Identification Of Research Questions And Methodology ✓ Solved

Identification of Research Question and Research Methodology

In the study “Top 10 Reasons People do not Report Sexual Abuse” by the Dordulian Law Group, there is an indication that when it comes to being sexually abused, raped, or sexually assaulted, most individuals never lie or brag about the situation. However, there has been the discovery that despite being abused, survivors tend to shun reporting abuse as a result of fear and other personal issues, and consider reporting to be humiliating and non-beneficial. This prompts the need to answer the question: Why is sexual abuse so rarely reported? Reasons why sexual abuse is not commonly reported are established through qualitative data from organizations such as the National Sexual Violence Resource.

This analysis revealed that individuals who did not report sexual abuse had numerous reasons, including misconceptions regarding available options, doubts in the legal system, or fear of repercussions from perpetrators. The study “Sexual Assault in Adolescents” by Banvard-Fox et al. addresses the prevalence of sexual abuse among youth, noting that 26.6 percent of seventeen-year-old boys and 5.1 percent of girls in America have experienced some form of sexual abuse. Higher prevalence rates have also been identified within the LGBTQ community, indicating that individuals continue to face the repercussions of sexual abuse as they grow older, which may lead to future instances of sexual and physical violence.

Additionally, research reveals that preventing sexual abuse of adolescents yields better economic health and stability. The study “Outcomes of Sexual Abuse” by Olusolami et al. evaluates the burden of sexual abuse and its impact on the psychosocial well-being of adolescents. The primary objective is to determine the correlation between sexual abuse and self-perception among teenagers. This leads to the formulation of the question: What is the overall consequence of the outcomes of sexual abuse on adolescents' homes and society at large?

To establish these preexisting relationships, a systematic search was conducted across databases such as Science Direct, African Journals Online, PubMed, and Cochrane, identifying 7278 studies and narrowing it down to eight that met selection criteria. Findings indicated that sexual abuse is highly prevalent. The study “Why Don't They Tell?” by NCTSN examines sexual assault as an activity occurring without consent, taking forms like attempted rape, actual rape, sexual coercion, unwanted sexual touching, and any other form of unwelcome sexual contact. This study also analyzes feelings experienced following sexual abuse, revealing that it may result in traumatic feelings—powerlessness, stigmatization, betrayal, and traumatic sexualization.

In the study “Presumption of Sexual Abuse in Children and Adolescents: Vulnerability of Pregnancy before 14 years” by Silva et al., the focus is on instances of sexual abuse among girls aged up to 13 years. The quantitative study used data from the Brazilian Live Birth Information System (2009-2017) to analyze sexual abuse cases against vulnerable individuals. Conclusions indicated that pregnancies and marriages are prevalent among girls under 14 years, with health professionals showing reluctance in filing reports.

Paper For Above Instructions

Sexual assault among adolescents is a crucial and pressing issue that warrants thorough investigation. Adolescents aged 10 to 13 years are particularly vulnerable, often facing harassment in various environments. It becomes crucial to address the reasons why these incidents frequently go unreported. The pervasive lack of reporting significantly impedes the necessary support and acknowledgment these youths desperately require.

One significant factor contributing to the underreporting of sexual assault among adolescents is fear. The fear often stems from various sources, including fear of retaliation from the perpetrators, fear of not being believed, and fear of the stigmatization that could follow an assault disclosure (Dordulian Law Group, 2020). Empirical findings indicate that a substantial percentage of sexual assault victims, approximately 63%, do not report the crime to law enforcement. This pattern is particularly troubling; emotional trauma can manifest into long-term psychological distress such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The emotional and psychological ramifications of sexual abuse cannot be overstated. Adolescents who experience sexual assault often face not just the immediate impact of the trauma but also ongoing mental health challenges that can detrimentally affect their self-esteem (Okunlola et al., 2020). Adolescents that have faced sexual abuse may grow into adulthood harboring feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy, thereby perpetuating a cycle of victimization and emotional dysfunction.

Moreover, the relationship between sexual abuse and pregnancy in younger adolescents is an alarming reality. Statistics emphasize that 1.3% of pregnancies among girls aged 10 to 13 can be attributed to sexual abuse, indicative of a dire need for effective preventive measures and support mechanisms (Silva et al., 2020). These instances raise ethical questions regarding the protection of vulnerable populations and highlight the need for comprehensive sexual education programs that encapsulate the significance of consent and the help available for victims.

Comprehensive approaches must be developed to address the reporting gap pertaining to sexual abuse. Educational campaigns can help alleviate misconceptions about the reporting process and build trust within the legal system. Additionally, survivors should be made aware of the support systems available that can assist in their recovery journey while ensuring their safety. This multifaceted approach is essential for creating an environment where sexual assault survivors, especially adolescents, feel empowered to come forward.

Social dynamics also play a critical role in the alarming rates of sexual abuse among adolescents, particularly within socioeconomically disadvantaged communities where awareness and resources may be scarce. Cultivating a culture of open discussions around sexual health and abuse, particularly in schools and community organizations, can foster protective environments for vulnerable populations.

In conclusion, addressing the epidemic of sexual abuse among adolescents requires multifactorial strategies that encompass education, mental health support, and community intervention. There is a pressing need for a collective societal effort to create safe spaces for discussions, ensure access to mental health resources, and provide education that emphasizes respect and consent. Only through these combined efforts can we hope to see a decline in the disturbing rates of underreporting and ultimately improve the quality of life for survivors of sexual abuse.

References

• Banvard-Fox, C., Linger, M., Paulson, D. J., Cottrell, L., & Davidov, D. M. (2020). Sexual Assault in Adolescents. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice, 47(2), 331-349.
• Okunlola, O. B., Odukoya, J. A., & Gesinde, A. M. (2020). Outcomes of sexual abuse on self-esteem among adolescents: A systematic review. Cogent Social Sciences, 7(1).
• Silva, A. J. C. D., Trindade, R. F. C. D., & Oliveira, L. L. F. D. (2020). Presumption of sexual abuse in children and adolescents: vulnerability of pregnancy before 14 years. Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem, 73.
• Dordulian Law Group. (2020, September 22). Top 10 Reasons People Do Not Report Sexual Abuse.
• NCTSN. (n.d.). Why Don’t They Tell? Teens and Sexual Assault Disclosure.