Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Alcohol ADCO Summit 31 August 2010 Steven R. Zahl

1. Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Alcohol ADCO Summit 31 August 2010 Steven R. Zahl Senior Policy Analyst OPNAV N135

2. Overview of Presentation Sexual Assault • Overview of definitions/expectations • Alcohol’s effects on perpetrators and victims • Program development and policy implications • ABC video clip Domestic Violence • Overview of definitions/Central Registry Stats • Domestic Homicide/Lethality Indicators • Stalking and Violence

3. Definitions • Rape: Any person…who causes another person of any age, to engage in a sexual act via force…causing grievous bodily harm/fear…rendering another person unconscious by administering…a drug, intoxicant or other substance…impairing the ability of a person is guilty of rape. (paraphrase of UCMJ Article 120 (t)(1)) • Sexual Assault: Intentional sexual contact…by use of force, threat or abuse of authority…when the victim does not/cannot consent. Includes rape, nonconsensual sodomy, indecent assault, or attempts to commit these acts. (paraphrase of DoDI 6495.01) • Vast majority of rape/sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows!

4. Alcohol - Prevalence • Alcohol is the single most-often cited contributor to sexual assault • Alcohol-involved sexual assault – when consumption by the perpetrator and/or the victim: • At least 50% of reported cases • Often - both the perpetrator and the victim had been drinking

5. Causality • Research suggests that alcohol (or drugs) is involved in one-third to two-thirds of all sexual assaults ~ (NOT a causal factor!) • Majority of sexual assault victims (90%) indicated they were familiar with their perpetrator • 62% of Navy reported SA cases were Blue-on-Blue • Majority of Navy reported victims are female, 20-24 years old, E1-E4 • Majority of Navy perpetrators are male (96%), E1-E4 (42%) • About 50% occur on a “date”/social situation (party, bar) Citation: 2009 NAVINSGEN Sexual Assault Study

6. Alcohol Consumption • Alcohol effects behavior through two primary mechanisms: • Psychological: Beliefs about alcohol’s effects • Pharmacological: Cognitive and motor impairments

7. Alcohol’s Multiple Roles in Sexual Assault Prior to Assault: Psychological Effects of Alcohol Perpetrator:Victim: *Self expectancies* Self expectancies * Stereotypes about drinking women* Perpetrator’s selection of * Alcohol as a sexual signal victim During the Assault: Pharmacological Effects of Alcohol Perpetrator:Victim: * Cognitive impairments bias * Cognitive impairments bias perceptionsof woman riskassessment * Heightened aggression * Motor impairment After the Assault: Explanations Based on Alcohol Perpetrator:Victim: * Alcohol as post hoc excuse* Victim blamed for losing control 10

8. Prior to Assault - Beliefs about Alcohol • Beliefs/societal views of alcohol’s effect is based on: • cultural norms • personal experience • media images

9. Men’s Expectations • Many men believe alcohol: • Enhances sexual performance • Increases aggression • Lowers sexual inhibitions/increases arousal • Common stereotypes men have toward women who drink: • Negative perceptions of women who drink • Perceived as sexually available • More likely to view sex as ‘consensual’ if both man and woman have been drinking together

10. Cognitive Impairments • 2 standard drinks begins to impair functioning of ideas/thoughts, ability to interpret observations, problem solving, response inhibition, focus, etc. • Sexual assault often occurs in a dating context • If man is sexually aroused and feels a woman has “led him on” - then intoxication makes it easier to: • focus on his own arousal and sense of entitlement • ignore the woman’s signs of distress, continued refusals, and potential long-term negative consequences

11. Alcohol and Aggression • Numerous studies have demonstrated that at a BAC level of [.08 - .10]: • alcohol consumption increases men’s general aggressive behavior • Intoxicated men who read a research ‘date rape’ scenario were: • less likely to view what happened as violent • more likely to believe the victim enjoyed it • more likely to think the man acted appropriately • more willing to use force in similar situations

12. Intoxicated Perpetrators* • Do men who commit sexual assault when intoxicated differ from those who commit sexual assault when sober? • Using 16 behaviorally-specific questions: • 58% were aware of one/more sexual assaults • 18% attempted or completed a rape • 51% of perpetrators had been drinking alcohol: • typically, if he drank - she drank (>80%) • on average, each had 4-5 drinks * Research by: Abbey, A., Clinton-Sherrod, A.M., McAuslan, P., Zawacki, T., & Buck, P.O. (2003). The relationship between the quantity of alcohol consumed and the severity of sexual assaults committed by college men. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 18, 813-833.

