REACTIONS TO RAPE - A MILITARY FORENSIC PSYCHIATRISTS PERSPECTIVE

Accusations of rape or sexual harassment are currently very high-profi le in the military. This article discusses rape allegations in the mil itary legal system from a psychiatric perspective. The original defini tion of ''rape trauma syndrome'' and subsequent psychiatric thinking a bout the diagnosis are briefly outlined. Common reactions seen in mili tary victims in this era are described. A prototypical military case i s presented. An adequate evaluation of an alleged victim is outlined. Credentials and preparation of an expert witness are also briefly disc ussed, with cautions about the use of expert testimony in cases of all eged sexual assault and rape trauma syndrome.