Sexual Coercion Notes

Sexual Coercion

Types of Rape

  • Stranger rape: Rape committed by an individual unknown to the victim.

  • Date rape/Acquaintance rape: Rape committed by someone the victim knows.

  • Statutory rape: Sexual activity with a person under the legal age of consent.

  • New FBI Definition: Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the 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 is influenced by the relations between the sexes and the status of women in society.

  • Rape-prone societies: Societies where rape is more common due to stereotyped gender roles and peer group acceptance of such behavior.

  • Boy’s attitudes during developmental years affect their views on sexual coercion.

Impact of Media

  • Media can heighten the acceptance of sexual violence.

  • Media can increase the likelihood of coercive sex.

  • Trends in pornography use can influence attitudes toward sexual coercion.

Characteristics of Rapists

  • Embrace male-dominance.

  • Often harbor anger toward women.

  • Alcohol may contribute to the likelihood of committing rape.

  • Self-centered, less sensitive individuals may exhibit narcissism.

  • May have a history of progressively more violent sexual offenses.

Acquaintance Rape: Role of Perceptions and Communication

  • 3 out of 4 rapes are acquaintance rapes.

  • Misinterpretations and double messages can lead to acquaintance rape.

  • Nonverbal communication plays a significant role in these situations.

  • Justification by the perpetrator is common.

Date Rape Drugs

  • Rohypnol (roofies): A sedative causing muscle relaxation and amnesia.

  • Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB): A central nervous system depressant.

  • Ketamine hydrochloride (Special K): Another central nervous system depressant.

Aftermath of Rape

  • Initial feelings of shame, anger, fear, guilt, powerlessness are common.

  • Self-blame is a frequent reaction.

  • Physical symptoms often occur.

  • Impaired sexual functioning may result.

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after the trauma.

  • Less severe repercussions are observed if counseling is begun ASAP.

Rape and Sexual Assault of Males

  • Although the vast majority of sexual assault victims are women, men are also targets.

  • Men are less likely than women to report rape.

  • Gay men, prison inmates, and prisoners of war are particularly vulnerable.

Self-Defense

  • Taking control of the situation is crucial.

  • Speak in a strong voice.

  • Maintain eye contact.

  • Remain alert and be confident.

  • Recognize ploys used by attackers:

    • Request for help

    • Offer of help

    • Guilt trip

    • Deliberate accident

    • Authority

  • To prevent an attack:

    • Always be vigilant.

    • Use campus escort services.

    • Vary your routes.

    • Don’t leave a bar with a friendly stranger.

    • Let friends and family know where you are going.

    • Stay close to others.

    • Keep windows and doors locked.

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: Sexual abuse with a relative.

    • Brother-sister and first cousin incest are most common.

    • Father-daughter incest is reported more and has a greater negative impact.

  • Pedophilia or molestation: Sexual abuse with a non-relative.

Characteristics of Child Sexual Abusers

  • Mostly heterosexual males.

  • Span across all social classes, religions, ethnicities, and education levels.

  • Often lonely and shy.

  • Poor interpersonal skills.

  • May have alcoholism, severe marital problems, sexual difficulties, and poor emotional adjustment.

Situations Increasing Risk of Child Sexual Abuse

  • Most sexual abuse occurs in the child’s home.

  • Risk factors include:

    • The child lives without one of his or her biological parents.

    • The mother is unavailable because she is disabled, ill, or working outside the home.

    • The parents’ marriage is unhappy.

    • The child has a poor relationship with his or her parents or is subjected to extremely punitive discipline.

    • The child lives with a stepfather.

Pedophiles in Cyberspace

  • The Internet provides increased opportunities to take advantage of children.

  • Abusers first gain the child’s trust and then try to arrange a meeting.

Prevention

  • Megan’s Law is in place to help prevent child sexual abuse.

Preventing Child Sexual Abuse

  • Present prevention-oriented material at a young age.

  • Teach children about “Okay” and “Not Okay” touches.

  • Encourage children to believe they have rights.

  • Encourage immediate communication 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:

    • Quid pro quo: Something for something, often involving job benefits in exchange for sexual favors.

    • Hostile or offensive environment: Creating an uncomfortable or intimidating atmosphere.

Same-Sex Sexual Harassment

  • Recent increase in same-sex sexual harassment claims.

  • Federal law is narrowly interpreted as between men and women.

  • Difficult to pursue legally.

Dealing with Sexual Harassment

  • If assaulted, file criminal charges.

  • If not assaulted, confront the harasser.

  • Discuss with a supervisor.

  • Discuss appropriately with coworkers.

  • File an official complaint or lawsuit.

Sexual Harassment in Academic Settings

  • Coercion focuses on grades, letters of recommendation, work, or research opportunities.

  • Many colleges ban professor-student romances.

  • Incidence rates:

    • 20-40% undergraduate women

    • 9-29% undergraduate men

    • 30-50% graduate women


Term 1: Rape
Definition 1: Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.
Term 2: Acquaintance rape/Date rape
Definition 2: Rape committed by someone the victim knows.
Term 3: Statutory rape
Definition 3: Sexual activity with a person under the legal age of consent.
Term 4: Incest
Definition 4: Sexual abuse with a relative.
Term 5: Pedophilia or molestation
Definition 5: Sexual abuse with a non-relative.
Term 6: Sexual scripts
Definition 6: Schemas for sexual behavior that individuals learn, influencing how they perceive, interpret, and enact sexual encounters.
Term 7: Quid pro quo
Definition 7: Something for something, often involving job benefits in exchange for sexual favors.
Term 8: Hostile or offensive environment
Definition 8: Creating an uncomfortable or intimidating atmosphere.
Term 9: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its association with rape
Definition 9: Initial feelings of shame, anger, fear, guilt, powerlessness are common. Self-blame is a frequent reaction. Physical symptoms often occur. Impaired sexual functioning may result. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after the trauma. Less severe repercussions are observed if counseling is begun ASAP.
Term 10: Rohypnol (roofies)
Definition 10: A sedative causing muscle relaxation and amnesia.


Term 1: Rape
Definition 1: Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.
Term 2: Acquaintance rape/Date rape
Definition 2: Rape committed by someone the victim knows.
Term 3: Statutory rape
Definition 3: Sexual activity with a person under the legal age of consent.
Term 4: Incest
Definition 4: Sexual abuse with a relative.
Term 5: Pedophilia or molestation
Definition 5: Sexual abuse with a non-relative.
Term 6: Sexual scripts
Definition 6: Schemas for sexual behavior that individuals learn, influencing how they perceive, interpret, and enact sexual encounters.
Term 7: Quid pro quo
Definition 7: Something for something, often involving job benefits in exchange for sexual favors.
Term 8: Hostile or offensive environment
Definition 8: Creating an uncomfortable or intimidating atmosphere.
Term 9: Reasons why rape and child molestation would not be reported?
Definition 9: Men are less likely than women to report rape. Gay men, prison inmates, and prisoners of war are particularly vulnerable. Most sexual abuse occurs in the child’s home.
Term 10: What is posttraumatic stress disorder and how is it associated with rape?
Definition 10: Initial feelings of shame, anger, fear, guilt, powerlessness are common. Self-blame is a frequent reaction. Physical symptoms often occur. Impaired sexual functioning may result. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after the trauma. Less severe repercussions are observed if counseling is begun ASAP.
Term 11: What is Rohypnol and how does it affect the body?
Definition 11: A sedative causing muscle relaxation and amnesia.