DOCSLIB.ORG

A Phenomenological Understanding of Acquaintance Rape and the Subsequent Trauma As Experienced by Young South African Women

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A Phenomenological Understanding of Acquaintance Rape and the Subsequent Trauma As Experienced by Young South African Women A PHENOMENOLOGICAL UNDERSTANDING OF ACQUAINTANCE RAPE AND THE SUBSEQUENT TRAUMA AS EXPERIENCED BY YOUNG SOUTH AFRICAN WOMEN By LAUREN MOSS A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of D. LITT ET PHIL (PSYCHOLOGY) in the FACULTY OF HUMANITIES at the UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG PROMOTER: PROF. C.R. STONES 2011 DECLARATION I hereby declare that this thesis is my own, unaided work and that recognition has been given to the references used. It has not been submitted for any degree of examination at any other university. ______________________ __________________ Lauren Moss Date ABSTRACT A PHENOMENOLOGICAL UNDERSTANDING OF ACQUAINTANCE RAPE AND THE SUBSEQUENT TRAUMA AS EXPERIENCED BY YOUNG SOUTH AFRICAN WOMEN With the prevalence of rape in South Africa being the highest in the world, it is important for there to be a sound understanding of how the rape experience impacts the individual victim. A majority of rapes in the South African context are perpetrated by someone known to the victim, making acquaintance rape the most prevalent of all rape types in this country. The current understanding of the impact of all types of rape on a victim predominantly emerges from international studies which for the most part, considers the presence of traumatic distress in the victim. These studies are essential to the understanding of the impact of rape, although they are predominatly obtained through quantitative research. A qualitative understanding of the lived experience of the victim after her rape enhances and deepens the already substantive quantitative data regarding rape trauma. The practical implication is that clinicians can have a better understanding of the factors that are present in the rape experience and the complex interaction of those factors with the victim and the resulting rape trauma. As this study explores the lived experience of acquaintance rape of South African female rape victims, a qualitative methodology is utilised. Phenomenology lends itself best to the exploration of lived experience as it describes the meaning of the lived experience of individuals as that meaning pertains to a particular phenomenon. In this case the study phenomenologically explores the lived experience of being raped by an acquaintance as it applies to two young South African women who were raped by someone that they know. Through various phases of explication, the data, which is obtained through interviews with the participants, is transformed from a holistic description of the lived experience of the i participants into profiles, which are essential descriptions of the raw data, and then into categories of meaning clusters. These categories are then used to achieve an extended description of the phenomenon of acquaintance rape as experienced by the participants of the study. The phenomenon of being raped by an acquaintance as experienced by the participants of this study emerge as the following themes: the specific meaning of being raped by someone that you know to those victims, the life changes which occur after the rape, the reactions of others, culpability attributed to the rape incident, the mixed emotional reactions of the victims, dealing with possible HIV infection, disruptions in interpersonal trust, social support received or not received regarding the rape and the meaning that is made of the rape experience. Each of these aspects is relevant when considered in relation to the existing body of knowledge regarding rape experiences. Certain aspects are seen to be specific in the South African context, such as the increased possibility of HIV infection. Although the small sample size means that the conclusions of the study cannot be generalised to the greater population of South African acquaintance rape victims, the observations do give readers a deeper understanding of the concept that each rape experience is unique and yet at the same time can be understood when considered in relation to the existing body of knowledge. It is recommended that future South African studies explore the phenomenon of acquaintance rape by interviewing more participants, as well as interviewing them in their mother tongue, as this would allow for an enhancement of the depth of the descriptions obtained. It is also recommended that future research takes into account the prevalence of traumatic experiences in South Africa and explores the impact of previous traumas on the recovery experience of rape victims. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to take the opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the following people for their support, without which this study would not have been accomplished: Firstly to my family - Adrian, you have always believed in me and your sacrifices and support were paramount in helping me through this long process. Thank you for always standing by me and supporting me, even when the road seemed long and full of obstacles. To Aaron, thank you for your smile and laughter, this always made the long hours spent working feel worthwhile. To Richard, you have endured so many hours of me having to focus on this study, and yet you are still so full of life and love. To my parents - I am so blessed to have four parents who have supported me unconditionally. I always knew I could turn to any of you and you would be there to encourage or empathise. Thank you Mom, Dad, Beverley and Peter. To Professor Chris Stones – I will be forever indebted to your willingness to see the opportunity for my work to become what it is today. Thank you for your kindness and your time. I truly feel that you have gone beyond what is expected in your support and encouragement. My final thank you is extended to the participants of this study. The courage to share an experience that is traumatic and very personal will not be forgotten. The understanding that I have gained from your experience will be of benefit to many others who have endured the pain of rape, them and I will be forever grateful. