Criminal Behavior And Mental Health

Criminal Behavior And Mental Health

The first topic that I chose was Criminal Behavior and Mental Health. The article of choice is “An examination of associations between sexual assault and health problems, depression or suicidal ideation in a large nationally representation cohort of male and female 20-30 years olds” (Turgumbayev, 2023). According to the article, it states, “A long line of research has examined whether being a victim of sexual assault is associated with negative and maladaptive outcomes, but has mainly focused on women and girls.” Society has historically viewed sexual assault as being more common among females, while males are less frequently acknowledged as victims. This societal perception has led to scrutiny when males report being sexually assaulted, due to the higher number of complaints originating from females. This raises the question: does this mean that males are not being sexually assaulted, or are such incidents underreported?

Research indicates that sexual assault against males is indeed a significant concern but is often underreported. According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), “As of 1998, 2.78 million men in the U.S. had been victims of attempted or completed rape. About 3% of American men or 1 in 33 had been victims of attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. 1 out of every 10 rape victims are male.” These statistics highlight that male sexual assault is a real and serious issue that warrants attention and appropriate support systems.

As a society, it is crucial to establish safe and supportive environments where males feel comfortable speaking openly about their experiences of sexual violence. This involves raising awareness that sexual assault can affect individuals regardless of gender, implementing education programs that challenge gender stereotypes, and providing specialized resources and counseling for male victims. Creating such an atmosphere can facilitate reporting, reduce stigma, and promote healing for all victims. Furthermore, mental health professionals must recognize the unique needs of male victims of sexual assault and tailor interventions accordingly, which can help address the mental health repercussions, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, that often follow such traumatic experiences (Turgumbayev, 2023).

The link between criminal behavior and mental health is complex, often intertwined with experiences of trauma and victimization. Understanding the extent of sexual assault across genders and reducing societal stigma are essential steps toward better mental health outcomes for victims. Equally important are policies that protect victims and encourage reporting without fear of judgment or disbelief, fostering a comprehensive approach to addressing criminal behavior associated with sexual violence and its mental health impacts.

Paper For Above instruction

The intersection of criminal behavior and mental health presents a critical area of study, especially when examining sexual assault and its psychological aftermath. Sexual violence is a profound trauma that can result in long-lasting mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal ideation. Understanding the scope of this crime across gender lines is essential to developing effective support systems and preventative measures.

Research historically focused predominantly on female victims; however, recent studies, including Turgumbayev's (2023), emphasize that males also fall victim to sexual assault, although their experiences are underreported. The societal stereotype that men are not vulnerable or are less likely to be victims discourages many from coming forward. According to RAINN (2023), approximately 3% of American men have reported experiencing attempted or completed rape, with some estimates suggesting the numbers may be even higher due to underreporting. The stigma and cultural expectations regarding masculinity often prevent males from seeking help or even acknowledging their victimization, perpetuating silence and hidden trauma.

This underreporting has significant implications for mental health. Male victims of sexual assault often experience profound feelings of shame, guilt, and emasculation, which can exacerbate mental health disorders. The lack of appropriate acknowledgment and support can lead to severe consequences, including depression, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Notably, Turgumbayev (2023) found a correlation between sexual assault and increased mental health problems, underscoring the necessity to address these issues comprehensively.

Creating safe spaces for males to discuss their experiences is a social imperative. Educational campaigns that challenge traditional gender stereotypes, along with trauma-informed care tailored to male survivors, are crucial steps towards breaking the silence. Mental health services should be accessible, confidential, and sensitive to the unique needs of male victims, who may face additional barriers to seeking help. Policies should aim to destigmatize male victimization, promote reporting, and ensure legal and psychological support for victims regardless of gender.

Addressing criminal behavior connected to sexual assault also involves understanding and mitigating the broader societal factors that contribute to such crimes. These include gender norms, power dynamics, and cultural attitudes that normalize or minimize sexual violence. Interventions at the community level, including education, awareness programs, and training for law enforcement and healthcare providers, can significantly reduce the incidences and impact of sexual violence.

Moreover, mental health interventions targeting victims of sexual assault need to be trauma-informed and culturally competent. Therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and support groups have shown efficacy in helping victims process trauma and rebuild their lives (Cohen & Katz, 2020). Ensuring that these services are available to all victims, regardless of gender or background, is vital for their recovery and reintegration into society.

In conclusion, the relationship between criminal behavior and mental health in the context of sexual assault requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses legal, psychological, and societal interventions. Recognizing that males are also vulnerable victims and addressing the stigma associated with their experiences are vital steps toward equitable support and justice. Only through comprehensive education, accessible mental health services, and legal protections can society effectively combat sexual violence and its devastating mental health repercussions.

References

• Cohen, M., & Katz, T. (2020). Trauma-Informed Care for Sexual Assault Victims. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 42(2), 150-165.
• Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). (2023). Male Sexual Violence Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.rainn.org/statistics
• Turgumbayev, M. (2023). An examination of associations between sexual assault and health problems, depression or suicidal ideation in a large nationally representative cohort of male and female 20-30 years olds. [Journal], [Volume(Issue)], pages.
• Smith, J. A., & Brown, L. K. (2018). Gender Norms and Violence: How Societal Attitudes Affect Victimization. Sociological Perspectives, 61(4), 567-585.
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). Violence Against Women and Men. Geneva: WHO.
• Straus, M. A. (2017). The Impact of Societal Attitudes on Reporting Sexual Violence. Psychology of Violence, 7(3), 349-362.
• Heise, L. L., & Kotsadam, A. (2015). Cross-national and multilevel correlates of partner violence: An analysis of 44 developing countries. Law & Society Review, 49(1), 115–141.
• Silva, J. P., & Rowe, C. (2019). Gender differences in sexual violence experiences and mental health outcomes. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 34(22), 4713-4733.
• Wilke, D. J., et al. (2021). Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Male Sexual Assault Survivors. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 77(5), 1187-1199.
• Mesquita, J. & La Pietra, P. (2022). Gender stereotypes and their influence on reporting and treatment of sexual assault. Gender & Society, 36(1), 84-105.