phys270 11
Chapter 17
Power and Sexual Coercion
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Sexuality Now – Embracing Diversity 5e
Chapter Outline (1 of 2)
Sexual Violence: Definitions, Incidence, Perpetrators, and Theories
Attitudes About Sexual Violence and Cultural Variations
Sexual Violence on College Campuses
Effects of Sexual Violence
When Men Are Victims of Sexual Violence
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2
Chapter Outline (2 of 2)
Coping with Sexual Violence, Reporting Sexual Violence, and Treating Perpetrators
Sexual Abuse of Children
Intimate Partner Violence
Sexual Harassment
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Defining Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is completed or attempted unwanted vaginal, oral, or anal penetration through the use of physical force, threats of violence, or when the victim is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
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Sexual Violence Statistics
Estimates: One in three women and one in six men in the United States have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lives
In the majority of cases, the victims know their assailants
Rape and sexual assault are among the most underreported crimes in United States; only half of all incidents are reported
Reasons for not reporting
Nonconfidentiality, shame, or humiliation
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Rates of Sexual Violence
Figure 17.13 Rates of sexual violence, United States 1994-2014
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Source: The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
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Myths About Rape (1 of 2)
Although there are many rape myths, the ones listed here are among the most common.
Only “bad” women get raped.
Women make false reports of rape.
Women fantasize about rape.
Men can’t be raped.
You can tell a rapist by the way he looks.
No woman or man can be raped against his or her will.
A man can’t rape his wife.
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© 2016 Cengage Learning®
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Myths About Rape (2 of 2)
Rape only happens to young, attractive women.
Most rapists rape only once.
False reporting of rape is common.
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Characteristics of Sexual Violence Perpetrators
Primarily male, single, ages 15 to30
History of personal violence
High levels of impulsivity, aggression, sexist views of women, rape myth acceptance
Majority are serial offenders with average of six victims
Sexual violence can be perpetrated by or against members of any sex
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Theories About Sexual Violence (1 of 2)
Rapist psychopathology: a disease model
Men rape due to alcohol intoxication, mental illness, or uncontrollable sexual urges
Disease or alcohol leads men to rape
Victim precipitation theory: blaming the victim
Victims make themselves vulnerable to rape by their dress, behaviors, or where they walk
Men are more likely to believe this theory than women
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Theories About Sexual Violence (2 of 2)
Feminist theory: keeping women in their place
Rape and the threat of rape are used by society to keep women in a position subordinate to men’s
Sex-role stereotyping encourages rape
Sociological theory: balance of power
Rape is an expression of power differentials in society
Evolutionary theory: product of evolution
Males and females differ in their reproductive strategies
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Gender Differences in Attitudes About Sexual Violence
Men are less empathetic and sensitive than women toward victims of sexual violence, believe more rape myths, and blame victims more
Rape prevention programs have been related to attitudinal and behavioral changes in college males
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Ethnic Differences in Attitudes About Sexual Violence
Ethnic minorities tend to have traditional attitudes toward women
College students from most to least sympathetic of victims:
Non-Hispanic Whites
African Americans
Hispanics
Japanese Americans
Asian Americans are least sympathetic
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Sexual Violence in Different Cultures
Varies by each culture’s definition
Rape as an entitlement and something that women enjoy: South Africa has the highest reported rape rate
Rape as a punishment and/or a legitimate form of control: Cheyenne Indians, Marshall Islands, Gusii people, Pakistan
Rape as an initiation: Kikuyu, Arunta
Societies that promote male violence have higher incidences of rape
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Sexual Violence Legislation on Campus
Know Your IX (2013)
Campaign aimed at educating students about Title IX and empowering them to stop sexual violence on college campuses.
White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault
Established by President Obama in 2014
NotAlone.gov
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Rape and Campus Safety
A controversial ruling on a rape case at Stanford University in 2014, in which a student who sexually assaulted a classmate was allowed to remain on campus and graduate, prompted a national debate about how rape on college campuses should be handled.
©2019 Cengage. All rights reserved.