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1: Motivation, aims and terminology • Introduction 1 § Global view of rape 1 § Rape in South Africa 2 § The impact of rape on the individual 3 • Motivation for the present study 4 • Aims and objectives 6 • Understanding the terms used 7 § The Victim and the Survivor 7 § Theoretical understandings of the term rape, acquaintance rape and lived experience 9 • Overview of the present study 12 Chapter 2: Understanding the experience of rape trauma as presented in existing literature • Introduction 15 • The nature of Trauma – What it is and how it is experienced 16 § The experience of trauma in general 16 § Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 17 § The presence of PTSD in rape victims 18 § Rape Trauma Syndrome 20 § The trauma of acquaintance rape 22 • Factors influencing the extent of rape trauma 23 § Who the victim is 24 § Who the perpetrator is 25 § Pre-rape experiences 26 § The level of violence experienced during the assault 28 § Possible HIV infection 29 § Secondary victimisation 31 § Choosing to disclose the incident 32 § The reactions of others 34 iv § Victim credibility and precipitation 35 § Coping strategies employed after the rape 37 § Cognitive appraisals of culpability and self-blame 38 § Social support 40 • The experiences that could be seen to be part of rape trauma 41 § Fear 42 § Anxiety 43 § Anger 44 § Shame and guilt 45 § Depression 47 § Disruptions in self-esteem 49 § Disturbances in interpersonal interactions 50 • The process of recovering from rape trauma 51 § Understanding the process of recovery from three perspectives 52 • Harvey’s ecological model of recovery 52 • Herman’s understanding of recovering from trauma 54 • Smith and Kelly’s three staged process of recovery 56 § Factors affecting the duration of recovery processes 56 • Conclusion 57 Chapter 3: Methodology • Introduction 59 • Explication of selection of the methodology 59 § Qualitative approach 60 • Phenomenology - “to the things themselves” 61 § Defining phenomenology 61 § Phenomenological concepts 62 • Phenomenology as a research method 67 § The focus on lived experience of having been acquaintance raped 68 § The influence of the researcher 69 • Research procedure 70 § Selection of participants 70 v • Selection of participants in phenomenological research 71 • Criteria for selection of participants in the study 72 § Data collection 73 • Interview 73 § Analysis 74 • The scientific explication of the data 74 § An intuitive holistic grasp of the data 74 § Spontaneous emergence of natural meaning units 75 § Constituent profile descriptions 75 § Second order profiles 75 § Hierarchical categorisation 76 § Extended descriptions 76 • Ethical considerations 77 • Summary 78 Chapter 4: Results and discussion • Introduction 79 • Introducing the participants 79 § Participant One 79 § Participant Two 81 • The extended description of the data 83 • Themes emerging from the data analysis 86 § Being raped by someone you know 86 § Changes in life after the rape 88 § Reactions of others to the disclosure of the rape 90 § Considering culpability 93 § Mixed emotional reactions 95 § Dealing with possible HIV infection 100 § Interpersonal trust 102 § Social support 105 § Making meaning – perspectives on the meaning of being raped 107 • Conclusion 108 vi Chapter 5: Evaluation, recommendations and conclusion • Introduction 110 • Summary of findings 110 • Personal reflections 111 • Strengths and limitations of the study 114 • Recommendations for future research 116 • Finale 117 References 118 Appendices • Appendix A – Information letter
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Campus Sexual Assault (CSA) Study Author(S): Christopher P
    The author(s) shown below used Federal funds provided by the U.S. Department of Justice and prepared the following final report: Document Title: The Campus Sexual Assault (CSA) Study Author(s): Christopher P. Krebs, Ph.D. ; Christine H. Lindquist, Ph.D. ; Tara D. Warner, M.A. ; Bonnie S. Fisher, Ph.D. ; Sandra L. Martin, Ph.D. Document No.: 221153 Date Received: December 2007 Award Number: 2004-WG-BX-0010 This report has not been published by the U.S. Department of Justice. To provide better customer service, NCJRS has made this Federally- funded grant final report available electronically in addition to traditional paper copies. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice. This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. October 2007 The Campus Sexual Assault (CSA) Study Final Report NIJ Grant No. 2004-WG-BX-0010 Performance Period: January 2005 through December 2007 Prepared for National Institute of Justice 810 Seventh Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 Prepared by Christopher P. Krebs, Ph.D. Christine H. Lindquist, Ph.D. Tara D. Warner, M.A. RTI International 3040 Cornwallis Road Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Bonnie S. Fisher, Ph.D. University of Cincinnati Sandra L.
