the relevance of fantasy, impulsive and ritualistic behavior, the personality of the offender, victim and offender interviews, geographic profiling, false allegations, and false confessions.

A discussion of forensics and the court includes topics on collection of evidence, medical examinations and treatment, and trial preparation issues. Lastly, the book examines special populations with sections on pedophiles, female and juvenile offenders, drug-facilitated rape, sexual sadism, abuse of the elderly, and the timely topic of educator misconduct.

This work was compiled by former FBI Agent Robert R. “Roy” Hazelwood and Ann Wolbert Burgess, Professor of Psychiatric Nursing at Boston College. The comprehensive text they have assembled is the definitive resource for those who must contend with the crimes of rape and other sexual assaults.