Victimology Final

IMPACT OF RAPE:Fears About Safety

"Every night when I come home, I search my apartment. I look in the closets and under the bed to be sure no one is there." "I can't go out alone at night anymore because I am too scared." Fears about personal safety are an almost universal response to a sexual assault. The victim may become fearful in situations and places where you were never frightened before. During a sexual assault most victims feel powerless and/or terrified of being killed or seriously harmed.

Prevalence and Incidence of elder abuse

"Every year an estimated 2.1 million older Americans are victims of physical, psychological, or other forms of abuse and neglect. For every case of elder abuse and neglect reported to authorities, experts estimate that there may be as many as 5 cases not reported. Research suggests elders who have been abused tend to die earlier than those who are not abused, even in the absence of chronic conditions or life threatening disease." American's over the age of 50 years represent 30% of our population, 12% of our murder victims and 7% of other serious and violent crime victims.90% of elder abuse and neglect incidents are by known perpetrators, usually family members, 2/3rds are adult children or spouses. 42% of murder victims over 60 were killed by their own offspring. Spouses were the perpetrators in 24% of family murders of persons over 60. The eldest of our seniors, 80 years and older, are abused and neglected at 2 - 3 times the proportion of all other senior citizens. -- Bureau of Justice Statistics In most states "mandatory reporters of elder abuse" are required by law to report suspected cases of elder maltreatment. Nearly 70 percent of Adult Protective Service agencies' annual caseloads involve elder abuse. 21.6% of all domestic elder abuse reports came from physicians or health care professionals 9.4% from service providers, 14.9% are family members. The types of abuses and their percentage of frequency are below. Neglect 58.5% Physical abuse 15.7% Financial exploitation 12.3% Emotional abuse 7.3% Sexual abuse .04% All other types 5.1% Unknown .06%

IMPACT OF RAPE:Physical Symptoms

"I couldn't sleep through the night. I had trouble falling asleep and then I would wake up every night at the same time that the rape happened." Some victims have physical symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, headaches, and stomach-aches. They may find that it is very difficult to concentrate on routine activities. They may also experience changes in their sexuality, such as a loss of interest in sex or avoidance of sexual situations. This may be distressing to the spouse or partner of a sexual assault victim. Additionally, the spouse or partner may be the one to avoid sexual situations with the victim.

IMPACT OF RAPE: Shock & Disbelief

"I feel numb." "I can't believe this happened to me." "I feel disconnected from other people." Initially, most sexual assault victims react with shock and disbelief. They may feel numb and dazed, withdrawn and distant from other people. They may want to forget about what happened and avoid people or situations that remind them of the assault.

IMPACT OF RAPE:Intense Emotions

"I feel very sad, like I lost a part of me." "I have this intense anger that I never felt before." Many survivors experience intense emotions in the aftermath of a sexual assault. At times, they may feel angry. They may also feel afraid, anxious or depressed. There may be no "rhyme nor reason" to the patterns of these intense emotions.

IMPACT OF RAPE:Self-Blame and shame

"I felt like it was my fault, I trusted him...." "I wondered if guys would think I was damaged goods." Feelings of guilt and shame are common reactions following a sexual assault. Because of misconceptions about rape, some victims blame themselves, doubt their own judgment, or wonder if they were in some way responsible for the assault. Feelings of guilt and self-blame may be reinforced by the reactions of others, who, because of prevalent myths about rape, may blame the victim or criticize his or her behavior. A victim also may feel ashamed. Some victims describe feeling dirty, devalued, and humiliated as a result of a sexual assault. Feelings of shame are often related to the powerlessness and helplessness victims experience during a sexual assault. Shame may also be a reaction to being forced by the assailant to participate in the crime.

IMPACT OF RAPE : Remembering What Happened

"Sometimes, I can't stop thinking about it." "For weeks, I couldn't wash away his smell." "When I think about it, I feel like it's happening all over again." There may be periods when victims of sexual assault are preoccupied with thoughts and feelings about the assault. They may have unwanted memories or flashbacks and nightmares (e.g. Stress Disorders). When they think about what happened, they may re-experience some of the sensations and feelings they had during the assault, such as fear and powerlessness.