Source: Gary Reyes/Bay Area News Group
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Alcohol and Sexual Violence
Alcohol use is one of the strongest predictors of sexual violence
Alcohol reduces inhibitions, which increases the chances of engaging in risky sexual behaviors for both women and men
A drunk man accused of rape is seen as less responsible
A drunk woman who was raped is seen as more responsible for her behavior
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Fraternities and Sexual Violence
Fraternities have an ethic of masculinity that values dominance and sexual prowess
Secrecy and protection of the group create environment for sexual violence
Many fraternities sponsor rape and assault prevention programs, and invite speakers from rape crisis centers
Men attending these programs are less likely to commit sexual assault
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Athletes and Sexual Violence
Student athletes have higher acceptance of rape myths
Higher rates of sexually abusive behavior among male athletes on high revenue-producing teams compared to athletes on teams that produce less revenue
Female athletes blame the victim more than do female nonathletes
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Rape Trauma Syndrome (RTS) (1 of 2)
A two-stage response pattern of physical, behavioral, psychological, and sexual problems
Acute phase (stage 1)—begins immediately and may last many weeks
Fear of being alone, of strangers, and of the place where the rape occurred
Wide mood fluctuations; difficulties sleeping; nightmares
Anger, anxiety, confusion, shock, disbelief, incoherence, guilt, humiliation, shame, self-blame
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Rape Trauma Syndrome (RTS) (2 of 2)
Long-term reorganization (stage 2)—can persist for several years
Involves restoring order and regaining control
Sexual difficulties can persist for years and counseling can help
Fear of sex
Desire and arousal disorders
Problems with sexual behaviors
Positive crisis intervention and support from others can decrease trauma symptoms
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Responses to Sexual Violence
It’s common to experience emotions such as sadness, confusion, anger, guilt, and/or humiliation after experiencing sexual violence
Talking to a counselor can be very helpful in working through these feelings
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Source: David Buffington/Photodisc/Getty Images
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Silent Rape Reaction
Some victims never discuss the rape with others; they repress and deny it until they feel stronger emotionally
Will experience many of the same symptoms of RTS
Those who take longer to tell another person usually suffer a longer recovery period
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Sexual Violence, Partners, and Other Special Populations
Marital rape
Lesbians and bisexuals
Transgender people
Older women
Women with disabilities
Sex workers
Secondary victims of sexual violence
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Sexual Violence and Older Women
Older women are also victims of sexual violence and may experience increased trauma due to declining physical health and more conservative attitudes about sexuality.
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Source: Mel Curtis/Getty Images
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When Men Are Victims of Sexual Violence (1 of 2)
Sexual assault of men by women
Female rapists often use forced sex and verbal coercion; most use psychological or pressured contact
Unlike female victims, male victims are more likely to be sexually assaulted by a stranger
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When Men Are Victims of Sexual Violence (2 of 2)
Sexual assault of men by men
All men are at risk for sexual violence; 40% of male victims were homosexual in one study
Most common sexual assault is anal penetration, then oral penetration
Emotional reactions are shame, embarrassment, self-blame, hostility, and depression
May lead to questioning of sexual orientation and feel assault makes them less a “real man”
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Prison Rape
Federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (2003)
reduces tolerance for prison sexual assault
mandates national data collection
funds research and programs
About 18% of inmates report sexual threat
Females most often victimized by prison staff
Inmates must continue to interact with their assailants; can increase the length of RTS
Prisoners often lack access to crisis centers
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Coping with Sexual Violence
Sexual assault is only violent crime in which our culture expects the victim to fight back
Victims should write what they remember after the assault before memory fades
Immediately seek help (friend, family, police, crisis center) and get medical assistance
Do not shower or clean up to allow for “rape kit” evidence collection
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Reporting Sexual Violence (1 of 2)
Reporting helps victims regain sense of control
More likely if perpetrator was a stranger or if violence or a weapon used
Sexual minorities may feel more barriers to reporting due to further marginalization
Campus police cannot press formal charges
Telling local police may prevent other crimes; provides formal report for legal action
Some victims report negative experience with police
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Reporting Sexual Violence (2 of 2)
Pressing charges
Charges are pressed because of anger, to protect others, or for justice
Not pressing charges may be due to fear, wanting to forget, pitying the rapist
Often the victim feels as if they are going through a second rape because they are put on trial more than the accused rapist
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Going to Court
Testifying in a rape case can be emotionally and physically draining. Many survivors feel isolated and overwhelmed by the process. Having a trusted friend or advocate in the courtroom can make the process less intimidating.
