Types of Sexual Assault - Report Example

Running head:  Sexual Assault Insert         Insert Grade Insert 25 January Outline Introduction Forms of Sexual assault Effects of sexual assault Conclusion Abstract Sexual assault involves sexual activities without the consent of the victim, which is evident globally, hence a public health problem, which needs to be curbed. This paper discusses different forms of sexual assault, whereby it is noted that both genders are victims of sexual violence. Men and women may be victims of rape, whereby men are sodomized by other men, while women may be subjected to acquaintance or stranger rape. In addition, forms of sexual assault are discussed, which include child abuse, incest, and rape. The effects of rape are traumatizing for the victims, with some attempting suicide due to lack of self worth. The essay concludes with the plea for the society and the government to work together in fighting this crime, which occurs anywhere, ironically the offenders being mostly people we trust or love. Sexual Assault Introduction Sexual assault can be defined as a sexual act committed by an individual without the consent of the victim (security & public safety, 2011). Until recently, sexual acts were committed by a man to a woman, however, the trend has changed nowadays with both genders being involved, and children being victims of this offense (united stated, department of defense, 2004, p.56). It is estimated that 80% of rape offenders are individuals known to the victim. Consent is related to choice, it is therefore not associated with fear, and it is a voluntary yes or no. Therefore, sexual assault without consent involves duress, which is threat or force, and menace as well (Stanford University, 2006). Therefore, sexual assault consists of involuntary sexual engagement, whereby, a victim is threatened or even forced to engage in sexual activity, which may include inappropriate touching, forced kissing, or rape, incest or child abuse (department of commerce, 2009). This paper will discuss sexual assault at length and the different categories it falls into. In addition, it will discuss the effects on victims. Forms of Sexual assault Sexual assault is evident globally, as statistics indicate that one in four women experience sexual violence globally (chapter 6, 2002, p.150). Sexual assault occurs when a victim is touched without his/her consent; this takes many forms such as rape, attempted rape, sodomy, incest, and molestation (the national center for victims of crime, 2008). Nevertheless, any form of sexual assault is devastating and a crime as well; interestingly, the offenders are acquaintances, family, friends, and strangers as well. In sexual assault, sodomy can be referred to as forced anal intercourse, while rape involves intercourse against one’s will - it is an act that involves violence, with sex being used as a weapon. Stranger rape occurs when the victim cannot identify the offender, especially at night or daytime. Acquaintance rape involves a victim and offender; however, the offender may be a co-worker, neighbor, or a friend; therefore, this kind of rape involves a person that the victim trusts (department of commerce, 2009). Date rape on the other hand involves two dating partners. Marital rape falls under this category, whereby, rape occurs between married couples; however, this type of rape is shunned and rarely talked about. Rape is also common in men, whereby, sodomy occurs without their consent; in this case, the offender is usually a man. Child sexual abuse occurs when an individual forces a minor to engage in sexual activity. Mostly, the offenders work hard on gaining the trust of the minors, and as a result, they can expose them to pornography and sexual activity - this can include penetration orally or anally (department of commerce, 2009). Incest involves forced sexual activity by a sibling or by an adult family member. Sexual harassment is a form of sexual assault that involves inappropriate sexual advances, verbally or physically. This may involve sexually suggestive language and request for sexual favors. Needless to say, any form of sexual assault impacts negatively on victims and it is a crime globally. Effects of sexual assault Victims of sexual assault are always affected by the inhumane acts; some may suffer from nightmares incase of rape, anger, self-blame, and health problems among other effects. Chapter 6 (2002, p.150) adds that, victims of sexual assault suffer from mental health as well, which has serious impacts on the victim. Some victims result to suicide attempts or attempt to murder their offender; nevertheless, stigmatization can result, especially from their family members. In addition, victims of rape may contract HIV, which becomes unbearable news for some, who result to suicide attempts. Nevertheless, these victims may also develop rape-related posttraumatic stress disorder, which may affect their social lives - this is according to a national women study (National center for victims of crime 2008). According to chapter 6 (2002, p.154), men and boys who are victims of sexual assault suffer psychologically. These effects include guilt, anger, suicide attempts, sexual and relationship withdrawal and depression. Therefore, every gender suffers greatly from any form of sexual assault, both physically and mentally. Nevertheless, it is important to report any form of sexual assault to the authorities, as this will prevent such a crime from re-occurring when the offenders are charged. In addition, families of rape victims and sexually abused children should be in a position of giving full emotional support to these victims. As a result, self-guilt, denial, low self-esteem, and suicide attempts will diminish and full recovery will be achieved fast. Conclusion Sexual assault leaves both visible and invisible effects on the victims who include children, adolescents, women, and men. It is important for prevention measures to be implemented globally in an attempt to solve these crimes. In most countries, the government focuses on only women violence, forgetting the boys and men who suffer a great deal from sexual violence. Therefore, a balance should be achieved when dealing with sexual assault cases. Strict rules should be enforced against sexual violence, with the offenders having to pay dearly for these crimes. In learning institutions, students should be taught on how to protect themselves from sex offenders and the necessary measures that should be taken in case of an assault. Sexual assault is a global problem, not an individual problem, and therefore, the society and the government should work together to curb this crime. References Chapter 6. (2002). sexual violence. World report on violence and health. Retrieved from http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2002/9241545615_chap6_eng.pdf Department of commerce. (2009). State of Washington. Sexual assault. Retrieved from http://www.commerce.wa.gov/site/261/default.aspx Stanford University. (2006). Sexual assault & sexual violence. Retrieved from http://www.stanford.edu/group/svab/assault.shtml Security & public safety. (2011). Sarah Lawrence college. Definition of assault. Retrieved from http://www.slc.edu/offices-services/security/assault/Definition_of_Sexual_Assault.html The national center for victims of crime. (2008). Sexual assault. Retrieved from http://www.ncvc.org/ncvc/main.aspx?dbName=DocumentViewer&DocumentID=32369 United States Dept. of Defense. (2004). Task Force report on care for victims of sexual assault. DIANE Publishing. Read More