Incidence and Prevalence of sexual violence

21% of TGQN (transgender, genderqueer, nonconforming) college students have been sexually assaulted, compared to 18% of non-TGQN females, and 4% of non-TGQN males

Risk Factors Associated with Homicide in IPV

Abusers with a lower level of education Abusers with access to a firearm Use of illicit drugs by abuser Abuser separated from victim Highly-controlling abuser No previous abuser arrests for IPV Having a stepchild in the home Abuser previously threatened victim with a weapon

ACQUAINTANCE RAPE - and Education

Acquaintance rape is a misunderstood form of criminal violence. There is a common misconception that acquaintance rape is not as serious, not as criminal, and not as traumatic to the victim as stranger rape. Some people think it isn't "real rape." These are mistaken beliefs. Rape is a felony crime, regardless of the offender's relationship to the victim. Acquaintance rape is just as serious and just as devastating to the victim as stranger rape.

IPV and Children

Children are impacted by IPV in several ways: They WITNESS the violence. They HEAR the violence. They SEE THE EFFECTS of the violence. Children were residents of the households that experienced IPV in 38% of the incidents involving female victims and 21% involving male victims in the U.S.

Consequences of IPV on Men

Due to the lack of research and methodological issues in research, for reasons already discussed, there are fewer identified consequences. Nonetheless, common themes of consequences include: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Health Problems and Complications similar to those of women E.g. Somatic complaints Depression Drug Use, Misuse, and/or Abuse

Self Abuse and Self Neglect of elderly

Elders can abuse / neglect themselves by not caring about their own personal health and well-being.] Elder self-neglect can lead to illness, injury or even death. Common needs that the senior may deny themselves or ignore are the following: Sustenance (food or water) Cleanliness (bathing and personal hygiene) Adequate clothing for climate protection Proper shelter Adequate safety Clean and healthy surroundings Medical attention for serious illness Essential medications Elders may choose to deny themselves some health or safety benefits, which may not be self-neglect. This may simply be their personal choice. Caregivers and other responsible individuals must honor these choices if the senior is sound of mind.

ADVOCACY AND EDUCATION

If you know someone who is a victim of rape or other sexual assault (stranger or acquaintance), or if you are engaged in advocacy work, community education, etc. following are "steps" to take to reduce the likelihood of being victimized by acquaintance rape. Most important of all is to advocate for the victim to get the help and support they need to cope with the effects of the assault and heal from the trauma that they have suffered. If you have any reason to believe you may in contact with potential victims, you may want to carry information to pass along relative to the agencies available to assist. To reduce being targeted for victimization, remember, it's about EMPOWERMENT Know sexual intentions and limits and communicate them clearly. Remind others that they have the right to say "no" to any unwanted sexual contact. If they say "no," remind them to "say it like you mean it". Words should be backed up with appropriate, corresponding body language. Don't give mixed messages. Don't assume a partner/date/etc. can "mind read". Don't assume that a partner will "get the message" without being told. Remind others to tell the person how far they want to go, what they want and don't want to do, and when they want to stop. Remember that some people think that drinking heavily, wearing "sexy" clothes, or agreeing to be alone with them indicates a willingness to have sex. Be especially careful to advocate others to communicate limits and intentions clearly in such situations. Trust "gut" feelings. Remind others that should they start to feel uncomfortable or unsafe in a situation, to listen to their feelings and act on them. Get out of the situation as soon as possible. Don't be afraid to ask for help or "make a scene" if you feel threatened. If someone is being pressured or forced into sexual activity against their will, encourage them to get out of the situation, even if it's awkward and even if it embarrasses the other person or hurts their feelings. Be especially careful in situations involving the use of drugs or alcohol. Drugs and alcohol can make you less aware of danger signs and less able to communicate clearly. Be especially aware when you are in a new situation or with people that you don't know well. You need to be able to make good decisions to protect yourself from sexual assault. Go to parties or clubs with friends you can trust and agree to "look out" for one another. At parties where there is drinking or drugs, appoint a "designated sober person," one friend who won't drink and who will look out for the others in the group by regularly checking on them. Leave parties with people you know. Don't leave alone or with someone you don't know very well. Listen carefully to the person you are with in sexual situations. If your partner says "no" to sexual contact, or her body language tells you she is unsure or unwilling, stop. If your partner was willing at first, but now doesn't want to go any further, stop. If you think you are getting a "mixed message," or you are not sure what your partner wants, don't use threats or force. Stop. Ask your partner what she or he wants. Don't assume you know what another person wants. For example, don't automatically assume that just because a girl gets drunk, wears "sexy" clothing, or agrees to be alone with you, she wants to have sex. Don't assume that just because someone has had sex with you before, she or he is willing to have sex with you again. And don't assume that when a partner consents to kissing or other sexual touching, she or he is willing to have sexual intercourse. Be aware that if having sex with someone who is mentally or physically unable to give consent or is unable to resist, this may be considered rape or sexual assault.* If a person has sex with someone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, "passed out," asleep, unable to say "no," or too "out of it" to know what is happening, they may be guilty of rape or sexual assault. Resist peer pressure Encourage others to not participate in violent or criminal acts or get involved in any activity that makes them feel uncomfortable. Don't ever "join in" or "go along" with people who are abusing another person. "Get involved" if it appears that someone else might be in trouble. Advocate for action: help the person who may get hurt

