Practical Aspects of Rape Investigation

The latest sixth edition of Practical Aspects of Rape Investigation is a fully updated, comprehensive volume on investigative procedures and victim-oriented case management for professionals assisting victims of rape and sexual assault.

Rape and sexual assault cases have a devastating societal impact, particularly among the vulnerable populations most affected including women, children, the elderly, minorities, and members of the LGBTQ+ communities. Such cases are all too common and, unfortunately, the number of cases continues to rise. As such, the need for a current reference on the topic has never been more pressing.

Edited by Ann Wolbert Burgess—the subject of Hulu’s 2024 documentary series Mastermind: To Think Like a Killer, and an internationally recognized researcher and pioneer in the assessment and treatment of victims of trauma and abuse—the book covers various topics contributed to by experts from a broad range of fields. Leading academics, researchers, and investigative professionals address the problem of rape and sexual assault holistically, focusing on the core principles of real-world investigative techniques, behavioral profiling, investigative strategies and techniques, social worker involvement, and victimology.

When a rape case goes undetected or unreported, a violent offender remains on the streets with the opportunity to reoffend—often repeatedly. Because victims are frequently reluctant to speak out or act in such cases, the book aims to raise awareness and, ultimately, decrease the number of silent victims and improve rape investigative capabilities and outcomes.

Practical Aspects of Rape Investigation, Sixth Edition provides the essential tools and techniques for professionals to best serve, and advocate for, victims. It continues to serve as an invaluable reference for students, legal professionals, case managers, and a blueprint for investigators and law enforcement professionals on case management best practices.