13. Intoxicated Perpetrators - Groups • Research* compared 3 groups: • Did not perpetrate sexual assault 42.4% • Perpetrated onlywhen sober 26.4% • Perpetrated when intoxicated 31.2% 100% • 57.6% perpetrated a rape/sexual assault * Abbey, A., Clinton-Sherrod, A.M., McAuslan, P., Zawacki, T., & Buck, P.O. (2003). The relationship between the quantity of alcohol consumed and the severity of sexual assaults committed by college men. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 18, 813-833.

14. After the Assault - Explanations • Societal norms often justify men’s inappropriate behavior when intoxicated, a time out from normal rules • Particularly when a “release” is perceived as being needed • Interviews with date rapists: • I just got “a little carried away” while drinking • Real criminals use weapons & assault strangers

15. Alcohol Consumption • At each step where alcohol influences a perpetrators’ thoughts and actions - it also influences the victims’ thoughts and actions • What infractions are excused by a Sailors intoxication? • Alcohol increases the likelihood that sexual assault will occur

16. Women’s Alcohol Expectations • At a party/on a date, alcohol expectations are associated with: • sociability - having fun • relaxing - trust • letting their guard down - especially if interested in the man • Many women believe drinking puts other women at risk, but notthem!

17. Cognitive Impairments and Risk • What to do if Seaman Mark shows up at the door drunk with a pizza and a 6-pack? - many women let him in! • Intoxicated women are more likely to engage in behaviors that put them at risk and less likely to expect any negative outcomes In another study: • Intoxicated women reported feeling more conflict and uncertainty about how they should respond • This, led to less use of assertive resistance and increased use of polite resistance (no, no, stop!)

18. Alcohol and Motor Impairments • During an assault, individuals are unlikely to be able to resist effectively if intoxicated: • fewer resistance strategies - can’t think clearly • completed rapes are more common • At some level of intoxication, victims are unable to give consent - sex at this point is rape!

19. Perpetrators’ Selection of a Victim • Many perpetrators’ use the woman’s intoxication as part of their strategy: • target an intoxicated woman • deliberately encourage excessive drinking • Date rape drugs are rarely used - “Alcohol” is the drug of choice!

20. After the Assault - Explanations • Double standards about sex and alcohol may influence “blaming the victim” • Women are seen as responsible for: • controlling men’s sexuality • keeping things from going too far • losing control when intoxicated • Negative feelings toward intoxicated victims • Women tend to internalize society’s standards

21. Policy Implications • Intoxicated sexual assaults are rarely reported – Navy must have a system that is trusted to not penalize or blame victims • Educate and reinforce Navy policy regarding sexual assaults, sexual harassment and domestic violence with regards to alcohol use/abuse

22. We need to… • Coordinate alcohol, sexual assault and domestic violence programs and policies • Ensure alcohol education integrates sexual assault and domestic violence prevention • Evaluate Sailor’s attitude toward alcohol use: • is drunk & disorderly behavior acceptable in our Navy? • is a “work hard/party hard” attitude encouraged for our Sailors? • do Sailors “watch out” for shipmates?

23. Program Implications - Men • Sex with someone too intoxicated to consent is rape • What men label as seduction may be perceived as coercive by women • Don’t trust your perceptions of a woman’s level of sexual interest when intoxicated – direct/verbal consent is always required • Discourage unacceptable behavior when intoxicated • Do not excuse transgressions when intoxicated • Treat women as equals

24. Program Implications - Women • Ensure alcohol education programs focus on acquaintance sexual assault/domestic violence • Be cognizant of men’s perceptions of intoxicated women • Be aware of the effects of alcohol on yourself, do not ignore warning signs • Encourage clear, assertive communication on your lack of sexual interest • Use a trusted buddy system when drinking • Implement the Bystander Intervention concept [ABC Clip]

26. High Risk Domestic Violence

27. Definitions • Domestic Violence: An offense under USC, UCMJ or State law which involves the use, attempted use, or threatened use of force or violence against a person of the opposite sex who is, a current or former spouse, a person with whom the abuser shares a child in common, or a current or former intimate partner with whom the abuser shares or has shared a common domicile.(OPNAVINST 1752.2B) • Domestic Abuse: Domestic violence or a pattern of behavior resulting in emotional or psychological abuse, economic control, and/or interference with personal liberty when such violence or abuse id directed toward a person of the opposite sex who is: (1) a current or former spouse; (2) a person with whom the abuse shares a child in common; or (3) a current or former intimate partner with whom the abuser shares or has shared a common domicile. (OPNAVINST 1752.2B) • Domestic Violence: Is more about “power and control” over another person than anything else

28. Domestic Violence Navy FAP Central Registry Stats ReportedSubstantiated FY07 3,194 (18.5) 1,925 (11.1) FY08: 3,167 (18.8) 1,524 (9.1) FY09: 3,215 (19.2) 1,432 (8.6) • DV poses lethal risks to: • Adult victims • Children • Perpetrators • Navy population/community members (Rates per 1000)

29. Domestic Homicide • On average, more than 3 women are murdered in the U.S. by intimate partners every day • Of the 1,642 murders attributed to intimates in 1999, 74% were women and 26% were men • In 1999, intimate partner homicides accounted for 34% of the murders of women and 4% of the murders of men Citation for DV statistics: Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report, Intimate Partner Violence and Age of Victim, October 2001.

