Sexual Assault Research Articles

“It Literally Makes Me Feel Harder to Kill”: A Qualitative Study of the Perceived Benefits of Recreational Martial Arts Practice Among Women Sexual Assault Survivors

“It Literally Makes Me Feel Harder to Kill”: A Qualitative Study of the Perceived Benefits of Recreational Martial Arts Practice Among Women Sexual Assault Survivors

EHR Documentation and Referrals for Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Assault.

Hospital settings provide a unique opportunity to screen for interpersonal violence (IPV) and sexual assault (SA) yet often lack health IT solutions for generating reliable and valid medico-legal documentation via forensic reports. The objective of the project was to evaluate a pilot, technology "tool" for documenting cases of IPV and SA that could support forensic nurse examiners and related stakeholders in generating high quality documentation and coordinating victim support services. The tool was a digital health intervention implemented for use among forensic nurse examiners, law enforcement, victim support organizations, and more within four counties of California. We conducted a mixed-methods pilot study that captured data around the adoption, use, and impact of having access to the newly implemented tool. The tool successfully went live in all four pilot counties at different time points with different proportions of use by county and form type: exams, referrals, addenda, risk assessments, and other. Participants were motivated to use the tool out of a perceived need for data handling functionalities that went beyond traditional manual (paper) means. Key functionalities included body mapping, data quality controls within validated forms, attaching addenda to already existing case reports, and the means to distribute data to external recipients. Further study and development are needed on functions to incorporate into body maps and forms, and understanding the information needs of law enforcement and victim support organizations. Our evaluation demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a health IT tool to support forensic nurse documentation of IPV and SA, and direct information to multiple legal and support-related stakeholders. Areas of future development include integrating IPV and SA-related data standards for digitized forms, enhancements to the body mapping feature, and understanding the needs of those who receive digital data from forensic nurse examiners within the tool.

Nature-Young Adult Relationship in Anderson’s Speak: An Ecofeminist Reading

This paper explores ecofeminism through a connection to the nature and a sexually assaulted young adult girl in Laurie Halse Anderson’s novel Speak. This study argues that adolescents suffer from the effects of rape. It also contends that aside from abusing teenagers, sexual assaulters also damage the victim’s ability to interact with the outside world. The rapists prevent the female protagonist from having healthy relationship with the nature. Therefore, it is crucial to re-establish connections with oneself, other people, and the natural environment in order to escape the horrible act of physical violation. For that purpose, this research paper employs the perspectives of Roberta S. Trites about young adults; and opinions of Carlos J. Adams and Greta Gaard about ecofeminism. In conclusion, this study hopes to pave the path for future research into the comprehensive interaction between a young adult’s (female) body and nature.

Effects of generational age on religious coping and psychological outcomes in females exposed to interpersonal violence.

This study seeks to examine the psychological outcomes and religious coping styles of women who are exposed to IpV as it relates to generational differences. A national stratified convenience sample of women in the United States (N = 1,165) was recruited online using the Qualtrics crowdsourcing service. Participants (n = 538) who reported having experienced interpersonal violence (i.e., sexual assault, physical assault, assault with a weapon) were designated as the IpV group. Those (n = 627) who reported no exposure to these events were designated as a no IpV comparison group (Non-IpV). Several two-way analyses of variance revealed that there was a statistically significant interaction between generations and IpV for depression, F(2, 1159) = 3.78, p = .023, anxiety, F(2, 1159) = 4.77, p = .009, stress, F(2, 1159) = 4.10, p = .017, and positive religious coping, F(2, 1,159) = 3.57, p = .028. These results suggest that generational differences may exist in psychological outcomes and RS coping in women who have experienced IpV compared to comparison groups. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Software-assisted automated detection and identification of "unknown" analogues of benzodiazepines in liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis.

