Rape Rates Research Articles

The Response of Insects and Weeds within the Crop to Variation in Sowing Density of Canola

The relationships between weeds and insects in canola stands with different seeding rates are not fully understood. Varying seeding rates in canola crops can create different conditions that affect both weed and insect populations and their interactions. The aim of this work was to determine the response of weeds and insects of selected taxa to different densities of canola stand densities and to clarify the interactions between weeds and insects in canola stands. The field experiment was conducted on a plot located in the cadastral area of the municipality of Pěnčín (Moravia, Czech Republic). The results show that a reduced canola sowing rate of oilseed rape leads to increased weed infestation, which is dominated by one taxon (Papaver rhoeas L.). The increase in weed infestation of canola stands is not reflected in an increase in the diversity of captured insects. Increased canola seeding rate improves weed suppression but increases the number of canola pest insects. A higher number of plants and more canola biomass increase the food supply and, thus, make the stand more attractive to canola pests. The taxon Brassicogethes aeneus dominated the pests species spectrum. Changing the seeding rate of canola results in a response in weed and insect populations. The standard recommended seeding rate is optimal in terms of competitive suppression of weeds and the occurrence of pests and trapped insects. Increasing or decreasing the seeding rate of rapeseed does not bring any benefits in terms of pest regulation or biodiversity. However, the results obtained indicate an interesting weed–insect interaction in the conditions of canola stands.

Rape Myths and Verdict Systems: What Is Influencing Conviction Rates in Rape Trials in Scotland?

The Scottish verdict system includes three verdicts: 'guilty', 'not guilty' and 'not proven'. Politicians propose that the three-verdict system is partially to blame for the low conviction rate of rape, whereas research suggests that rape myths may be having a larger impact. To test the effects of varying verdict systems (guilty, not guilty and not proven; guilty and not guilty; a series of proven and not proven verdicts) and rape myths on juror verdicts. A total of 180 participants answered questions regarding their acceptance of rape myths using the Acceptance of Modern Myth and Sexual Aggression (AMMSA) scale. They then watched a staged rape trial filmed in a real courtroom and reached a verdict. Participants also provided longer-form answers on which thematical analysis was conducted. The main findings are as follows: (1) The special verdict system leads to a higher conviction rate than the other systems when rape myth acceptance is controlled for. (2) The higher the rape myth acceptance, the more favourably the accused was perceived and the less favourably the complainer was perceived.

Are crimes against women in India converging? Some empirical observations

ABSTRACT Using the Indian state-level panel data on crimes against women for the period 2000–2019, we examined whether various rates of crime against women were converging. The second-generation unit-root test proposed by Pesaran (2007) was employed to check for absolute β-convergence after conforming to cross-sectional dependence in our panel analysis. The results showed no convergence for various rates of crime against women at the aggregate level, barring dowry deaths. The disaggregated zone-wise results revealed convergence in Eastern and North Eastern states for the Composite Crime Index (CI). The rate of rape was convergent in the west zone, while dowry deaths and cruelty by husbands were convergent only in the Eastern zone. Note that there was a weak convergence in dowry deaths in the North zone. In short, our study fails to find robust evidence of strong convergence in various categories of crime against women in India. The system-GMM results of conditional β-convergence broadly supported the no-convergence results of Pesaran’s unit-root test, as divergence was found in most crime categories. The prominent sources of divergence are women’s employment, female foeticide rate, number of pending cases, rate of arrest, and the proportion of Schedule Castes (SCs) people in the total population.

Circadian Rhythm Effects on the Extraction and Identification of Semen on Semen-Stained Fabrics Using Seminal Fluid Biochemistry