30. Lethality Indicators • Threats of homicide or suicide • Includes threats to the victim, children, her relatives, family pets • Thoughts of homicide or suicide • More detailed the fantasy about who, how, when, where to kill, the more dangerous • Acting out part of the fantasy • Availability of method • Sense of absolute “ownership” • “If I can’t have you, no one will.” • Espouses fundamental belief that women have no right to life separate from him

31. Lethality Indicators (cont) • Weapons • Possession • Use or threatened use in past • If history of arson, fire should be considered weapon • Centrality of partner • Heavy dependence on a partner to organize/sustain his life - has isolated self from other community support • Sees spouse leaving as “betrayal” • Pathological jealousy (Zelophobia) / possessiveness • Separation violence • Cannot envision life without partner • Separation causes extreme despair or rage

32. Lethality Indicators (cont) • Depression • Acutely depressed, with little hope of moving beyond depression may predispose a candidate for murder and/or suicide • Access to victim and/or family members • Homicide almost always occurs in the context of historical violence • Evidence of escalation despite legal intervention • Substance Abuse • Chronic Alcohol Abuse: Related to increased frequency and severity of violence (perpetrator) • Drug Abuse: Amphetamines, speed, angel dust, cocaine, crack of particular concern (perpetrator) • Impacts ability to take protective actions (victim) • Abuse during pregnancy • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

33. Lethality Indicators (cont) • Escalation of personal risk undertaken by batterer • Begins to act without regard to legal and/or social consequences that previously contained violence • Hostage-taking • 75% to 90% of all hostage situations in the U.S. are related to DV situations • Police often at high risk when responding to DV cases • History of severe, life-threatening violence • Strangulation in particular • Stalking • Follows/spies on, leaves threatening notes, destroys property, recurrent phone calls

34. Murder-Suicide • About 1,500 deaths per year • Firearms are the overwhelming method • Alcohol/drug use is prevalent • Usually occurs at home/residence • There is no national tracking system • Murder of intimate partners is most common • Jealousy, fear of losing the relationship • 94.5% involved firearms; 90.4% of offenders were male • 73.7% involved an intimate partner; 76% occurred at home Citation: “American Roulette: The Untold Story of Murder-Suicide in the United States.” Violence Policy Center, 2002

35. Stalking Categories • Stranger Stalking • Cases involving celebrities and other public figures generally fall into this category • Acquaintance Stalking • May know each other casually, through formal or informal contact; may have dated once or twice • Intimate or former intimate Stalking • A history of domestic violence may exist • Intimate stalkers are most likely to be violent • A significant number of battered women murders are believed to be preceded by stalking Citation: “Stalking and Domestic Violence: The Third Annual Report to Congress Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)”

36. Stalking Statistics • 45% of women and 43% of men were overtly threatened by their stalkers • Requirement of overt threat of violence in Statutory Law may be problematic • By definition, you are stalked if experienced fear • 80% of the women stalked by intimates have been physically assaulted by them • An estimated 1 million adult women and 400,000 adult men are stalked annually in the U.S. Citation: Tjaden/Thoennes (2001) “Stalking in America: Findings from the National Violence Against Women Survey”

37. Stalking and Gender • Victims: • 78% female • 22% male • Stalkers: • 94% male, as reported by females • 60% male, as reported by males • Vast majority of Victims know their stalker: • 59% of females and 30% of males were stalked by some type of intimate partner • 23% of females and 36% of males were stalked by strangers • State of relationship involvement for women: • 21% during • 43% after • 36% during and after

38. Emotionally Abusive Behavior • An Ex-spouse is significantly more likely to: • Be jealous and/or possessive • Provide arguments in his favor, limit her point of view • Limit her contact with family and friends • Insist on knowing where she is at all times • Make her feel uncomfortable, shout/swear at her • Degrade her as a human being • Frighten her, prevent her from working outside the home • Prevent her from knowing about or having access to family income/finances • Insist on changing residences when she didn’t need or want to

39. Take Home Messages • Alcohol’s role is still very complex! • Alcohol effects are driven by both psychological and pharmacological factors • Alcohol exacerbates the likelihood of sexual assault or domestic violence occurring • Alcohol use is NOT a cause of sexual assault or domestic violence!

40. Questions • Thank you all for what you do!! • Any Questions? • You can contact me at: • Steven.zahl@navy.mil • (901) 874-4355/DSN 882-4355