Since Your Graduation From AIU You Have Been Working As The

Since Your Graduation From Aiu You Have Been Working As The Victims

List Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) and the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) reported crime statistics relating to rape and the strengths and weaknesses of each type of reporting. Define the term date rape (or acquaintance rape —the terms are interchangeable) and how date rape (acquaintance rape) is distinguished from stranger rape, statutory rape, and spousal rape. List the types and uses of date rape drugs. Describe the victim – offender relationship, including the following: How victims are viewed by perpetrators of date rape The special problems of date rape prosecutions How society and jurors may view date rape (blaming the victim based on the perceived precipitation, facilitation, or provocation of the victim) What is your position on this issue, and what action do you think would impact this social policy?

Paper For Above instruction

In addressing the policy change regarding the prosecution of date rape cases involving drugs or alcohol, it is essential to first understand the scope and nature of the problem through crime statistics and terminology clarifications. Accurate data collection forms the foundation for effective policy advocacy and comprehension of the prevalence of such crimes.

Crime Statistics: UCR and NCVS

  • Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR):
    • Collected and published by the FBI, UCR reports are based on voluntary submissions from law enforcement agencies nationwide.
    • Provides official data on reported crimes, including rape, but often underestimates actual prevalence due to underreporting or inconsistent reporting practices.
    • Strengths: Standardized data collection, nationwide scope, valuable for trend analysis.
    • Weaknesses: Relies on reported incidents; dark figure of crime remains substantial, especially for sexual assault due to societal stigma and victim reluctance.
  • National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS):
    • Conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, it surveys households to gather data on criminal victimization regardless of whether crimes are reported to police.
    • Provides comprehensive estimates of victimization, including unreported cases.
    • Strengths: Captures dark figure of crime, inclusion of unreported incidents, better insight into victimization patterns.
    • Weaknesses: Reliant on victim recall; possible underreporting due to memory bias or shame; less detailed in specific crime types.

Definition and Types of Date Rape

Date rape, also known as acquaintance rape, refers to sexual assault by someone known to the victim, often within a social or dating context. It is distinguished from other types of rape by the relationship between victim and offender.

  • Stranger Rape: Perpetrator is unknown to the victim.
  • Acquaintance or Date Rape: Perpetrator is someone the victim knows, such as a friend, date, or partner.
  • Statutory Rape: Victim is below the age of consent, regardless of apparent consent.
  • Spousal Rape: Rape committed by a spouse or partner, often overlooked historically but increasingly recognized legally.

Types and Uses of Date Rape Drugs

Common date rape drugs include:

  • Rohypnol: Also known as “roofies,” a sedative that impairs memory and consciousness.
  • Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB): A depressant that induces relaxation and amnesia.
  • Ketamine: An anesthetic with dissociative effects, used recreationally or maliciously.

These drugs are typically odorless and tasteless, making them easy to slip into drinks. Their effects include drowsiness, confusion, memory loss, and inability to resist assault.

Victim-Offender Relationship and Society’s Perspectives

Victims of date rape often face societal misconceptions that impact prosecutions and public perception. The offender typically views the victim as someone they can manipulate or coerce, especially under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

  • Perpetrator View: Victims under the influence are often seen as “responsible” for their own victimization, which leads to victim-blaming.
  • Prosecution Challenges: Difficulties in proving lack of consent, especially when the victim was intoxicated or incapacitated, complicate legal proceedings.
  • Societal and Juror Perspectives: Jurors may blame victims for their intoxication or dress, falsely believing that intoxicated victims “asked for it” or provoked the assault.

Position and Suggested Actions

My position is that not prosecuting date rape cases involving drugs or alcohol is detrimental to justice and public health. Equity in prosecution is vital, as incapacitated victims deserve legal protection and societal validation. Education campaigns should address myths surrounding victim responsibility and emphasize that intoxication does not diminish a person’s right to consent. Policy reforms may include mandatory training for law enforcement and prosecutors on handling intoxicated victim cases, and the implementation of supportive services for victims, such as counseling and legal assistance.

Changing the policy to prosecute all cases regardless of the victim’s intoxication status affirms a societal commitment to justice and recognizes the coercive nature of date rape. This approach could reduce social blame placed on victims and shift cultural attitudes, encouraging more victims to report assaults without fear of re-victimization.

Conclusion

Addressing these aspects comprehensively supports the development of fairer, more effective legal responses to date rape, contributing to victim healing and societal progress. Encouraging policy change aligns with the broader goal of ending sexual violence and fostering a culture of accountability and respect.

References

  • Fisher, B. S., Cullen, F. T., & Turner, M. G. (2000). The Sexual Victimization of College Women. National Institute of Justice, Research Report.
  • U.S. Department of Justice. (2021). Crime Victimization, 2020. Federal Bureau of Investigation.
  • Fisher, B. S., & Pino, N. W. (2020). Sexual victimization on campus: A review of student experiences. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 35(3-4), 674-698.
  • DeGue, S., Mallory, C., & O’Conner, K. (2015). Preventing sexual violence: A review of promising practices. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 48(3), 354-362.
  • Akiyama, M., & Arnold, T. (2019). The impact of alcohol on sexual consent and assault reporting. Journal of Social Sciences, 42(4), 112-125.
  • Kilpatrick, D. G., & colleagues. (2007). Rape in America: A report to the nation. The National Institute of Justice.
  • Abbey, A. (2002). Drugs and alcohol use and the likelihood of sexual assault. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 17(4), 435-450.
  • UCR Program. Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2022). Crime in the United States, 2021. UCR Report.
  • National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS). Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2022). NCVS Data Brief.
  • Scott, C. K., & Eckstein, R. (2018). Legal and societal issues in prosecuting acquaintance rape. Criminal Justice Review, 43(2), 127–145.

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