The rate of rape and other sexually induced crimes is rapidly on the increase worldwide with weak empirical confirmational tools, and expensive financial implications This is further compounded by poor proof of the time of the committal of the crime and its attendant effect on the parameter of interest. This called for a cheap and accurate approach involving the use of biochemical parameters indicative of seminal fluids on fabrics and other ancillary materials found in a crime scene. This study was therefore designed to validate a suitable seminal fluid biochemical approach to detecting seminal stained fabrics and the attendant circadian rhythm effects. Seminal fluid biochemical parameters used for the study include prostate-specific antigen, gamma-glutamyl transferase, acid phosphatase, magnesium, zinc, and inorganic phosphorus. These parameters were analyzed using WHO-approved methods after the extraction phase from dried stained fabrics. Forty (40) participants were recruited for the study divided into two groups; nocturnal and diurnal. The mathematical and empirical analysis data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA (Post Hoc) on an SPSS 25 version platform. The result showed a significant increase (p< 0.05) in seminal PSA, GGT, and ACP in the semen-stained fabrics when compared to distilled water-stained fabrics. In a similar vein, there was a significant increase in seminal ACP and PSA concentrations in the nocturnal group when compared to the diurnal, whereas seminal GGT decreased. In conclusion, this study has shown that semen-stained fabric can be detected for the presence of seminal fluids using seminal PSA, ACP, and GGT. Also, the effect of circadian rhythm should be considered during result interpretation.

Student Perceptions of Reproductive Health Consequences Resulting from Rape

Persistently high rates of campus rape combined with changing legal landscapes surrounding reproductive health make student perceptions of the reproductive health consequences resulting from rape an important topic of research. In this study, we analyze student perceptions of a hypothetical campus rape in which a victim experiences no medical consequences, becomes pregnant, or contracts a sexually transmitted infection (STI) as a result of rape. Students in the sample recommended consistently severe punishment for the perpetrator across all three experimental conditions but viewed victim guilt and responsibility to be greatest for the rape resulting in pregnancy and least for the rape resulting in an STI. Qualitatively, students voiced strong sympathy for the victim due to the STI, yet rarely discussed the impact of pregnancy. We recommend that future research investigate the perceptions, prevalence, and consequences of reproductive health outcomes resulting from campus rape and suggest a reproductive justice framework for doing so.

Forensic Discrimination of condom lubricants using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics- effect of matrices, pre-coital and post-coital conditions.

The escalating rates of rape and sexual assault cases underscore the essential need to analyze associative evidence of sexual assault to ensure justice. The condom, when used during the act of sexual assault/rape, leaves behind traces of lubricant that could be instrumental in establishing the link between the victim and perpetrator. This leading evidence is crucial especially when the traditional DNA analysis is challenging owing to the lack of biological evidence. The present study employs the use of ATR FTIR spectroscopy coupled with the chemometric, to discern the chemical discrimination of condom lubricants. The study also aimed to investigate simulated real-case scenarios by analysing the effect of different matrices such as vaginal fluid, menstrual blood, and undergarment substrates (cotton, polyester and nylon) on condom traces. The difference in the spectral profile of pre-coitus and post-coitus samples was also investigated. The results of the present study are noteworthy, unveiling the efficacy of discriminating the condom lubricants of different brands and other frequently used household lubricants with 100% sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Condom lubricants are detected despite the presence of contaminants such as menstrual blood, and vaginal fluid, across different substrates and, in post-coital conditions. In conclusion, this study presents a comprehensive approach to analysing condom lubricants, offering a potential breakthrough in the investigation of sexual assault cases, coupled with the ability to counter false accusations.

Is rape a crime in Japan?

Abstract Japan is often said to have one of the lowest rape rates in the world, and Japanese police claim to solve 97 percent of rape cases. But in reality, only 5–10 percent of rape victims report it to police, and police record half or less of reported cases while prosecutors charge about one-third of recorded cases. The result of this process of caseload attrition is that for every 1,000 rapes in Japan, only 10–20 result in a criminal conviction – and fewer than half of convicted rapists are incarcerated. Similar patterns characterize Japan's criminal justice response to other sex crimes. This article shows that impunity for sex offenders is extremely common in Japan, and it argues that patriarchal social and legal norms help explain this pattern.

Trend and spatial pattern of intimate partner rape notifications against women in Northeast Brazil (2013-2022).