    [Show full text]
  • Acquaintance Rape Is a Sexual Assault Crime Committed by Someone Who Knows the Victim
    If you have issues viewing or accessing this file contact us at NCJRS.gov. ~ ___________________________________ -L~~D WHEN THE RAPIST IS SOMEONE YOU KNOW 146610 U.S. Department of Justice National Institute of Justice This document has been reproduced exactly as received from the person or organization originating it. Points of view or opinions stated in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the Natlonallnstilute of Justice. Permission to reproduce this copyrighted material has been granted by Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS). Further reproduction outside of the NCJRS system requires permission of the copyright owner. • Published by the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault Updated 1993 "I " , illinoiS Coalillon Agaiml Sexual Assault (J123 South Seventh Streel, Swto 500 Sprlngfiald. IL 62701-1302 (217) 753-41~7 TERMS Victim - The words "victim" and "survivor" are both commonly used to describe a person who is raped. In this booklet, the word "victim" is used, as it is more often associated with a person who • was recently assaulted. Attacker - In this booklet, the person who raped the victim is referred to as the "attacker." "She" - In this booklet, the sexual assault victim is referred to as "she" because women are most commonly the victims of sexual assault. Men are also sexual assault victims, and this booklet is for both male and female victims. Sexual Assault and Rape - The terms "sexual assault" and "rape" are used interchangeably in this booklet. Photos by Ginny Lee ILLINOIS CRlMINAL JUSTICE INFORMATION AUTHORITY Funding for the printing of this booklet was provided through the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.
    [Show full text]
  • Acquaintance and Marital Rape Juror Decision Making in Acquaintance
    Acquaintance and marital rape Juror decision making in acquaintance and marital rape: The influence of clothing, alcohol and pre-existing stereotypical attitudes Kirsty Osborn, 1 Josh P Davis, 1 Susan Button, 2 & John Foster 1 1 Department of Psychology, Social Work and Counselling, University of Greenwich, London UK 2 Adult Nursing and Paramedic Practice, University of Greenwich, London, UK Correspondence should be directed to: Dr Josh P Davis Reader in Applied Psychology Department of Psychology, Social Work and Counselling University of Greenwich London, UK, [email protected] The authors would like to thank Luiza-Diandra Bretfelean, Hava Sokoli, Donata Andriuskeviciute, and Monika Durova for help with data collection, as well as two anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments on an early draft of this manuscript. This research was partly funded by an internal University of Greenwich Research Excellence Framework Grant (2015-2016) awarded to the second, third and fourth authors. Both experiments received University of Greenwich, Department of Psychology and Counselling Research Ethics Panel ethical approval. Keywords: Juries, marital rape; acquaintance rape; victim clothing; rape myths. 1 Acquaintance and marital rape Abstract Stereotypical biases about women’s roles in intimate relationships including their marital status and lifestyle choices such as clothing and alcohol use influence juror attributions of rape case defendant guilt, potentially reducing access to justice for victims. Across two mock-juror decision making experiments, participants read identical fictitious sexual assault vignettes varying in intoxicated defendant-complainant relationship (married vs. acquaintance), accompanied by photographs of complainant clothing at the crime (body revealing vs. plain) and in court (smart vs.
