State v. Ciskie

*265Utter, J.

In this case, the trial court admitted expert testimony to assist the jury in understanding the behavior and mental state of a crime victim. The victim alleged she had been raped at least four times while engaged in a relationship with the appellant which lasted over a period of almost 23 months. In State v. Allery, 101 Wn.2d 591, 682 P.2d 312 (1984), this court held that in the applicable circumstances where a murder defendant raises a claim of self-defense, the defense may offer expert testimony to assist the jury in assessing the defendant's perception of the threat posed by the…