To analyze the trend and spatial pattern of intimate partner rape reports against women in Northeast Brazil. Ecological time-series study and spatial analysis with secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System between 2013 and 2022. Gross rape rates were calculated by type of intimate partner and by age group of the victim. Prais-Winsten regression was used to calculate the trend, and the global and local Moran indices were used for spatial analysis. A total of 5,542 cases of intimate partner rape were reported. Spousal rates ranged from 0.34/100,000 women in 2013 to 0.51/100,000 in 2017, with greater increases between 2018 (1.04/100 thousand) and 2022 (1.28/100 thousand). There was an upward trend in the Northeast as a whole (APC=19.47; 95%CI 15.88-23.22) and in almost all states, except Paraíba and Sergipe. Cases perpetrated by boyfriends (APC=23.90; 95%CI 12.80-36.09) and among women aged 15 to 19 years (APC=22.63; 95%CI 4.18-44.35) showed the highest annual variation. A concentration of high rates was observed in several municipalities in the northwest of Ceará and southeast of Pernambuco. The trend in intimate partner rape rates against women increased in the Northeast, especially among younger women and by boyfriends, with a greater agglomeration of notifications in Ceará and Pernambuco.

Crime hotspots and its effect on socio-economic activities using Geographical Information System (GIS) in 3 selected local government areas in northern Taraba, Nigeria

<p>This study examines crime hotspots in Northern Taraba, Taraba State, Nigeria, using GIS. The prevalence of crime has escalated in Nigeria and Taraba State, especially in the northern region, where Jalingo, the state capital, is situated. The study focused on identifying crime hotspots in Northern Taraba and assessing the socio-economic consequences associated with high crime rates in the study area. The data was acquired from the field and from the Nigerian Police Force. The findings indicate that the most prevalent offenses are theft (20.9%) and thuggery/cultism (12.9%). The study period revealed that the rates of murder (12.5%), armed robbery (10.8%), kidnapping (6.2%), rape (8%), housebreaking (11.4%), false pretense and cheating (9.4%), mischief (4.4%), and the possession of firearms (3.4%). Jalingo exhibited the highest number of criminal incidents over the past decade, with a total of 3105. Ardo-kola followed with 1285 incidents, while Yorro LGA had the lowest record with 547 incidents. The hotspot of criminal activity is mostly focused on the central regions of Jalingo, Yorro, and Ardo-kola. The vulnerabilities to crime in high-density residential neighborhoods stem from several factors, including uneven plot layouts with narrow dirt streets, the existence of marketplaces, a large population, and the lack of police divisions for reporting crimes. The impacts of crime encompassed resource depletion, hindered development, loss of life, insecurity, property destruction, social isolation, and reputational damage. A substantial percentage of participants expressed strong agreement or disagreement regarding the escalation of crime rates in the surveyed region during the past five years. The study recommends the allocation of resources towards combating criminal activities, particularly in the designated areas with high crime rates. It is also imperative for the Nigerian police to meticulously document crime cases, including the precise geographical coordinates of crime incidents, in order to facilitate hotspot research.</p>

Empowerment Transformation Training Reduces Rape Among Girls and Young Women in South Sudan and the Kakuma Refugee Camp

PurposeRape occurs at high rates in South Sudan and Kakuma refugee camps, a region characterized by armed conflict, gender inequity, and economic crisis. To date, we know little about how to prevent rape in this region of the world. As such, the purpose of this study was to examine outcomes of Empowerment Transformation Training (ETT) (an adapted empowerment self-defense program; empowerment self-defense) among female participants in South Sudan and the Kakuma refugee camp. MethodsSchools were assigned to the treatment (ETT) condition (n = 7) or control (life skills) condition (n = 9) and used as the unit of analysis given the cluster-randomized design. Female participants anonymously completed a baseline (T1) and 12-month follow-up (T2) paper and pencil survey. ResultsAnnual rape victimization rates decreased from 10.7% to 5.5% in the ETT schools (risk ratio [RR] = 0.51); there was no change in the control schools (10.0%–9.0%). Empowerment Transformation Training (ETT) schools had increased confidence at T2 (T1: 42.4%; T2: 75.4%; RR = 1.79) and greater rates of confidence at T2 compared to control schools (54.3%; RR = 1.39). Knowledge of effective self-defense strategies (T2) was greater for ETT schools (47.4%) compared to control schools (30.1%) (RR = 1.57). DiscussionThe ETT program reduced rates of rape, increased confidence, disclosures of rape (among victims), and knowledge of effective self-defense strategies. Empowerment self-defense programs are a critical component to rape prevention across global communities, including those characterized by armed conflict, gender inequity, and economic crisis.