Benzodiazepines (BZDs) construct a large group of psychoactive drugs acting as depressants of the central nervous system (CNS) and used in medicine as sedatives and anxiolytic and antiepileptic agents. The illicit use of these materials is a worldwide problem, and for many years, part of the benzodiazepines have been abused as rape drugs. For example, flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) is most commonly linked by media reports to drug-facilitated sexual assaults, more commonly referred to as "date rape." Furthermore, there are growing concerns for other misuses of these drugs. Over the last few years, there was an increase in the number, type, and availability of new psychoactive substances (NPS) belonging to the benzodiazepine group, challenging standard forensic labs to fully identify the chemical structure of new, unknown benzodiazepines. This work demonstrates a new application of the automated tool for the detection and identification of benzodiazepine analogues using high-resolution-accurate-mass LC-MS analysis, followed by "Compound Discoverer" (CD) software data processing, to automatically detect various benzodiazepine analogues by picking peaks and compare them to in silico calculated modifications made on a predefined basic backbone. Subsequently, a complete structural elucidation for the proposed molecular formula is obtained by MS/MS data analysis of the suspected component. This method was found to be useful for the automated detection and putative identification of a series of nine "unknown" benzodiazepine analogues, at concentrations in the low ng/mL range. We hereby present a general demonstration of this powerful tool for the forensic community in the detection and identification of hazardous unknown compounds.

The dyadic effects of posttraumatic stress symptoms on the regulation of respiratory sinus arrhythmia following an acute stress induction among couples.

Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) can have detrimental influences on both individual and couple functioning, including how individuals respond to stressors and regulate emotions. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) can serve as a key indicator of emotion regulation; however, few studies have examined psychophysiological stress reactions within a couple's context. Forty-three couples (N = 86 individuals) with a trauma history were assessed for PTSS and RSA at baseline. One partner then completed a stressor task using a film-clip depicting sexual assault. Afterward, the couple was reunited and completed a dyadic discussion task where both partners' RSA was continuously measured while they discussed the stressed partner's thoughts and feelings about the stressful film-clip. Moderated repeated measures actor-partner interdependence models were conducted, examining the self and coregulation of RSA and moderation of such regulation by PTSS. There was significant self-regulation from both partners, and a coregulation process whereby the nonstressed partner's RSA influenced the rate of change in RSA of their stressed partner. Additionally, greater PTSS in the nonstressed partner was associated with a weakening of both self and coregulation. Patterns of both self- and coregulation, within and between romantic partners emerged and illustrate the impact of PTSS within these dyadic physiologic processes. Findings have theoretical and clinical implications in physiological dyadic interactions and potential stress recovery, particularly emphasizing the relevance of examining biomarkers such as RSA among partners with a trauma history during recovery from stress. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Global prevalence of non-partner sexual violence against women.

Sexual violence against women is a human rights violation and public health concern, with serious implications for women's physical and mental health. Reducing non-partner sexual violence, including rape, sexual assault and other forms of non-contact sexual abuse, is one of the main indicators of the sustainable development goals. World Health Organization estimates, based on available prevalence data from 137 countries between 2000 and 2018, showed that, globally, 6% of women aged 15-49years reported experiencing sexual violence in their lifetime from someone other than an intimate partner, with prevalence rates varying across regions. However, the reporting, measurement and documentation of the global extent of non-partner sexual violence against women is methodologically challenging, resulting in a gross underestimation of its magnitude and impact. To prevent and respond to this issue, policy-makers must consider interventions on education, access to relevant health-care services, public awareness, and effective and comprehensive legislation. To better estimate the prevalence of both sexual violence overall and non-partner sexual violence, it is essential to continue to strengthen the measurement of non-partner sexual violence, including the types of acts asked about and the mode of interviewing. Further research is needed to understand the cumulative impact of different forms of sexual violence on the lives of women and girls, including sexual violence during childhood and its associated risk with further exposure. Funding is required for more research and implementation of interventions to prevent and reduce all forms of violence against women and girls, including sexual violence.

Increased Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Level in a Nonsexually Active Young Female

BackgroundQuantitative and qualitative human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) tests are obtained in the emergency department (ED) to determine if a female of child-bearing age is pregnant. A positive hCG result is commonly assumed to indicate an intrauterine or other form of pregnancy. However, elevated hCG levels can also result from various other conditions, such as ovarian tumors, pituitary tumors, and thyroid disorders. Intracranial germ cell tumors, rare central nervous system tumors capable of secreting hCG, primarily affect adolescent and young adult females. Case ReportA 16-year-old female student without significant past medical history presented to our ED with a complaint of intermittent bilateral frontal headache for two days. Last menstrual period started two days prior to presentation. The headache was associated with phonophobia, photophobia, nausea, and vomiting. Serum quantitative hCG was elevated. She denied history of sexual activity or sexual assault. Transabdominal ultrasound was negative for intrauterine pregnancy. Obstetrics and gynecology as well as pediatric oncology were consulted. Subsequent investigations, including brain imaging, revealed a 3.5 cm mass in the right caudate nucleus and corpus callosum. The patient was diagnosed with an intracranial nongerminomatous germ cell tumor, necessitating hospitalization and prompt initiation of chemotherapy. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?An elevated quantitative hCG is not always indicative of pregnancy, especially in a young patient without sexual history. In the case of a nonrevealing transabdominal ultrasound, obstetrics and gynecology should be consulted for discussion of further testing and imaging. Emergency physicians should include malignancy high on their differential since prompt initiation of chemotherapy, evaluation by surgical services, and family planning will be required.

