Chapter 17 Sexual Coercion

1. Chapter 17Sexual Coercion

2. Types of Rape • Stranger rape • Acquaintance rape • Date rape • Statutory rape

3. 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

4. Incidence of Rape by Sex of Victim

5. 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”

6. 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

7. Psychosocial Basis of RapeImpact of Media • Heightens acceptance of sexual violence • Heightens likelihood of coercive sex • Physiologic findings inconsistent

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

9. 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

10. Age Breakdown of Women Rape Victims

11. Acquaintance RapeRole of Perceptions and Communication • Occur in 3 out of 4 rapes • Sexual scripts • Misinterpretations and double messages • Nonverbal communication • Justification

12. 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

13. Wartime Rape • U.N. 1996 Declaration: crime of war • Motivated by attempts to dominate, humiliate, control • Destroy familial and societal bonds • Terrorize population

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

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

18. 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

19. Sexual Abuse of ChildrenRecovered Memories • Many abuse victims do not remember documented abuse • Controversy: Are memories planted by therapists?

20. Sexual Abuse of ChildrenPedophiles 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

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

22. 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

23. 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

24. Sexual HarassmentSeverity Levels • Mild: -Sexual or sexist remarks -Unwelcome intrusion • Intermediate: -Graphic comments • Severe: -Requiring sexual services

25. 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

26. Sexual HarassmentEffects on the Victim • Financial loss • Psychological reactions • Physical symptoms • Personal relationships

27. 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

28. 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