Rape Victims and their Rights

A 20-year-old girl accuses her ex-boyfriend of raping her in a drunken rage. However, the prosecutor states that although he believes her story, there is simply not enough evidence to take the accused to trial and have a jury find him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The victim turns to a voluntary organization dealing with rape victims. The organization has assigned you the task of providing her with the available options. You need to give her the following details:

• The legal rights of victims against perpetrators.
• The current research and prevalence of these types of crimes.
• The options available to the victim in the civil court.
• What are the psychological and financial impacts for victims in this type of situation?

Support your responses with examples.