Preliminary Evaluation of the SafeBAE Youth-Developed Sexual Violence Prevention Summit

ABSTRACT The current study evaluates a single-day youth-designed sexual assault prevention summit for adolescents. Attendees (N = 284) completed pre-and post-summit surveys addressing 1) confidence in consent knowledge; 2) perceived capability to respond to someone who was assaulted or harassed; 3) awareness of Title IX rights; 4) perceived capacity to get help for a survivor; 5) perceived acceptability of sexual coercion; 6) endorsement of belief that it is wrong to stop sexual activity once it starts; 7) perceived seriousness of sharing nude photos without permission; and, 8) perceived prevalence of false accusations of sexual violence. At post-summit, participants reported increased perceived confidence in consent knowledge, increased perceived capacity to respond to a survivor, increased awareness of Title IX rights, and increased perceived capacity to get help for a survivor. Both perceived acceptability of sexual coercion and endorsement of the belief that someone should not stop sexual activity decreased at post-summit. Findings provide preliminary support for a youth-developed sexual assault prevention summit.

Evolving Legal Issues and Title IX

Background: Each year, several lawsuits are filed that involve peer-to-peer harassment in K–12 schools. It is important for school personnel to understand their legal obligations surrounding this issue. We highlight some recent developments in both case law and federal guidance related to peer harassment. Purpose: Students have alleged that school officials violate Title IX when they fail to appropriately respond to known acts of peer-to-peer sexual harassment at school. After providing some context, we briefly examine a case involving a victim of alleged sexual assault in a K–12 school who was disciplined by school officials for reporting sexual misconduct. We conclude with a discussion on the recent amendments to the Title IX regulations and how these new amendments could impact similar cases in the future. Research Design: Using legal research techniques, we explore illustrative case law in this area and also highlight some considerations from the recently amended Title IX regulations. Recommendations: Under Title IX and its amended regulations, school districts are tasked with creating educational environments that are free from discrimination based on sex. We offer five recommendations for school officials as they relate to this issue. These recommendations highlight recent amendments to the Title IX regulations.

The relation between weight bias attitudes and judgments of sexual assault scenarios.

The relation between weight bias attitudes and judgments of sexual assault scenarios.

Opening a Virtual Space before the Door of the Law: The Transnational Togani Effect from Silenced to Angels Wear White

Through an examination of what the author calls the transnational Togani effect, which challenges legislative failures across both screens and borders, the author hopes to show how social justice films are deployed as a mode of critique that directly impacts the criminal justice system. The author's analysis of the transnational Togani effect therefore encompasses and connects the dimensions of virtuality and actuality in their interactive relation in the contemporary media environment. The author situates this interactive relationship between the virtual and the actual within a transnational framework because awareness of sexual assault is raised in cross-border contexts that are intertextual and interconnected. Drawing on the Deleuzian notion of the virtual and the actual and Giorgio Agamben's concept of inclusive exclusion, the author suggests that screen intervention is a virtual layer added to heterotopic space that serves as a possible resistance against the entrapment of human subjects by neoliberal governance, in which the law is “in force without significance.” As Deleuze shows, the virtual and the actual are fully real, and the relationship between them takes the form of a circuit. By exploring how the interlocking of virtuality and actuality comes to bear on the legal sphere, this article poses fundamental questions for cinema, or for audiovisual media in general, such as to what extent cinematic critique is capable of opening an alternative space for social justice.

Book Review: Anna Gjika, When Rape Goes Viral: Youth and Sexual Assault in the Digital Age.

