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Rape trauma syndrome

A review of case law and psychological research

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Law and Human Behavior

Abstract

This article analyzes recent case law on the admissibility of rape trauma syndrome evidence. Because many rulings on the admissibility of this evidence have been based on judicial assumptions about human behavior, rather than on scientific evidence, we next describe psychological research relevant to concerns raised about its scientific reliability, helpfulness, and prejudicial impact. Following this review, we evaluate both the expert testimony provided and the judicial decisions in recent cases in light of current research. Finally, we provide suggestions for future psychological research that could 1 inform discussions of the admissiblity of rape trauma syndrome evidence.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Elliott Hall, 75 East River Road, 55455, Minneapolis, MN

    Patricia A. Frazier & Eugene Borgida

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  1. Patricia A. Frazier
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  2. Eugene Borgida
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Additional information

The authors would like to thank Anne Byer for her assistance and David Faigman, Stephen Golding, Roger Park, Steven Penrod, and Ronald Roesch for their comments on an earlier draft of this paper

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Frazier, P.A., Borgida, E. Rape trauma syndrome. Law Hum Behav 16, 293–311 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01044771

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