MADISON, Wis. -- A rape victim said a public apology from Madison's police chief is a good start but that it is meaningless without policy changes in the way that police deal with victims.

The police chief's apology Tuesday night came nine years after a woman known only as "Patty" was raped by an armed intruder.

"On behalf of the Madison Police Department, I would like to apologize to Patty," said Noble Wray, chief at the Madison Police Department.

Wray's apology prompted a standing ovation by the Common Council Tuesday.

"The apology won't do it, but yeah, I feel at peace," Patty told WISC-TV by phone.

Patty's story was chronicled by Isthmus from the rape in 1997 though the time when Joseph Bong was convicted of the crime.

Investigators in 1997 didn't believe Patty's story, and she even temporarily recanted it after being pressured by investigators through what she said were unethical methods.

"I'd like to see victims treated as victims instead of criminals," Patty said.

Madison reporter Bill Lueders wrote a book on Patty's case called "Cry Rape." The book has sparked outrage among readers and city leaders.

Council President Austin King drafted a resolution asking that the city apologize to Patty, pay her $35,000 in compensation and change police interrogation policies.

"It's a great thing that the chief of police has apologized to Patty," said Lueders, news editor at Isthmus. "It's a meaningful gesture only if it's accompanied by a willingness by the police to embrace some real change."

"I hope it's sincere but I feel he was pressured into that apology with the media and Bill's book and editorials. I don't know. I don't know what to think about it. I hope it's sincere," Patty said.

Both Patty and Lueders said that police policy should forbid investigators from using deception or coercion during interrogations. Patty said sexual assault victims should have an advocate with them while police are questioning them.

Wray's apology did not include a promise to review interrogation policies, and he did not return calls Wednesday.

The city has not yet decided if it will reimburse Patty $35,000 for legal fees. The Common Council will make that decision after the resolution goes through the committee process.