 Healthy
Reflections Newsletter
Publisher
(850) 656-1404
September 20, 2010
email: info@mentalhealthcorner.com
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| Greetings!
The topic of acquaintance rape is a difficult one to broach. However, avoiding it doesn't make the reality of it go away. The Bureau of Justice Statistics notes that 77% of completed rapes are committed by non-strangers. A woman is four times more likely to be raped by an acquaintance than by a stranger. (Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault). Among college students, an estimated one woman in eight is raped every year by someone known to her, whether a boyfriend, classmate or neighbor. This edition of Healthy Reflections Newsletter explores the emotional and psychological impact of acquaintance rape. As always, I'd love to hear your feedback on the topic at: info@mentalhealthcorner.com. |
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Your Mental Health Nugget
What You Should Know About Acquaintance Rape
Sexual assault is a crime committed by an individual who seeks to control and humiliate his or her victim. Both women and men can be victims of rape. Sexual assault is not about an over-sexed individual seeking a physical outlet ---it stems from the intent for power and control over another human being.
Sexual assault leaves in its wake both physical and emotional trauma. That trauma can intensify when the rape is committed by someone the victim either knows or trusts. When an individual is raped by a stranger, it's easier for her to believe she did nothing to bring the assault upon herself. However, when the attack is from an acquaintance or date, not only has she been violated, but she has lost her sense of trust in the world around her. She has lost her sense of trust in other people, her sense of safety in her environment and a lack of trust in her own judgment. A recent national study of college students in 2005 found that 27.5% of the women surveyed said they had suffered date rape or attempted rape at least once since age 14. 88% of these attacks were by men they knew. Reports of date or acquaintance rape tend to be extremely low. A major reason for this under-reporting may be the social stigma attached to rape in general as well as the victim's fear that she will be blamed for the rape's occurrence. Women are raped by "nice" guys who resemble ordinary guys.
There is no one profile for how a rapist looks. Men who rape come from all age, racial, religious, social and cultural groups. The perpetrators of acquaintance rape do not fit an easily recognized profile. However, some similar characteristics have been found in acquaintance rapists including:
- A propensity toward violence in problem-solving;
- Aggressiveness in intimate relationships; and
- Being overly demanding of partners.
Many women have misconceptions about what constitutes acquaintance or date rape. Rape occurs when one is forced to have sex against her or his will, whether the individual fights back or not. Warshaw (1988) discovered in his study that 73% of the women surveyed whose description of their experiences met the legal definition of rape did not recognize themselves as rape victims.
The Women's Coalition of St. Croix give the following definition of acquaintance and date rape: acquaintance rape is using physical force, emotional bargaining, blackmail or mind games to force sexual intercourse, fondling, kissing, holding or any sexual contact forced on you by someone you know.Remember, If it's against your will, it's against the law.
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Wisdom doesn't automatically come with old age. Nothing does - except wrinkles. It's true, some wines improve with age. But only if the grapes were good in the first place. - Abigail Van Buren, 1918-present
I've come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that's as unique as a fingerprint - and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you. - Oprah Winfrey, 1954-present
Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem more afraid of life than death. - James F. Byrnes, 1879-1972
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