Gail Abarbanel’s Legacy: Transforming the Perception and Treatment of Rape Victims

Gail Abarbanel, the esteemed director of the Rape Treatment Center at UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, has recently stepped down after 50 years of dedicated service. Abarbanel’s unwavering commitment to changing societal perceptions of rape and providing support to victims has left an indelible mark on the field. This article delves into her remarkable journey and the significant impact she has made.

A Los Angeles native, Abarbanel initially began her career as a social worker in Santa Monica. However, her path took an unexpected turn when she encountered a young woman who had been raped and hospitalized after a suicide attempt. This encounter ignited a deep sense of compassion within Abarbanel, leading her to realize the dire need for improved treatment and understanding of rape victims.

In the early 1970s, Abarbanel witnessed the appalling mistreatment of rape victims by various institutions, including law enforcement, the legal system, and healthcare providers. Emergency rooms lacked protocols for evidence collection and sensitivity, often dismissing victims’ experiences. The legal system was heavily biased against victims, requiring physical resistance to the utmost degree for a rape charge to be considered valid. In court, victims were subjected to victim-blaming and scrutiny of their personal lives.

Abarbanel’s groundbreaking innovation was the creation of a comprehensive one-stop center for victims, where medical personnel, therapists, detectives, and prosecutors worked collaboratively under one roof. This approach aimed to empower victims, providing them with a safe and supportive environment. Her visionary model has since been replicated widely.

In 1986, Abarbanel and attorney Aileen Adams established Stuart House, a refuge specifically designed for child victims of sexual abuse. Prior to its inception, child victims faced egregious treatment, shuttled between multiple agencies and repeatedly interviewed by unfamiliar adults. Stuart House revolutionized the care provided to these young victims, offering specialized forensic exams, extensive medical and therapeutic support, and the opportunity to share their stories only once.

Abarbanel’s influence extended beyond the confines of the Rape Treatment Center. She collaborated with Hollywood, consulting on popular TV shows such as “All in the Family,” “Lou Grant,” “Hill Street Blues,” “Cagney & Lacey,” “L.A. Law,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” These collaborations played a pivotal role in shifting the cultural narrative surrounding rape, fostering a more compassionate understanding of its traumatic impact.

Throughout her journey, Abarbanel relied on the support of influential figures like Norman Lear, who enlisted her as a consultant for a groundbreaking episode of “All in the Family” that addressed rape. Lear became a dedicated advocate for the Rape Treatment Center, joining its first board and hosting annual fundraising events. Other notable figures, including Sandra Moss and Sherry Lansing, also played instrumental roles in raising funds and awareness for the cause.

Author: CrimeDoor