Social Work Scholar Finds Large Discrepancies in Level of Services for Sexual Assault Victims in Texas

Noël Busch-Armendariz, associate professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin, has completed a study which shows wide discrepancies in the level of services for sexual assault victims in Texas. Her survey of victims, healthcare professionals, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers found that many victims who came forward after being sexually assaulted failed to follow through with complaints due to a multitude of factors, including very long waits at hospital emergency rooms. The study was funded by Criminal Justice Division of the Office of the Governor.

Dr. Busch-Armendariz calls for increase funding for rape crisis centers, victim compensation funds, and sex crimes units of law enforcement and district attorney offices.

Dr. Busch-Armendariz is a graduate of High Point University. She holds a master of social work degree, a master of public administration degree, and a Ph.D. in social work from the University of South Carolina.