Sexual Coercion

Types of Rape Stranger rape Acquaintance rape Date rape Statutory rape

Prevalence of Rape 11.9%-28% depending on study 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 Lifetime 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 Bases of Rape Rape frequency influenced by the nature of relations between the sexes Status of women Boy’s attitudes Rape-prone societies Societies with no rape Stereotyped gender roles Peer group acceptance

Psychosocial Bases 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 Age breakdown of women rape victims at time of first rape.

Acquaintance Rape: Role of Perceptions & Communication Sexual scripts Misinterpretations & double messages Nonverbal communication Justification

Date Rape Drugs Rohyphnol: sedative causing muscle relaxation and amnesia Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GBH) and Ketamine hydrocloride (Special K)

Wartime Rape U.N. 1996 declaration: crime of war Motivated by attempts to dominate, humiliate, control Destroy family & 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

Aftermath of Rape PLAY VIDEO

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

Sexual Abuse of Children Prevalence Girls 20-33% Boys 9-16% Brother-sister & first cousin incest is most common Father-daughter reported more & has greater negative impact

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 Internet provides increased opportunities to take advantage of children First gain child’s trust then try and arrange meeting Communications Decency Act, 1996 Prevention

Effects of Child Sexual Abuse Often affects intimate adult relations Intrusive, violent assaults of longer duration associated with worse outcome Sex difference Variety of treatment programs

Preventing Child Sexual Abuse Treatment programs for offenders have not demonstrated long term effectiveness Megan’s Law Early education for boys & girls

Sexual Harassment Unwanted sexual attention in the workplace or academic setting Very common: 42% women; 15% men 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

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

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

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 & universities ban professor-student romances Incidence: 20-40% undergraduate women; 9-20% men 30-50% graduate women 33-50% medical students