Movie Monday-The Rape of Richard Beck

The 1985 TV movie, the Rape of Richard Beck starring Richard Creena features a macho detective who is insensitive and portrays distorted believes that the victims of sexual assault bring this tragic act on themselves. The viewer is able to see Richard’s attitude transformed after he himself is the recipient of this horrific act of violence. Initially Richard has a tough , cold and indifferent attitude toward the victims. For example, he said” Can you tell me what she was doing down there?” and could you tell me who would want to rape her? He also minimized the rape by calling it “Mickey Mouse” stuff and letting a potential rapist go as a trade off for information to find a murder suspect. Beck invaded the victim’s boundaries by dragging the patient away from the phone booth when she was in obvious shock and trauma. He also failed to protect the victims’ dignity by understanding why it is important to provide the victim privacy while the nurse collects the evidence. The victim has already been humiliated and demoralized. Victims of sexual assault often find it difficult to face their perpetrator and need to be given time and space.  Beck was insistent with moving forward with the rape cases.

Beck received similar treatment when the roles were reversed and he was the victim.  He was revictimized by the police when they insisted he identify the assailants right away. The police were only focused on getting the report and neglected to understand the situation was more than a “process”, the traumatic event that no human would ever wish for.

 Rape doesn’t only affect the victim, but the family and love ones are also affected. For example, Richard’s father wasn’t able to cope with the rape of his son, especially since he is male and raped by two men. As a result of his inability to cope he blamed the rape on Richard.

 

There is no “typical” response of a victim of sexual assault, but throughout the movie we were able to visual Beck going through some of the experiences of Rape Trauma Syndrome.  During the initial or acute phases of the incident Beck was obsessive about bathing and experienced the physical symptoms of vomiting. Survivors may latter appear to have resumed their “normal” life, but minimize the event by not wanting to talk about it or experience difficult mood swings. We saw Beck encounter serve mood swings and even violence with this girlfriend.

 

When dealing with victims of sexual assault it is vital to understand that the reactions are individual.  How can you help someone who may have been a victim?

·         Give them time; let them tell you what they want to at their own time and pace.

·         You can’t erase the injury, but you can be non judgmental and supportive.

·         Don’t let your own fears and concerns interfere with supporting the victim

·         Seek counseling for you and the victim

·         Be patient with your partner when reengaging in sexual encounters