In a recent article, I examined the FBI definition of sexual assault and its relationship to consent. Contrary to popular belief, the FBI definition of rape doesn’t include relationship or force as factors in defining sexual assault. It also doesn’t refer to drugs or the use of force. Instead, it emphasizes consent: the ability to make an informed decision about your own body and the actions of someone else. I hope these facts help you understand what sexual assault is and how to protect yourself.
Consent
Women’s agency is weakened in a heterogeneous power relationship. As a result, their consent is often used to justify unjust sex and legitimize the assault. However, men often hijack women’s agency, acknowledging it, redirecting it, or dismissing it entirely. Thus, it’s critical for women to recognize the dangers of their consent and to resist it whenever possible. This article looks at the importance of examining consent before it is too late.
Currently, the offence of sexual assault is defined as “sexual activity carried out without consent.” It can be committed by physical force, threats, or giving drugs or alcohol. It also includes rape and sexual coercion. Historically, Indigenous women have been disproportionately affected by sexual violence. One study found that 56 percent of Native women have experienced some form of sexual violence at some point in their lives. In addition, Native American women are twice as likely as white women to be victims of sex assault.
Force
What is the role of force in sexual assault? The courts consider the use of emotional and psychological force, as well as physical force. Verbal abuse and threats are also acts of force. Whether or not consent was given will be a key factor in deciding whether or not a sexual assault occurred. However, sexual assaults can occur for a variety of reasons. Read on to learn more about what constitutes an assault, including the role of force in sexual assaults.
There are few studies that investigate the role of force in sexual assault outside of incarcerated samples. Calhoun and colleagues surveyed 65 young men living in rural Georgia, while Senn et al. interviewed 195 men living in a small Canadian city. Although these studies do not include incarcerated victims, they show a substantial association between force and sexual assault. Among young men, a disproportionate number of assaults involve men who are sexually active.
Force used to coerce a victim into non-consensual sex
Force used to coerce a victim to engage in non-consensual sex can take many forms and can be emotionally devastating. Developing healthy coping mechanisms can help survivors move on with their lives. Sexual assault can also occur with psychological force, such as intimidation and threats. The intent behind the perpetrator’s actions is often to gain control of the victim.
The legal definition of sexual coercion is broad and may include any combination of verbal and physical methods. Scholars have often equated the two, considering that sexual coercion can be used to force a victim to engage in non-consensual intercourse. While the two are often associated, the term “sexual coercion” can also mean unwanted sexual intercourse that results from compliant behavior.
Drugs used by perpetrators
The prevalence of drugs used by sexual assault perpetrators has risen in the United States in recent years, often in conjunction with alcohol. In a recent study, researchers determined the prevalence of drug use in sexual assault cases. They collected urine samples from victims of sexual assault at law enforcement agencies, rape crisis centers, and emergency rooms. The samples were tested for alcohol and drugs associated with sexual assault, including barbite, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines.
Narcotics are one of the main drugs used by perpetrators of sexual assault. They are tasteless, odorless, and colorless, and they act quickly and leave the victim’s system quickly. Since these drugs are not normally detected through routine screening, they make it difficult to trace them to a perpetrator. Further, the victims may not remember the sexual assault. This makes it difficult for law enforcement to make arrests.
Effects on survivor
Sexual assault can have severe psychological effects on the victim and the survivor. In addition to the physical effects, survivors may develop issues with fertility and sexually transmitted infections. In some cases, a sexual assault may lead to pregnancy, but giving birth after an assault can be physically dangerous. Many survivors develop depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions as a result of the attack. Therapy can help survivors deal with these issues and find ways to recover and move on with their lives.
Psychological effects of sexual assault can range from extreme fear and panic to sleep difficulties and flashbacks. Survivors often report experiencing recurring images of the event. These can lead to difficulty sleeping or even triggering nightmares. A sexual assault survivor may also suffer from panic attacks, which are accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty breathing and dizziness. In some cases, the traumatic event may result in sexual violence.