Drugs, Alcohol, And Sexual Assault Chapter 9

Drugs Alcohol And Sexual Assaultchapter 9 In The Textbook Addresses

Drugs, Alcohol, and Sexual Assault Chapter 9 in the textbook addresses the issue of sexual assault. Reported incidents of sexual assault on college campuses, including military academies, continue to rise. Reported incidents of “date rape” and gang rape at parties and other social gatherings are also increasing. Unlike the laws concerning stalking that were discussed in this week’s reading, laws about sexual assault are clear, direct, and unambiguous. Yet, many offenders (and witnesses to sexual violence) have stated they did not interpret their actions, or those of the actual perpetrator(s), as sexual assault.

What type and degree of social influence may be impacting this reported lack of understanding and awareness of sexual assault as a crime? What steps would you recommend, or endorse if they are already in place, as necessary to address this situation? Include information from your review of a relevant scholarly journal. Required Resource Text Bartol A., & Bartol C. (2019). Introduction to forensic psychology: Research and application (5th ed.). Sage Publications, Inc. Chapter 2: Police and Public Safety Psychology Chapter 8: Psychology of Violence and Intimidation Chapter 9: Psychology of Sexual Assault Recommended Resources Websites Office for Victims of Crime (Links to an external site.) . (There are several professional organizations and the U.S. Federal Government who provide current and historical data and research regarding issues of mental health and the criminal justice system. This site can provide you with additional information to assist you in the development of both of this week's discussion posts and the assignment. The International Association of Chiefs of Police (Links to an external site.) . (There are several professional organizations and the U.S. Federal Government who provide current and historical data and research regarding issues of mental health and the criminal justice system. This site can provide you with additional information to assist you in the development of both of this week's discussion posts and the assignment. Guided Response: Your initial post should be at least 300 words in length.

Paper For Above instruction

The persistent rise in reported incidents of sexual assault on college campuses and military academies is a troubling issue that demands a comprehensive understanding of the social influences affecting perceptions and awareness of sexual violence. Despite clear legal definitions distinguishing sexual assault from other forms of violence, many offenders and witnesses often do not recognize their actions as criminal, highlighting the complex interplay of social, cultural, and psychological factors that influence behavior and perception.

One prominent social influence impacting the perception of sexual assault is the normalization of behaviors that diminish individual agency and consent. Cultural norms surrounding masculinity, power dynamics, and peer validation often foster attitudes that excuse or minimize sexual misconduct. For example, traditional ideas of masculinity can promote dominance and entitlement, which may underlie many sexual assault cases. These social norms are reinforced through peer groups, media portrayals, and social gatherings where behaviors such as coercion or drug-facilitated consent are dismissed or overlooked. Consequently, perceptions of what constitutes sexual assault become blurred, leading individuals to either deny responsibility or fail to identify their actions as criminal.

Furthermore, alcohol and drugs play a significant role in shaping attitudes toward sexual assault. The influence of intoxicants can impair judgment and increase the likelihood of engaging in or being a witness to sexually violent acts. In social settings where alcohol use is prevalent, individuals may develop skewed perceptions of consent, viewing it as negotiable or participants as solely responsible for their actions. This is corroborated by research indicating that intoxication reduces the likelihood of individuals recognizing or admitting to non-consensual sexual acts (Cole et al., 2017). The combination of social norms and substance use creates a context where sexual assault is less likely to be candidly acknowledged or accurately reported.

Addressing these issues requires multi-faceted strategies rooted in education, policy, and psychological intervention. First, comprehensive educational programs aimed at redefining cultural norms around masculinity, consent, and respect are vital. Such programs should be incorporated early in school curricula and reinforced through college orientation sessions. According to a study by Peralta et al. (2018), targeted education about consent and bystander intervention significantly reduces sexual assault incidence and alters perceptions of what constitutes sexual misconduct.

Second, there is a pressing need for improved legal literacy among college students and the general public, clarifying the definitions of sexual assault and the consequences of such acts. Awareness campaigns facilitated by campus law enforcement and victim support agencies can serve to correct misconceptions and promote understanding of the unambiguous legal standards addressed in statutes.

Third, psychological interventions for offenders and witnesses can also play a significant role. Cognitive-behavioral programs that focus on altering attitudes towards masculinity and power can reduce offenders' likelihood of reoffending (Morgan et al., 2020). For witnesses, training in bystander intervention can empower individuals to act and prevent potential assaults, utilizing social influence to promote prosocial behavior.

Finally, policies that create a culture of accountability and transparency are essential. Universities and military institutions should implement strict reporting procedures, ensure consequences for perpetrators, and provide support services for victims. The integration of mental health services that address underlying attitudes and beliefs related to violence and dominance can also be effective.

In conclusion, social influences such as cultural norms surrounding masculinity and the normalization of drug-facilitated behaviors significantly impact perceptions of sexual assault. Addressing these influences requires holistic strategies encompassing education, legal awareness, psychological intervention, and policy reforms. As research indicates, these approaches can foster a societal shift towards recognizing, understanding, and preventing sexual violence, ultimately reducing the prevalence and improving societal responses to this grave issue.

References

  • Barthol, A., & Bartol, C. (2019). Introduction to forensic psychology: Research and application (5th ed.). Sage Publications.
  • Cole, J. C., et al. (2017). Substance use and sexual assault: A review of the evidence. Journal of Drug Issues, 47(3), 370-382.
  • Morgan, R., et al. (2020). Cognitive-behavioral interventions for sexual offenders: Effectiveness and implications. Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health, 30(2), 92-106.
  • Peralta, R. L., et al. (2018). Bystander intervention and sexual assault prevention: A review of empirical research. Journal of College Student Development, 59(1), 94-108.
  • Office for Victims of Crime. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://ovc.ojp.gov
  • International Association of Chiefs of Police. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.theiacp.org
  • Fisher, B. S., et al. (2020). Understanding and preventing campus sexual assault: Lessons from empirical research. Sexual Assault Report, 38(4), 14-19.
  • Testa, M., et al. (2014). Contextual factors influencing perceptions of sexual assault among college students. Journal of American College Health, 62(7), 491-498.
  • Hall, W. A., & Bucholz, K. K. (2016). Alcohol and sexual violence: Exploring the link. Alcohol Research & Health, 39(3), 127-132.
  • U.S. Department of Justice. (2018). Sexual assault on campus: A guide for students and staff. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.

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