In "When Rape Goes Viral: Youth and Sexual Assault in the Digital Age" Anna Gjika delves into the complex interplay between digital technology and the criminal justice system's handling of sexual violence, particularly among adolescents. The digital age has transformed many aspects of society, including how sexual violence is perpetrated, recorded, and prosecuted. This transformation raises critical questions about the adequacy of existing legal frameworks and the need for systemic reform to address the nuances of digital abuse effectively. Gjika’s work is pivotal as it uncovers the dual roles of digital platforms—both as tools for empowerment and instruments of victimization. The author uses a range of case studies to illustrate how digital media can both aid in bringing justice to victims and exacerbate their victimization through cyberbullying and unconsented sharing of intimate images. This scholarly analysis seeks to unpack the contributions of Gjika's work to the field of criminal justice, specifically in the context of digital harm, the inadequacies of existing legal frameworks, and the influence of gender dynamics, race, and circumstances surrounding sexual assault incidents.

KONSEKUENSI HUKUM TINDAKAN HIRȂBAH (PELECEHAN SEKSUAL) DI INDONESIA: KAJIAN TERHADAP HUKUM PIDANA ISLAM DAN UNDANG-UNDANG INDONESIA

Hirabah is a term or concept in Islamic law that refers to acts of murder, robbery, and sexual assault. Incidents of rape and adultery often make headlines in Indonesia, but many rape victims feel disadvantaged by the judgments handed down by judges, which further victimize them. Additionally, certain articles have undergone an expansion of their meaning, particularly regarding adultery and rape, in order to minimize instances of rape. This study employs a qualitative research design, using approaches such as legal, conceptual, case-based, and comparative approaches. The findings reveal that the legal consequences for rape victims are deemed highly detrimental. This is evident in cases from Aceh, where a female rape victim received a whipping punishment that should not have been imposed on her. Furthermore, the common practice of seeking peaceful resolutions, such as marrying the victim to the perpetrator, is considered highly detrimental to the victims.

“with my love”: the colonial legacy of racialized pedophilic pornography in the atlantic world

This essay provides a critical analysis of early-20th-century American postcards, focusing on the portrayal of black and white children as an aesthetic tool of white supremacy and pedophilic racist pleasures. These representations not only reflected but also perpetuated colonial ideologies and racial stereotypes, directly influencing educational practices and policies, and contributing to a social environment where discrimination and sexualization of children was normalized. The article begins with the contrast in the depiction of white and black children, revealing a pattern in which white children were often fetishized as embodiments of innocence and purity, while black children were subjected to pornified portrayals that reinforced negative stereotypes and sought to ensure the continued intergenerational subjugation of African Americans in the afterlife of slavery. A significant aspect of this analysis delves into the role of the zealous purity crusader Anthony Comstock in shaping societal views on childhood innocence and obscenity during the Progressive Era. As a U.S. postal inspector, Comstock wielded influence over public discourse and policy, particularly through his campaigns against the distribution of what he considered morally objectionable representations. This examination extends to the racial implications of Comstock’s adult-centric actions, exploring how they contributed to the differential treatment of black and white children in both media representations and broader societal contexts. The article argues that these images were not merely passive reflections of societal beliefs; rather, they were active tools used to shape and influence the educational and socialization processes of children, and they contributed to the perpetuation of Jim Crow violence, which was manifested through the sexual assault, castration, and lynching of black youth. Furthermore, this essay examines the broader socio-historical context in which racist and pedophilic images were produced and circulated. These postcards are still trafficked today under the false designation of ‘Black Memorabilia,’ reaching significant prices as vintage collector’s items, but the article reframes them as a genre of child pornography. This perspective critically challenges prevailing narratives that may sanitize or downplay the exploitative and violent nature of these images. This essay urges a reconsideration of these consumer items’ historical significance as instruments intricately complicit in sustaining colonial structures and ideologies surrounding childhood innocence in North America. Within this analytical framework, the dehumanization of black children through pedophilic pornography reflects a long heritage of anti-child violence in Western traditions and the colonial strategy of exploiting children of color as a lucrative mechanism for profit and libidinal pleasure.

Resilient Women of Sundarbans in Amitav Ghosh’s The Hungry Tide

Abstract: For decades, literature has played a vital role in the feminist movement. Fiction helps to look at the challenges of women on various levels, whether in the workplace, family, emotional, or physical. Over the years, writers have written fiction to depict women's challenges and their brilliance and determination in overcoming them. Amitav Ghosh is one such writer who has often depicted women who put their heart and soul into it when it comes to achieving their goals. Both in personal and professional life. Ghosh's novel The Hungry Tide depicts working women who put their best foot forward despite sexual assault, caste discrimination, and financial difficulties. A cetologist named Piyali Roy comes to Lusibari for her work. Despite the sexual harassment, she finds a way to achieve her dream of studying dolphins. Financial and caste barriers confront Moyna, but she still finds a way to survive by studying and working as a nurse. Nilima is being called to serve the Sundarbans' people. She tries to fit herself into the system to ensure that the Lusibari people have as many facilities as possible. Kusum finds herself in the most difficult of all female characters. She loses her mother as a child, and her husband when she was young, and almost becomes a victim of sex traffickers. The novel depicts the challenges as well as the unbreakable spirit of women vividly.