    [Show full text]
  • Types of Sexual Assault
    TYPES OF SEXUAL ASSAULT What is Rape? Rape is non-consensual sexual contact. The law makes many distinctions among the types of sexual contact and the level of force used to obligate a victim to have sexual contact. There are many types of sexual abuse and assault. Acquaintance Rape (Links to place on the page below) Marital or Spousal Rape Stranger Rape Multiple Assailant / “Gang” Rape Drug-Facilitate Rape Child Sexual Abuse and Assault Incest Often, survivors of any type of sexual assault experience similar reactions to the trauma. This collection of reactions is called Rape Trauma Syndrome. Acquaintance Rape Acquaintance rape is a sexual assault crime committed by someone who knows the victim. Here are some facts about acquaintance rape: · It can happen any time and any place · The rapist may be a date, neighbor, boss, colleague, delivery person, repair worker, spouse or anyone else you know. Rapists are not usually strangers. Studies show: Over 80% of rape survivors were assaulted by someone they knew. 47% were raped by dates. · One in four college women were victims of rape or attempted rape while they were students. Eight-four percent of them knew the rapist. Fifty-seven percent of the rapes happened during a date. (Dr. Mary Koss, researcher at Kent State University) · Acquaintance rape is rarely reported to police. Less than 2% of acquaintance rape victims reported the assault; 21% of women raped by strangers report the crime to police. · Twelve percent of college men reported that they had physically restrained a woman to gain sexual advantage. REMEMBER: Date rape can occur despite all precautions.
    [Show full text]
  • Idioms-And-Expressions.Pdf
    Idioms and Expressions by David Holmes A method for learning and remembering idioms and expressions I wrote this model as a teaching device during the time I was working in Bangkok, Thai- land, as a legal editor and language consultant, with one of the Big Four Legal and Tax companies, KPMG (during my afternoon job) after teaching at the university. When I had no legal documents to edit and no individual advising to do (which was quite frequently) I would sit at my desk, (like some old character out of a Charles Dickens’ novel) and prepare language materials to be used for helping professionals who had learned English as a second language—for even up to fifteen years in school—but who were still unable to follow a movie in English, understand the World News on TV, or converse in a colloquial style, because they’d never had a chance to hear and learn com- mon, everyday expressions such as, “It’s a done deal!” or “Drop whatever you’re doing.” Because misunderstandings of such idioms and expressions frequently caused miscom- munication between our management teams and foreign clients, I was asked to try to as- sist. I am happy to be able to share the materials that follow, such as they are, in the hope that they may be of some use and benefit to others. The simple teaching device I used was three-fold: 1. Make a note of an idiom/expression 2. Define and explain it in understandable words (including synonyms.) 3. Give at least three sample sentences to illustrate how the expression is used in context.
    [Show full text]
  • Mbmbam 522: the Open and Honest Heart of a Child's Eyes Published
    MBMBaM 522: The Open and Honest Heart of a Child’s Eyes Published on August 11th, 2020 Listen here on TheMcElroy.family Intro (Bob Ball): The McElroy brothers are not experts, and their advice should never be followed. Travis insists he‘s a sexpert, but if there‘s a degree on his wall, I haven‘t seen it. Also, this show isn‘t for kids, which I mention only so the babies out there will know how cool they are for listening. What‘s up, you cool baby? [theme music plays] Justin: Hello, everybody, and welcome to My Brother, My Brother and Me, an advice show for the modern era. I‘m your oldest brother, Justin McElroy, and I just punched the noss! Travis: I‘m your middlest brother, Trav-v-v-v-vis McElroy! Griffin: I‘m your sweet—and I‘m your—[gravelly] I‘m your sweet baby brother, Griffiiin. Travis: No. Griffin: [normally] What? Travis: No. Justin and I were bringing, like, a high-energy thing in, and you kinda came in scary. Justin: No, I think he ga—I think he‘s like a bad boy, or a wild man. Travis: Oh! Griffin: I was pretty ba—yeah, let me go at it differently, ‗cause a lot of people, when they say like, ―He‘s the bad boy,‖ like, ―He talks like this!‖ But he can also be a bad boy like… [nasally, wavering tone] I‘m—I‘m Griffin. Travis: Mm… Griffin: [normally] ‗Cause you know that— Travis: Can you do that, and then do some sound effects, like some mouth sounds, kinda thing? Griffin: Sure, sure, sure.