The Association between the Percentage of Female Law Enforcement Officers and Rape Report, Clearance, and Arrest Rates: A Spatiotemporal Analysis of California.

Rape is an underreported violent crime that frequently remains uncleared (open) in the legal system. Rape disproportionately affects women, with 91% of rape victim-survivors estimated to be female. However, law enforcement agencies, the entry point into the criminal justice system, are predominantly comprised of male officers. According to the theory of representative bureaucracy, groups with greater representation in a bureaucratic system are more likely to have their interests protected. This study aims to determine if California law enforcement agencies with a higher percentage of female officers are more likely to have higher rates of rape reporting, clearances, and arrests. No previous study has examined this relationship using statewide data. Crimes and Clearances, Monthly Arrest and Citation Register, and Uniform Crime Reporting data for California (2013-2016) were aggregated into 499 Law Enforcement Reporting Areas (LERA). Bayesian space-time Poisson regressions controlling for LERA demographics and crime produced scaled relative rates for three outcomes: (a) rape report rate: number of reports relative to population ages 18+; (b) rape clearance rate: number of clearances relative to reports; and (c) rape arrest rate: number of arrests for rape relative to reports. A 5% increase in the percentage of female officers within an agency was associated with a 6.2% increase in the rape report rate (ARR: 1.062, 95% credible interval (CI) [1.048, 1.077]), a 2.9% decrease in the clearance rate (ARR: 0.971 95% CI [0.950, 0.993]), and no change in the rape arrest rates (ARR: 1.010; 95% CI [0.981, 1.039]) across all LERA. Thus, increased female officer representation was associated with an increase in rape reporting rates but associated with a decrease in rape clearance rates. The theory of representative bureaucracy was only partially supported, and these relationships may not be causal. The quantity of rape reports received by an agency, employment and promotion practices of agencies, and victim-survivor's attitudes toward officer's gender should also be considered.

Influence of seeding rates on the formation of productivity of winter rape agrocenoses (Brassica napus L. Oleifera)

The influence of sowing rates on the growth, development and formation of seed productivity of winter rape hybrids Pancher and Fencer is highlighted. A structural analysis and comparison of indicators of the individual state of plants at the seeding rate of winter rape recommended by the manufacturer of 500 thousand seeds/ha and reduced rates of 400, 300 and 200 thousand seeds/ha, which model the possible oss of plants in the sowing during the autumn-winter period, were carried out. It was noted that at a sowing rate of 500 thousand units/ha before entering winter (BBCH 15–18), the diameter of the root collar of the hybrids was 0.82–0.84 cm, and the height of the point above the soil level was 2.18–2.35 cm. In the variant with a sowing rate of 200 thousand seeds/ha, the diameter of the root collar of Pancher hybrid increased to 1.13 cm, and that of the Fencer hybrid — 1.11 cm, while the height of the growth point above the soil level of the hybrids was at the level of 1.77–1.88 cm. In the pre-harvest period (BBCH 93–95), the height of winter rape plants was not uniform and largely depended on the seeding rate, i.e., the greater the number of plants per square metre, the taller they were. Thus, at a sowing rate of 500 thousand seeds per hectare, the average height of Pancher winter rape plants was 167 cm, while that of the Fencer hybrid was 173 cm. With a decrease in the seeding rate to 200 thousand seeds/ha, the height of plants also decreased to 156 cm in Pancher hybrid and to 168 cm in Fencer hybrid. At the recommended sowing rates of winter rape (500 thousand units/ha), the number of branches in the hybrids was 6-7 units/plant, the number of pods was 328–386 units/plant, and the weight of 1000 seeds was 2.97–3.15 g. The yield of Pancher hybrid in this variant was 4.37 t/ha, while the yield of the Fencer hybrid was 4.55 t/ha. It was noted that reducing the seeding rate to 400 and 300 thousand units/ha did not significantly reduce the yield of hybrids. However, already at a sowing rate of 200 thousand units/ha, the yield reduction in hybrids was more significant and amounted to 0.68–0.75 t/ha with a yield of 3.62–3.87 t/ha. Studies have shown that winter rape plants have a high compensatory capacity and are able to form high productivity indicators both at the recommended sowing rates (500 thousand units/ha) and at reduced rates (300– 400 thousand units/ha). However, from a practical point of view, it is not necessary to reduce the sowing rates by 40–50% of the recommended ones, as plants may be damaged or destroyed in the autumn-winter period due to drought, freezing, rooting and damage by mouse-like rodents. The revealed peculiarity of winter rape allows determining the limit of rape density at which high and stable productivity, and therefore profitability of production, is ensured.