The Attrition Pyramid: Justifying Fears

In 1999, Reynolds found 16.8% of those accused would be convicted

Emotional elder Abuse

In emotional or psychological senior abuse, people speak to or treat elderly persons in ways that cause emotional pain or distress. Verbal forms of emotional elder abuse include intimidation through yelling or threats humiliation and ridicule habitual blaming or scapegoating Nonverbal psychological elder abuse can take the form of ignoring the elderly person isolating an elder from friends or activities terrorizing or menacing the elderly person

Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate Partner - can be a husband or wife, an ex-husband or ex-wife, a boyfriend or a girlfriend or a dating partner. Violence - the intentional harming of another person, includes physical, emotional and sexual violence. Some researchers differentiate "intimate terrorism" (the need for power and control) with "situational couple violence" (when a conflict becomes violent). Earlier terms for IPV included "domestic violence" and "wife battering". The change in terminology is two-fold: Domestic violence tended to refer to violence between spouses (aka "spousal abuse") which also implies violence is only between heterosexual couples. Wife battering (or wife abuse) implies that only women are victims of violence.

STRANGER RAPE VS. ACQUAINTANCE RAPE

Most victims who are sexually assaulted are victimized by someone they know. Although stranger rapes do occur, acquaintance rape is by far the most prevalent form of sexual violence, especially among college students. In the "Rape in America" study, 80% of the girls and women who were raped were assaulted by someone they knew. Similarly, in a report in "Violence Against Women" published by the Department of Justice, 82% of the victims were raped by someone they knew (acquaintance/friend, intimate, relative).

ALCOHOL USE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT

Often victims who have been drinking and/or using drugs at the time of a sexual assault have intense feelings of self-blame. They are also more likely to encounter blaming responses from other people. A victim is NEVER responsible for a sexual assault. The responsibility for rape rests completely with the assailant. Even if the person who assaulted the victim had been drinking and/or using drugs, he/she is still responsible for his/her behavior. Being drunk is not an excuse for committing any criminal acts, including sexual assault. A majority of the sexual assaults occur in situations involving drinking - - by the victim, the assailant, or both. The definitions* of rape and sexual assault include having sex with someone who is unable to consent because he or she is intoxicated, drugged, or unconscious. For example, if a person has sex with someone who is unable to consent, or is prevented from resisting, because of the effects of alcohol or other drugs, it can be considered rape or sexual assault if the person knew, or reasonably should have known, that the victim was mentally and/or physically incapacitated. *note: varies by state

