Taiwan’s “One-Stop Service” for Victims of Sexual Assault: Experience with a Hospital- Based Model for Integrated Client-Centered Care Cho, Chun-Ying Associate Professor Department of Social Work Chang Jung Christian University

Background  Promotion of gender equality and the elimination of discrimination against women: Millennium Summit of the UN  Taiwan’s Sexual Assault Crime Prevention Act

History of Taiwan’s Sexual Assault Crime Prevention Act  Prior to 1994, sexual assault was regarded by the Taiwanese legal system as a general crime  The 1996 murder-rape of Peng Wan-ru, director of Women’s Affairs for the Democratic Progressive Party  In January 1997, Sexual Assault Crime Prevention Act  Provisions for services for victims and relocation of offenders

Sexual Assault: A Grossly Underreported Crime “Client-Centered” Service: Making It Easier for Victims to Report Sexual Assault  From 2008 to 2012, the number of reported cases of sexual assault increased from 8,521 to 15,102/year (annual growth rates > 10%)  Official number of sexual assaults is much lower than the actual number  The main cause of underreporting: victims fear a long process of repeated interrogations  “Client-centered” service model is essential

Taiwan’s “One-Stop Service” for Victims of Sexual Assault: A Hospital-Based Model for Integrated, Client-Centered Care  “One-stop service" for victims of sexual assault brings together police, medical professionals, and social workers in a hospital setting.  Efficiently brings together professional expertise from the fields of medicine, law enforcement, and social work.

1. “Sexual Assault Prevention Centers” lead to the development of a hospital- based model  In 1997, Taiwan passed the "Sexual Assault Crime Prevention Act"  In 1998, the author persuaded Chang Gung Memorial Hospital to provide space for a "Sexual Assault Prevention Center"  Although Kaohsiung County was the last to set up a "Sexual Assault Prevention Center," its Center was recognized as a model for other local governments.

2. Sexual Assault Response Stations at Designated Hospitals (not permanently staffed)  Limited manpower and transportation difficulties for victims in locations: “single-station, multistage service”  To give victims a greater sense of security  First in Taipei and Kaohsiung in 2010; Kaohsiung County later

victims policejustice Social worker medical One-stop Service Team

Operating Procedures Taipei Sexual Assault Prevention Center Police Hospital-Based Response Station Sexual Assault Prevention Center Client-Friendly Room 1. Physician conducts medical examination and collects evidence 2.Hospital staff hand evidence over to police The victim’s statement is transcribed in the client-friendly room Ordinary transcript Slow-speed transcript Prosecutor goes to the hospital to visit the victim Prosecutor verifies the transcript by fax Prosecutor makes an appointment to interview the victim

Client-Friendly Examination Room: Décor and Equipment

“One-Stop Service” for Victims of Sexual Assault: Evaluation  The hospital-based “Sexual Assault Prevention Center” established for Kaohsiung County in 1998 Drew wide praise raised the percentage of sexual assault victims to bring suit  After a switch in 2010 to a “Single-Station, Multistage” model, more hospitals were recruited as response centers and the service network was significantly expanded  In Taipei and Kaohsiung, 90% satisfied

Conclusions  Services for victims of sexual assault must be given greater attention.  Services should be comprehensive in nature, delivered through a single portal, have a client- centered design, and be linked to a network that allows for an integrated team response.  The service environment should ensure the dignity of victims and provide them with a sense of security.

Recommendations for Future Improvements  Increase the percentage of sexual assault victims making use of services  Improve police techniques for the collection of evidence  Teach medical units How to maintain the quality of medical examinations Concepts of victim protection  Work to clarify the division of labor between hospital social workers and the staff of the SAPCs  Push for judicial reforms

 Thank you for attending this presentation ！  Your comments are welcomed.