Chapter 17 Sexual Coercion

Types of Rape Stranger rape Acquaintance rape Date rape Statutory rape

Prevalence of Rape 1 in 6 women, 3% of men Underreported for many reasons –Victim’s self-blame or denial –Mistrust of police, legal system –Fear of retaliation from rapist –Concern about publicity

Incidence of Rape by Sex of Victim

False Beliefs About Rape “Women can’t be raped if they don’t want to be” “Women say no when they mean yes” “Many women ‘cry rape’” “All women want to be raped” “Rapists are obviously mentally ill” “Men can’t control their sexual urges”

Psychosocial Basis of Rape Rape frequency influenced by the nature of relations between the sexes Status of women Boy’s attitudes during developmental years –Rape-prone societies –Societies with no rape –Stereotyped gender roles –Peer group acceptance

Psychosocial Basis of Rape Impact of Media Heightens acceptance of sexual violence Heightens likelihood of coercive sex Physiologic findings inconsistent

Characteristics of Rapists Embrace male-dominance Anger toward women Alcohol may contribute Self-centered, less sensitive History of progressively more violent sexual offenses

Characteristics of Female Rape Victims 50% under age of 18 Cultural differences in reporting Low SES may confer greater risk Victims of childhood sexual abuse at increased risk for adult sexual revictimization

Age Breakdown of Women Rape Victims

Acquaintance Rape Role of Perceptions and Communication Occur in 3 out of 4 rapes Sexual scripts Misinterpretations and double messages Nonverbal communication Justification

Date Rape Drugs Rohyphnol: (roofies) sedative causing muscle relaxation and amnesia Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB): central nervous system depressant Ketamine hydrochloride (Special K): central nervous system depressant

Wartime Rape U.N Declaration: crime of war Motivated by attempts to dominate, humiliate, control Destroy familial and societal bonds Terrorize population

Aftermath of Rape Initial feelings of shame, anger, fear, guilt, powerlessness Self-blame Physical symptoms frequently occur Impaired sexual functioning PTSD, distress developed after trauma Less severe repercussions if counseling begun ASAP

Rape and Sexual Assault of Males Although vast majority of sexual assault victims are women, men are also targets of rape Men less likely than women to report rape Gay men, prison inmates, and prisoners of war more likely to be raped

Sexual Abuse of Children Sexual contact with a child is always coercive because children cannot give informed consent Child-sexual abuse: adult sexual contact with a child Incest: with a relative Pedophilia or molestation: with a non-relative

Sexual Abuse of Children Prevalence –Girls20-33% –Boys 9-16% Brother-sister and first cousin incest is most common Father-daughter reported more and has greater negative impact

Characteristics of Child Sexual Abusers Mostly heterosexual males Cover spectrum of social classes, religions, ethnicity and education Often times are lonely, shy Poor interpersonal skills Alcoholism; severe marital problems; sexual difficulties; and poor emotional adjustment

Sexual Abuse of Children Recovered Memories Many abuse victims do not remember documented abuse Controversy: Are memories planted by therapists?

Sexual Abuse of Children Pedophiles in Cyberspace The Internet provides increased opportunities to take advantage of children First, gain child’s trust; then, try to arrange a meeting 2009: Child Online Protection Act Prevention

Effects of Child Sexual Abuse Often affects intimate adult relations Low self esteem, PTSD, detrimental parenting practices Sex difference Variety of treatment programs

Preventing Child Sexual Abuse Present prevention-oriented material at young age Explain “Okay” and “Not Okay” touches to children Encourage children to believe they have rights Encourage communication be immediate when in uncomfortable situations Discuss strategies for getting away from uncomfortable situations

Sexual Harassment Unwanted sexual attention in the workplace or academic setting Prohibited by Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act Two types: verbal or physical –Quid pro quo –Hostile or offensive environment

Sexual Harassment Severity Levels Mild:-Sexual or sexist remarks -Unwelcome intrusion Intermediate:-Graphic comments Severe:-Requiring sexual services

Same-Sex Sexual Harassment Recent increase in same-sex sexual harassment claims Difficult to pursue legally Federal law narrowly interpreted as between men and women

Sexual Harassment Effects on the Victim Financial loss Psychological reactions Physical symptoms Personal relationships

Dealing with Sexual Harassment If assaulted, file criminal charges If not assaulted, confront harasser Discuss with supervisor Discuss appropriately with coworkers File official complaint or lawsuit

Sexual Harassment in Academic Settings Coercion focuses on grades, letters of recommendation, work, or research opportunities Many colleges and universities ban professor- student romances Incidence –20-40% undergraduate women; 9-29% men undergraduate –30-50% graduate women