Personality disorders such as alcohol and drug abuse, psychopathy and paraphilia are a constant source of concern for law enforcement authorities as also social organizations, especially in regard to the increasing instances of sexual assault by people suffering from the said disorders. The risk of perpetrating sexual assault by these people is increasing by the day which warrants strenuous efforts to find solutions to the problem that will other wise assume serious proportions. The perpetrator is usually motivated and tempted to commit the sexual assault primarily because of the physiological and psychological changes occurring in him so that he gets tempted and motivated to commit the crime in order to satisfy the urges arising from the personality disorder. Sometimes antisocial elements use substances to psychologically prepare themselves for the sexual assault which they otherwise may not be motivated to do. Drugs, sedating substances and alcohol have the physical, mental and emotional impact on the psyche to make a person to commit such acts (Robinson, 2003).
Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in facilitating sexual assault while other substances are also used such as GHB, Halcion, Rohypnol, burundaga, cocaine, marijuana, barbiturates and several others. It is evident that such substances are used not for the purpose of solely committing sexual assault and that the urge to commit the assault comes as a result of the psychological condition of the mind that makes a person to go ahead with the act. Such a pattern does indicate that the initial intention is not to commit the crime but it becomes an offshoot of the personality disorder.
It is not difficult for forensic behavioural analysts and criminal investigators to identify associated risks because people with such personality disorders behave in patterns that place them in a different spot in society. They are often demanding and feel they are special and cannot identify with others. They cannot even trust people who are close to them and their behaviour affects all aspects of their life such as work, family and relationship. They feel they are always right and society must change to adapt to their needs. To ascertain whether the risk of sexual assault exists in a person suffering from personality disorders it is required that tests and interviews be conducted by a psychologist. The risk is detected amongst those who seek treatment for disorders such as depression, alcoholism and drug abuse. Hence any kind of personality disorder must not be overlooked in not having the risk of sexual assault, especially when it is known that there is no cure for personality disorders. People with personality disorders who suffer from suicidal tendencies, isolation, violent feelings and depression should be examined thoroughly for traits of committing sexual assault. Academic approach can be used to ascertain the role of drug abuse and alcohol in sexual assaults. Surveys can be conducted of victims and perpetrators in getting a better understanding of the psychological state of such people so that remedial measures can be adopted. Laboratory investigations can also be used to establish the extent of influence that various substances have in leading to aggressive behaviour and sexual assault. Since sexual assault is related to both aggressive and sexual behaviour, analysts should keep in mind situational cues that lead to such assaults (Bennett, 1986).
Researchers have found that there is a definite relationship between criminal behaviour and personality disorders. Studies have also shown that there is considerable association of sexual assault with occurrence of disorders such as alcoholism, drug abuse, schizophrenia and psychopathy to name a few. It is thus possible that people who have personality disorders are prone to criminal behaviour. Under the circumstances it becomes the duty of society to make efforts in dealing with such people with empathy in trying to influence them into adopting better and more constructive lifestyles. A criminal act such as sexual assault cannot go unpunished but once these people are in custody they must be counselled so as to rehabilitate them into becoming more responsible citizens (Bernstein, 2002).
References
Bennett G, The Treatment of Multiple Personality Disorder, 1986, American Psychiatric Publishing.
Bernstein Albert, Emotional Vampires: Dealing With People Who Drain You Dry, 2002, McGraw-Hill.
Robinson David J, The Personality Disorders Explained, 2003, Rapid Psychler Press.