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Source: RubberBall/Alamy
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Treating Perpetrators of Sexual Violence
Shock treatment, support groups, behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, Depo-Provera
Results for these methods are inconclusive
Attitudes appear to change, but behavioral changes are not clear
Most important first step is accepting responsibility for actions
Treatment for repeat offenders has shown limited success
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Incidence of Child Sexual Abuse of Children—Incidence
Accurate statistics are difficult to attain
Reported incidences increasing
9.2% of children are sexually abused
Gender difference: one in five girls and 1 in 20 boys are victims
False child abuse reports occur in fewer than 10% of cases
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Victims of Child Sex Abuse
Most vulnerable age for abuse is 7 to 13
40% of abused boys and 21% of abused girls are abused by strangers
29% of abused girls and 11% of abused boys are abused by family members
Reactions to abuse: fear, shame, self-blame
Incest with biological father: longest report delay
Incest with stepfathers or live-in partners: more likely to be reported
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How Children Are Affected
Psychological and emotional reactions
Feelings of betrayal, powerlessness, shame, guilt, fear, anger, self-blame, frustration, low self-esteem, and intimacy problems
Dissociative disorder
Dissociative identity disorder
Personality disorders and PTSD
Long-term effects
Traumatic sexualization
Eating disorders, drug/alcohol abuse, prostitution
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Characteristics of Child Sexual Abusers
Three prominent theories
Learning: sexually abused as a child
Gender: not taught how to express affection without sexuality; socialized to be attracted to smaller mates
Biological: elevated levels of hormones (not testosterone); neurological differences between incest offenders and nonsex criminal offenders
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Helping Child Sexual Abuse Victims Heal
Most effective treatments combine cognitive and behavioral psychotherapies
Teach victims how to understand and handle trauma of assault
Victims often have difficulty developing and maintaining intimate relationships as adults
Partners of victims can also benefit from counseling
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Treating Child Sexual Abusers
Main goal: decrease arousal to children
Other goals: better adult relations, assertiveness training, empathy and respect, sexual education
High recidivism rates
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Preventing Child Sexual Abuse
“Just say no” campaign—teaches children how to say no to inappropriate advances
Also teach children where to go and whom to talk to about situations
Funding and staffing child welfare agencies
Health care providers and educators must be trained to spot signs of abuse
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Intimate Partner Violence
Physical and sexual violence, stalking, psychological aggression, and/or control of reproductive or sexual health
One in three in the United States report experiencing IPV
Risk factors: stress, early parenthood, drinking in abuser, severe poverty, unemployment
Intimate partner homicide: 76% of victims are women
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Intimate Partner Violence in Same-Sex Relationships
Although less is known about the prevalence and experience of intimate partner violence in lesbian relationships, we do know that IPV in lesbian relationships looks similar to IPV in heterosexual relationships.
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Source: © Joel Gordon
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Reactions to Intimate Partner Violence
Psychological symptoms: depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, antisocial behavior, fear of intimacy
Physical symptoms: headaches, back pain, broken bones, stomach problems, gynecological disorders
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Preventing Intimate Partner Violence
Related factors: history of partner violence in the offender’s family
Educational programs and safe housing can help victims
Need to increase available services for LGBT, elderly, disabled person
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Sexual Harassment
Quid pro quo (“this for that”) harassment and hostile environment harassment
Severe or chronic harassment can cause psychological response similar to rape
Assertiveness is most effective strategy; tell someone else or confront the offender
Education and training in organizations can reduce harassment behaviors
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