Despite changes to laws and attitudes, rape continues at epidemic levels worldwide. In order to better understand rape and the processing of cases through the criminal justice and legal systems, Rape, Victims and Investigations explores the unique perceptions and experiences of detectives who respond to rape victims and investigate rape cases.

Shana L. Maier, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Criminal Justice Department at Widener University. She received her B.S. and M.S. degrees from Saint Joseph's University, and her Ph.D. from the University of Delaware. She began her career at Widener University in 2005. Her research interests include intimate partner violence, the treatment of rape victims by the criminal justice system, medical and legal systems, the transformation of rape crisis centers, and the experiences and perceptions of rape victim advocates, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, and law enforcement officers who respond to rape victims.

1. Introduction 2. Rape myths and theoretical considerations 3. Detectives' perceptions of rape 4. Detectives' perceptions of victims 5. Investigations 6. Detectives' perceptions of victims' revictimization 7. Vicarious trauma and organizational challenges 8. Conclusion and policy implications Appendix Methodology.