Cycle of Violence-Phases

Phase 1: Tension Building In the beginning of most relationships, violence is rarely shown (best behavior). The chance of the relationship ending is high if violence occurs. If relationship continues, the demands increase along with the stress (usually towards objects). Moves from objects to partner and there may be an increase in verbal abuse as well as physical abuse. The partner may alter his/her behavior to try to stop Abuser may become obsessively jealous and try to control most of the partner's behavior and time The abuser may try to isolate partner from family and friends. They may tell the partner that "if they loved" them, they wouldn't need others. Phase 2: Violence Tensions mount to an unbearable level and erupt into verbal argument usually over something trivial. Physical abuse may be anything from slapping, shoving, punching, choking, throwing things, forcing sexual relations (marital rape) or threatening with weapons, stabbing or shooting victim. Note that the abuser makes a choice about his/her violence (e.g. they decide place and time for the episode, makes conscious choice on which part of the body to hit, etc.). If law enforcement is called, this is where they usually become involved. Phase 3: Honeymoon This phase is characterized by calm, non-violent or loving period of time after an abusive episode. Abuser may take some responsibility for his/her behavior, thus giving the partner hope for change (e.g. begging for forgiveness, promises not to do it again, give gifts). If there is no intervention and the relationship continues, there is a high possibility the violence will escalate and the severity increase. Unless the abuser receives help in learning appropriate methods of dealing with stress and anger, this phase will be short. The stress and tension will again begin to increase and the cycle repeats itself.

Individual Risk Factors for Victimization

Prior history of IPV Being female Young age Heavy alcohol and drug use High-risk sexual behavior Witnessing or experiencing violence as a child Being less educated Unemployment For men, having a different ethnicity from their partner's For women, having a greater education level than their partner's For women, being American Indian/Alaska Native or African American For women, having a verbally abusive, jealous, or possessive partner

Forms of Sexual Violence*

Rape (completed or attempted) or sexual assault Child sexual assault and incest Intimate partner sexual assault (marital rape now illegal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia) Unwanted sexual contact/touching Sexual harassment Sexual exploitation Showing one's genitals or naked body to other(s) without consent (I would say that the person who unwilling "sees it" is the victim Masturbating in public (I would say, witnessing this) Watching someone in a private act without their knowledge or permission (again, the person being watched is the victim)

Some Facts* Why Victims Don't Report

Rape is the least reported and convicted violent crime in the U.S. There are many reasons why victims may choose not to report to law enforcement or tell anyone about what happened to him/her. Some reasons include: Concern for not being believed. Fear of the attackers getting back at him/her. Embarrassment or shame Fear of being blamed. Pressure from others not to tell. Distrust of law enforcement. Belief that there is not enough evidence. Desire to protect the attacker.

External Risk Factors for Victimization

Relationship Factors: Marital conflict—fights, tension, and other struggles. Marital instability—divorces and separations. Dominance and control of the relationship by the male. Economic stress. Unhealthy family relationships and interactions. Community Factors: Poverty and associated factors (e.g., overcrowding). Low social capital—lack of institutions, relationships, and norms that shape the quality and quantity of a community's social interactions. Weak community sanctions against IPV (e.g., unwillingness of neighbors to intervene in situations where they witness violence). Community Factors: Poverty and associated factors (e.g., overcrowding). Low social capital—lack of institutions, relationships, and norms that shape the quality and quantity of a community's social interactions. Weak community sanctions against IPV (e.g., unwillingness of neighbors to intervene in situations where they witness violence). Societal Factors: Traditional gender norms or patriarchy (e.g., women should stay at home and not enter workforce, should be submissive). E.g. Black et al. 1999; Heise and Garcia-Moreno 2002; Kantor and Jasinski 1998; Stith et al. 2004; Tjaden and Thoennes 2000a. Note: other research did not demonstrate this relationship (Bookwala et al. 1992; Rosenbaum, 1986; Felson, 2002).

Less Discussed Populations of Victims

Sexual Violence Affects Thousands of Prisoners Across the Country An estimated 80,600 inmates each year experience sexual violence while in prison or jail. 60% of all sexual violence against inmates is perpetrated by jail or prison staff. More than 50% of the sexual contact between inmate and staff member—all of which is illegal—is nonconsensual. Sexual Violence in the Military Often Goes Unreported 18,900 military members experienced unwanted sexual contact in the fiscal year ending September, 2014. 4.3% of active duty women and 0.9% of active duty men experienced unwanted sexual contact in FY14. Of the 18,900 survivors, 43% of females and 10% of males reported.