    [Show full text]
  • Acquaintance Rape for Victims
    What Do I Do Now? a survival guide for victims of acquaintance rape What is acquaintance rape? Acquaintance rape is when somebody you know—a boyfriend or girlfriend, a friend, a classmate, or even someone you just met—uses coercion (including drugs or alcohol), violence, or threats to force unwanted oral, vaginal, or anal sex. When this happens in a dating relationship, it is commonly known as date rape. Did you know? Should I call 911? 28% of rape victims are Yes. Rape is a serious crime and you should report it. Do not worry about assaulted by their getting into trouble if you were partying, drinking, taking drugs, or violating boyfriends and curfew. The police are concerned with your health and your safety. And 35% are sexually remember, calling the police and filing a report does not mean that you assaulted by have to press charges. relatives.1 Do I need a medical exam? Yes. Call someone you trust—an adult or friend---and ask him or her to take you to the hospital. Do not shower, eat or drink anything, brush your teeth, go to the bathroom, or change your clothes before you go. The medical team and law enforcement need to find out whether you are hurt and need to collect evidence from your clothing and your body during the medical exam. You may also receive emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy. While the medical exam may be uncomfortable and embarrassing, it will not be painful. Should I see a counselor? Yes. You may find it difficult to cope with what has happened to you.
    [Show full text]
  • The Criminal Justice and Community Response to Rape
    If you have issues viewing or accessing this file contact us at NCJRS.gov. .-; .( '\ U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs National Institute of Justice The Criminal Justice and Community Response to Rape • About the National Institute of Justice The National Institute of Justice (NiJ), a component of the The research and development program that resulted in Office of Justice Programs, is the research and development the creation of police body armor that has meant the agency of the U.S. Department of Justice. NIJ was estab­ difference between life and death to hundreds of police lished to prevent and reduce crime and to improve the officers. criminal justice system. Specific mandates established by Congress in the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act Pioneering scientific advances such as the research and of 1968, as amended, and the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 development of DNA analysis to positively identify direct the National Institute of Justice to: suspects and eliminate the innocent from suspicion. Sponsor special projects, and research and develop­ The evaluation of innovative justice programs to deter­ ment programs that will improve and strengthen the mine what works, including drug enforcement, commu­ criminal justice system and reduce or prevent crime. nity policing, community anti-drug initiatives, prosecu­ tion of complex drug cases, drug testing throughout the Conduct national demonstration projects that employ criminal justice system, and user accountability pro­ f I innovative or promising approaches for improving crimi­ grams. nal justice. Creation of a corrections information-sharing system Develop new technologies to fight crime and improve that enables State and local officials to exchange more criminal justice.
    [Show full text]
  • Summer Camp Song Book
    Summer Camp Song Book 05-209-03/2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS Numbers 3 Short Neck Buzzards ..................................................................... 1 18 Wheels .............................................................................................. 2 A A Ram Sam Sam .................................................................................. 2 Ah Ta Ka Ta Nu Va .............................................................................. 3 Alive, Alert, Awake .............................................................................. 3 All You Et-A ........................................................................................... 3 Alligator is My Friend ......................................................................... 4 Aloutte ................................................................................................... 5 Aouettesky ........................................................................................... 5 Animal Fair ........................................................................................... 6 Annabelle ............................................................................................. 6 Ants Go Marching .............................................................................. 6 Around the World ............................................................................... 7 Auntie Monica ..................................................................................... 8 Austrian Went Yodeling .................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Music Lyrics