Why do rape victimization rates vary across studies? A meta-analysis examining moderating variables.

Research studies have identified multiple study- and sample-related factors that predict variation in the proportion of participants who report experiences of rape (non-consensual oral, anal, or vaginal penetration obtained by force, threat of force, and/or victim incapacitation). The magnitude of variation introduced by these methodological variables is often unclear, which can complicate attempts to compare findings across research studies. With the goal of identifying and quantifying sources of variation, we conducted a meta-analysis that compared rates of rape experienced by women in the United States during adolescence or adulthood. 6391 research articles were evaluated for inclusion and 84 studies (89 independent samples) met inclusion criteria. Results of a random-effects meta-analysis found that an average of 17.0 % (95 % CI [15.7 %, 18.3 %]) of participants across samples reported experiences of rape in adolescence or adulthood. The mean participant age, source of the sample, perpetration tactics included in the measure, and interaction between sample source and perpetration tactics each predicted significant variation in the proportion of victims identified. Participant recruitment method, publication year, and the earliest age included in the reference period did not predict significant variation. These findings clarify the impact of methodological variables on observed victimization rates and provide context that can inform comparisons across sexual victimization studies.

Trauma-Related Shame Mediates the Associations Between Self-Blame, Bisexual Minority Stress, and Rape-Related PTSD Symptoms.

Bisexual women experience higher rates of rape and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prevalence compared to heterosexual and lesbian women. In addition, bisexual women experience unique antibisexual stigma and minority stress, which are associated with post-trauma outcomes. The aim of the current study was to test trauma-related shame as a mechanism in the relations of self-blame and bisexual minority stress (i.e., antibisexual stigma and internalized binegativity) with rape-related PTSD symptom. The sample consisted of 192 cisgender bisexual women (ages 18-35 years) who reported an experience of rape since the age of 18. Results from path analysis conducted in Mplus indicated that trauma-related shame mediated the link between self-blame and rape-related PTSD severity, as well as the links from antibisexual stigma and internalized binegativity to rape-related PTSD severity. There was also an indirect serial effect from antibisexual stigma to internalized binegativity to shame to PTSD severity. Thus, findings highlight the mechanistic role of trauma-related shame in rape-related PTSD symptoms. We identified two risk pathways: (a) general/universal risk from self-blame about rape and shame to PTSD severity and (b) group-specific risk from bisexual minority stress and shame to PTSD severity. Results indicate that reducing trauma-related shame may be an important target to improve post-rape outcomes. Finally, stigma associated with rape and sexual violence as well as antibisexual stigma must be eradicated to improve post-trauma outcomes among bisexual survivors.

The Influence of Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender and Insincere Apologies on Perceptions of Sexual Assault.

DARVO (deny, attack, reverse victim and offender) is a response exhibited by perpetrators to deflect blame and responsibility. When using DARVO, perpetrators deny their involvement in wrongdoing, attack their victims' credibility, and argue that they are the real victims. The purpose of this study was to measure the influence of DARVO and another manipulative tactic-insincere perpetrator apologies-on observers' judgments of a victim and perpetrator in a fictional sexual violence scenario. Perpetrator DARVO was experimentally manipulated via fictional vignettes to measure their impact on perceived perpetrator and victim abusiveness, responsibility, and believability. Data from 230 undergraduate students revealed that participants who were exposed to perpetrator DARVO rated the perpetrator as less abusive (, 90% CI [0.04, 0.15]), less responsible for the sexual assault (, [0.001, 0.06]), and more believable compared (, [0.002, 0.07]) to participants who were exposed to a perpetrator who did not use DARVO. DARVO-exposed participants rated the victim as more abusive (, [0.04, 0.14]) and less believable (, [0.03, 0.14]), and also expressed less willingness to punish the perpetrator and greater willingness to punish the victim. Insincere apologies had minimal impact on ratings. By promoting distrust in victims and less punitive views of perpetrators, DARVO might contribute to rape-supporting outcomes such as victim blaming, greater victim distress, and low rates of rape reporting and perpetrator prosecution.

