Sexual assault is quite a common type of crime. In the majority of cases, females become victims of sexual assault though males (especially young boys) can also be victimized (Bramsen, Elklit & Nielsen, 2009). This paper will focus on sexual abuse against women. Rape is a form of sexual abuse. There are many definitions. James (2007, p. 249) uses the definition introduced by Benedict and notes that rape is defined as “any sexual act that is forced on you”. Notably, from 50% to 90% of rapes remain unreported (James, 2007). This type of sexual assault can take a number of forms. For instance, date rape is quite common especially among young people. It occurs when a man decides that there will be a sexual intercourse after a date and, if the female is unwilling, he simply rapes her. Acquaintance rape is one of the most widespread types of rape. It involves people acquainted or related somehow (relatives, work colleagues, college or school mates and so on). Drug rape is also very common (especially among college students). It occurs when a female is intoxicated with drugs (usually alcohol or some recreational drugs) and she loses consciousness or is too vulnerable and cannot resist the rapist. It is noteworthy that the female often takes drugs voluntary.
The dynamics of the rape is often associated with issues of power and control. It is noteworthy that rape is rarely an act of passion. In the vast majority of cases, it is a violent act aimed at terrorizing and dominating females. Remarkably, in many cases, sex is not the goal as it is only a tool to reveal the male’s dominance and power, or simply a tool to express anger. Sometimes, rape is also a tool the rapist uses to prove his sexual capability, to cope with some psychological issues (helplessness, loneliness and so on), to win respect of peers. Of course, in many cases, rapists see the rape as the only way to have a sexual intercourse.
Many researchers identify specific cultural factors associated with rape. Thus, James (2007) notes that male supremacy is one of these social factors. In many countries of the world, males dominate. Therefore, rape is seen as quite a ‘natural’ form to reveal this dominance. Interestingly, for many years, rape was seen as a way to insult the women’s father not the female (James, 2007). However, in the western societies, females are becoming more empowered. This also may lead to the confrontation as men are accustomed to dominating and, when they fail in some sphere of their life, a female can become a victim, as rape will be regarded as a way to take revenge.
Apart from social and cultural factors, personal and psychological factors also affect people’s decision to commit this crime. The rapist often sees himself as strong and manly even though he often feels insecure and dependent. Such men may often think that women are dangerous (James, 2007). The offender often does not have proper interpersonal skills and he cannot socialize with women. Rapists may reveal sadistic patterns or they can have uncontrollable sexual desire. Some offenders employ rape as a means to punish the female or a female who become a representative of the group. Some criminals think that rape is a type of recreation. This is especially the case with gang rapes when several men rape one woman. Clearly, this involves certain psychological disorders in men. It is also important to note that some mental disorders may also be associated with rape.
It is necessary to add that in many cases rapes can be prevented. For instance, when it comes to date rape, there are several ways to prevent it. If the woman does not intend to have sex, she should insist on the date in a public place (restaurant, cinema, park during daytime and so on). If the man starts behaving in a strange way, the woman should make it clear that there will be no sex. As for acquaintance rape, it is also important to make sure that the female will not find herself in a vulnerable situation (at the potential offender’s flat, in the middle of the forest with no one else around and so on). Again, if the man starts behaving in a certain way, the female should be as clear as possible and should be quite strict. Clearly, one of the most effective ways for a woman to prevent drug rape is not to take drugs. Apart from such personal strategies aimed at female relative safety, it is possible to think of various strategies that may reach potential rapists as well. First, it is important to make male understand that the society should not be built on the basis of male dominance. It is important to make males see that rape is an act of psychological impotence. In some cases, men can be physically stronger but this does not mean that men are more powerful or dominant. On the contrary, this emphasizes males’ weakness, as they cannot find another way to prove they are worthy. These ideas should be discussed in schools and colleges to make young men aware of the problem, its causes and effects.
Reference List
Bramsen, R.H., Elklit, A., & Nielsen, L.H. (2009). A Danish model for treating victims of rape and sexual assault: The multidisciplinary public approach. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 18, 886-905.
James, R.K. (2007). Crisis intervention strategies. Belmont, CA: Brooks Cole.