URSAVS – histoire et politique d’une intercontenance réussie

The regional unit for the care of perpetrators of sexual violence (URSAVS) was established in Lille in 2009, under to the impetus of Doctor Tiphaine Séguret, and under the aegis of the Regional Health Agency of the department of Hauts-de-France. It is hosted by the University Hospital of Lille. This unit was born out of the urgent need to establish and coordinate specific care services including psycho- and sex-criminological dimensions, at the crossroads of mental health service and judicial entities. Originally destined for those who had been convicted of sexual offences and who were being released from prison, this unit has diversified in many ways, as the many cases and problems entrusted to it were discovered. Operating today in the realms of pediatrics, care of the elderly, and including the National Education system, URSAVS has paved the way for a fundamental reflection on the methods and practices of care specific to perpetrators of sexual violences. Its results in the prevention of recidivism after 5 years (1%), demonstrate the lasting effectiveness of its paradigm of care, especially when compared to national statistics on recidivism over the same period (15% for rape, 11% for sexual assault, 12% for sexual harassment, according to the French Ministry of Justice).

Experiences of women sexual assault survivors with police in the early aftermath of assault: Results from a large-scale prospective study.

Over 100,000 women present for emergency care after sexual assault (SA) annually in the United States. To our knowledge, no large prospective studies have assessed SA survivor experiences with police. Women SA survivors enrolled at 13 sites (n = 706), and 630 survivors reported on their police interactions. Most women were interested in speaking with police, spoke with police, and reported positive experiences. Latinas and women with lower education and income were less likely to speak with police. Trauma and posttraumatic stress symptoms were associated with more negative experiences. Qualitative comments provide key points for police to consider when speaking with survivors.

Dari Kekerasan Menuju Kesehatan Mental: Studi Kasus Konseling Realita pada Pelaku Kekerasan Seksual

Sexual violence is a serious problem that has deep psychological, physical and social impacts on victims and perpetrators. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of Reality counseling in helping male perpetrators of sexual violence overcome identity conflicts, modify maladaptive behavior, and improve their adaptation skills. This case study uses a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews and participant observation to analyze the effectiveness of Reality counseling for a perpetrator of male sexual violence against men. The study results showed that this therapy was successful in changing the perpetrator's behavior and emotional responses, and contributed to his emotional well-being while reducing the risk of relapse. Future research needs to explore the long-term effectiveness of Reality counseling in different contexts and individual characteristics to further deepen rehabilitation strategies for sexual assault perpetrators.

A modified Delphi study for development of an adolescent medicine curriculum for emergency medicine residents

Purpose: More than 1,500,000 adolescents in the United States report using emergency services for the majority of their medical needs. Although the American Council for Graduate Medical Education offers some guidance on the inclusion of pediatric topics in an emergency medicine (EM) residency curriculum, it does not specifically address adolescent-related competencies. We aimed to develop a consensus on which adolescent health topics are most important to cover in a didactic curriculum for EM residents.Methods: Physicians from multiple specialties, such as EM, pediatric EM, and adolescent medicine, were invited as panelists in a modified Delphi process. In round 1, the panelists were asked to determine which competencies in adolescent medicine are most important for a graduating EM resident to master. In round 2, they were asked to specify the competencies that should be included in an EM residency didactic curriculum. In round 3, they prioritized the most critical competencies for curriculum inclusion.Results: Consensus was reached on a total of 26 topics that were found crucial to be included in a didactic curriculum for EM residents. Of these, the panel prioritized the following: (1) “manage a patient presenting after reported sexual assault,” (2) “accurately diagnose ovarian torsion,” and (3) “manage a patient presenting for symptoms of sexually transmitted infection.” Conclusion: The modified Delphi process yielded recommendations to guide the development of an adolescent medicine curriculum for EM residents. Sexual and reproductive healthcare issues were identified as the most important topics.