The Criminal Justice System's Response to Sexual Violence Against Women Sexual assault and rape are serious social and public health issues in the United States. Women are overwhelmingly the victims of sexual assault and rape, while men are nearly always the perpetrators. National surveys in the United States estimate that one in six women has experienced an attempted or completed rape at some time (Basile, Lang, Bartenfeld, & Clinton-Sherrod, 2005). Men with whom they are acquainted sexually assault the vast majority of women.
Women are far less likely to report a rape or assault when they know their assailant. Thus, instances of sexual assaults are greatly under-reported. This paper will examine a number of reasons why women fail to report an assault to formal support agencies and examine some of the ways in which social services agencies can reach women in need of support. This paper will also discuss rape prevention programs that are effective in reducing instances of sexual assault, including programs that educate college students on the dangers of alcohol and its association with assault. In addition, the gender role beliefs that play a role in how rape is perceived by men and women, particularly when there is a relationship between the victim and the perpetrator, are investigated. A look into the continued study and research regarding rape is also included, specifically the ability of such research to identify risk populations and risk factors as well as the type and format of education required to counter the effects of sexual assault.
References:
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