Curbing the Menaces of Rape and Sexual Violence in Contemporary Nigerian Societies

The aim of this research work is to curb the menace of rape and sexual violence in contemporary Nigerian societies. This became necessary because rape and sexual violence are some of the challenges which many suffered from in contemporary Nigerian societies. These vices have gradually become a serious threat to vulnerable people in the country. It is no longer safe for female children and women to walk alone in some places because of the fear of being raped or sexually abused. The findings of the research have shown that there are alarming rate of rape and sexual violence in Nigerian society. For there are many instances in which children, especially female children have been raped on their way to or from school or at home when their parents left for works. Therefore, this problem has done a lot of damage to many female children and women alike. It has also shattered the life of many people, who have been victims of this evil menace. Although people who have been affected by the evil of rape and sexual violence are suffering from the trauma of what happened to them, yet little is being done to curb this menace. This research has shown that this is a pathetic situation that requires urgent attention from all concerned and well-meaning citizens. The major question which this research paper has answered is that: What is it that should be done in order to curb the menace of rape and sexual violence against those who are vulnerable to these inhuman acts in Nigerian societies? While the method that was used in this research is “Random surveys” of cases of rape and sexual violence in Nigeria. The researcher finds it necessary to adopt this method because it is suitable for an objective generalization of the findings. Meanwhile, the theory on which this research hangs is the “Holistic Approach Theory”. The premise of this theory is that curbing the menace of rape and sexual violence in contemporary Nigerian societies requires the collective efforts of the community, the church, the government, civil society/NGOs, mass media and that of the concern citizens. The research presupposes that unless all efforts are collectively put together, it will be difficult to fight these evils that have ravaged our societies.

Gender-Egalitarianism and the Construction of Official Rape Rates

Cross-national variations in official crime rates likely represent several concurrent criminological and non-criminological phenomena beyond actual crime occurrence, resulting in puzzling relationships between variables. For example, research shows that structural gender equality predicts official rape rates. I extend this literature by examining whether the ethos or mainstream country-level attitudes and beliefs toward gender equality (or gender egalitarianism) affect official rape rates. Results suggest that while countries with higher levels of gender egalitarianism in the public sphere have higher official rape rates, nations with higher levels of gender-private egalitarianism have lower official rape rates. These outcomes imply that progressive attitudes toward the full participation of women in work, education, and politics are disjointed from gender-egalitarian views on parenting, divorce, and abortion. My findings align with previous studies showing a paradoxical positive association between structural gender equality and official rape rates. I problematize earlier interpretations of similar results as a backlash effect of women’s parity. Throughout the paper, I reflect on the impact of statistical and social factors in constructing official rape rates. I propose using an updated gender ideology framework to understand the complex relationship between private and public dimensions of equalitarianism and official rape rates.

Violence against Scheduled Caste Women: The Case of Rape across States in India

The present paper is an endeavour to get in the brutal social practices against scheduled caste (SC) women in India utilizing state-level information over the period of nearly two decades, that is, 2001–2019. Besides law enforcement and punishment, there can be other compelling instruments for controlling rape against SC women. The result proposes interstate disparity in rape rate. Rape against SC women may be controlled with higher economic growth, education and expanding expenditure on police. The DEMARU states are still found slacking behind in controlling rape of SC women.

Do Prostitution Laws Affect Rape Rates? Evidence from Europe

Do Prostitution Laws Affect Rape Rates? Evidence from Europe

Conscientious Objection to Emergency Contraception

Conscientious Objection to Emergency Contraception