    Music Music Lyrics This section contains the lyrics of all the songs used in Prevention Dimensions lessons. A Little Bit of Honey From the CD Take a Stand Music and Lyrics by Steve James © 2000 BMI Performed by Steve James Featuring The Basin Street Band Isn’t it funny how a little bit of honey Makes every day worth while A little bit of kindness Making up your mind Just to give a little smile If someone’s unhappy quick and make it snappy Ask if they need help ’Cause a little bit of honey Can make a day so sunny You’ll feel good about yourself (Repeat) Kindergarten page 125 Music Be a Builder From the CD Be a Builder Music by Steve James Lyrics by Steve and Lisa James © 1999, BMI Performed by Nolanda Smauldon (Verse) They call me a builder ’Cause I don’t tear anybody down I like to be a builder Don’t wanna see anybody frown I like to make people feel better Whenever I am around (Chorus) I like to shake someone’s hand Help them understand they’re special And that’s my style I’m part of a team to build self-esteem So I go the extra mile Cause I’m a builder Constructin’ somethin’ worthwhile (Verse) I’m a builder I won’t tear anybody down I’m a builder I won’t see anybody frown I wanna make people feel better Whenever I am around (Repeat Chorus) (Gospel Choir) Build up my neighbor Do the world a favor With every labor Build up my neighbor I’m not gonna tear my neighbor down (Repeat) I’m gonna build up the world I’m gonna be a builder Kindergarten page 126 Music Buckle Up From the CD Take a Stand Music and Lyrics by Steve James © 2000 BMI
    [Show full text]
  • Karaoke Song Book Karaoke Nights Frankfurt’S #1 Karaoke
    KARAOKE SONG BOOK KARAOKE NIGHTS FRANKFURT’S #1 KARAOKE SONGS BY TITLE THERE’S NO PARTY LIKE AN WAXY’S PARTY! Want to sing? Simply find a song and give it to our DJ or host! If the song isn’t in the book, just ask we may have it! We do get busy, so we may only be able to take 1 song! Sing, dance and be merry, but please take care of your belongings! Are you celebrating something? Let us know! Enjoying the party? Fancy trying out hosting or KJ (karaoke jockey)? Then speak to a member of our karaoke team. Most importantly grab a drink, be yourself and have fun! Contact [email protected] for any other information... YYOUOU AARERE THETHE GINGIN TOTO MY MY TONICTONIC A I L C S E P - S F - I S S H B I & R C - H S I P D S A - L B IRISH PUB A U - S R G E R S o'reilly's Englische Titel / English Songs 10CC 30H!3 & Ke$ha A Perfect Circle Donna Blah Blah Blah A Stranger Dreadlock Holiday My First Kiss Pet I'm Mandy 311 The Noose I'm Not In Love Beyond The Gray Sky A Tribe Called Quest Rubber Bullets 3Oh!3 & Katy Perry Can I Kick It Things We Do For Love Starstrukk A1 Wall Street Shuffle 3OH!3 & Ke$ha Caught In Middle 1910 Fruitgum Factory My First Kiss Caught In The Middle Simon Says 3T Everytime 1975 Anything Like A Rose Girls 4 Non Blondes Make It Good Robbers What's Up No More Sex....
    [Show full text]
  • FAQ on Sexual Violence
    FAQ on Sexual Violence What is sexual violence? Sexual violence violates a person’s trust and feeling of safety. It occurs any time a person is forced, coerced, and/or manipulated into any unwanted sexual activity. The continuum of sexual violence includes rape, incest, child sexual assault, ritual abuse, date and acquaintance rape, statutory rape, marital or partner rape, sexual exploitations, sexual contact, sexual harassment, exposure, and voyeurism. - Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (www.pcar.org) The continuum of sexual violence includes suggestive looks, sexist comments/jokes, verbal, obscene phone calls, peeping, exposure, frottage, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, and sexual assault/murder. The common denominator for this continuum is lack of respect. - Office of the Texas Attorney General, Sexual Assault Prevention and Crisis Services Sexual assault includes a wide range of victimizations, distinct from rape or attempted rape. These crimes include completed or attempted attacks generally involving unwanted sexual contact between the victim and offender. Sexual assaults may or may not involve force and include such things as grabbing or fondling. Sexual assault also includes verbal threats. - Violent Victimization and Race, 1993-98, (http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/vvr98.pdf), Bureau of Justice Statistics, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice Sexual violence is a sex act completed or attempted against a victim's will or when a victim is unable to consent due to age, illness, disability, or the influence of alcohol or other drugs. It may involve actual or threatened physical force, use of guns or other weapons, coercion, intimidation, or pressure. Sexual violence also includes intentional touching of the genitals, anus, groin, or breast against a victim's will or when a victim is unable to consent, as well as voyeurism, exposure to exhibitionism, or undesired exposure to pornography.
    [Show full text]