Sexual elder Abuse

Sexual elder abuse is contact with an elderly person without the elder's consent. Such contact can involve physical sex acts, but activities such as showing an elderly person pornographic material, forcing the person to watch sex acts, or forcing the elder to undress are also considered sexual elder abuse.

Some Facts about sexual violence

Sexual violence affects people of all genders, ages, races, religions, incomes, abilities, professions, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. However, social inequalities can heighten the risk. People who sexually assault usually attack someone they know — a friend, classmate, neighbor, coworker, or relative. Of adults, 73% knew the attacker, 38% were friends of the attacker, 28% were an intimate partner of the attacker, and 7% were a relative of the attacker (Maston & Klaus, 2005).

What is Sexual Violence?*

Sexual violence means that someone forces or manipulates someone else into unwanted sexual activity without their consent. Reasons someone might not consent include fear, age, illness, disability, and/or influence of alcohol or other drugs. Anyone can experience sexual violence including: children, teens, adults, and elders. Those who sexually abuse can be acquaintances, family members, trusted individuals or strangers.

Long-Term Consequences of rape

The likelihood that a person suffers suicidal or depressive thoughts increases after sexual violence. 94% of women who are raped experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms during the two weeks following the rape. 30% of women report PTSD symptoms 9 months after the rape. 33% of women who are raped contemplate suicide. 13% of women who are raped attempt suicide. Approximately 70% of rape or sexual assault victims experience moderate to severe distress, a larger percentage than for any other violent crime. People who have been sexually assaulted are more likely to use drugs than the general public. 3.4 times more likely to use marijuana 6 times more likely to use cocaine 10 times more likely to use other major drugs Sexual violence also affects victims' relationships with their family, friends, and co-workers. 38% of victims of sexual violence experience work or school problems, which can include significant problems with a boss, coworker, or peer. 37% experience family/friend problems, including getting into arguments more frequently than before, not feeling able to trust their family/friends, or not feeling as close to them as before the crime. 84% of survivors who were victimized by an intimate partner experience professional or emotional issues, including moderate to severe distress, or increased problems at work or school. 79% of survivors who were victimized by a family member, close friend or acquaintance experience professional or emotional issues, including moderate to severe distress, or increased problems at work or school. 67% of survivors who were victimized by a stranger experience professional or emotional issues, including moderate to severe distress, or increased problems at work or school.

Elder Abuse (Types)

There are several types of abuse of older people that are universally recognized as being elder abuse and these include: Physical: e.g. hitting, punching, slapping, burning, pushing, kicking, restraining, false imprisonment/confinement, or giving too much medication or the wrong medication Psychological: e.g. shouting, swearing, frightening, blaming, ridiculing, constantly criticizing, ignoring or humiliating a person. A common theme is a perpetrator who identifies something that matters to an older person and then uses it to coerce an older person into a particular action Financial: e.g. illegal or unauthorized use of a person's property, money, pension book or other valuables (including changing the person's will to name the abuser as heir), often fraudulently obtaining power of attorney, followed by deprivation of money or other property, or by eviction from own home Sexual: e.g. forcing a person to take part in any sexual activity without his or her consent, including forcing them to participate in conversations of a sexual nature against their will Neglect: e.g. depriving a person of food, heat, clothing or comfort or essential medication.

Financial Exploitation of elderly

This involves unauthorized use of an elderly person's funds or property by a caregiver. An unscrupulous caregiver might: misuse an elder's personal checks, credit cards, or accounts steal cash, income checks, or household goods forge the elder's signature engage in identity theft Investment fraud that benefits caregiver

IPV and Male Victims

a man is severely assaulted by his wife/Girlfriend Every 14.6 Seconds Male victims of Domestic violence are being Discriminated against By society in terms of the way we view Cultural Norms Police Respond To Male victims not believing them, In many of them being arrested as perpetrators.

Physical elder abuse

is non-accidental use of force against an elderly person that results in physical pain, injury, or impairment. Such abuse includes not only physical assaults such as hitting or shoving but the inappropriate use of drugs, restraints, or confinement.

Elder abuse

is often defined as "a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person." This definition was established by Action on Elder Abuse in the UK, but was then subsequently adopted by the World Health Organization. Core features of this definition are that such abuse is defined by the 'expectation of trust' of the older person toward their abuser.