Sexual Assault (Essay Sample)

Topic: Sexual Assault
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Sexual Assault
By definition, sexual assault refers to any unwanted sexual act that may include anything from unwanted touching, rape or sexual exploitation. Any unwelcomed sexual advance, request for sexual favors and any verbal or physical conduct of sexual way is also regarded to as sexual assault. Examples of such acts include: Actual or attempted rape or sexual assault, unwanted pressure for sexual favors, unwanted deliberate touching, leaning over, cornering, or pinching, unwanted sexual looks or gestures, unwanted letters, telephone calls, or materials of a sexual nature, making sexual gestures with hands or through body movements, hugging, kissing, patting, or stroking, touching or rubbing oneself sexually around another person, standing close or brushing up against a person, unwanted pressure for dates, unwanted sexual teasing, jokes or remarks.( McFarlane et al., 2005).
There are many reported causes of sexual assault, one of the most controversial is that it the natural byproduct of human evolution. This report suggests that sexual assaults are a best understood as ways of enhancing male reproductive success or as a mating strategy. Other reports suggest that the media through sexual content, women by wearing sexually suggestive clothes, alcohol and drugs, attitudes and gender schemas, cultural and beliefs contribute to greatly to sexual assault (Schauer, 1987). Even though there are many suggestions as to the causes of sexual assault, everyone agrees that the acts are diminishing and should be punishable by law.
Understanding sexual assault will greatly reduce the chances of someone falling victim of sexual assault and keeping quiet about it. We all have rights and we need to understand that the law is against such crimes. Learning about it will greatly increase the number of incidents reported resulting to less chances of them occurring again. In many homes, sexual assault may occur between parents and children, couples, children and neighbors or the children themselves. Sexual assault greatly affects us today since majority of the victims are unaware of their rights and laws that are set against such acts. In the case that the victim is aware of the laws and their rights then fear plays a key role in concealing such assaults leading to a victim living a miserable life (Bonner et al., 2001).
Sexual assault occurs all over the world although, in most countries research has not been conducted on this problem but the collected data shows that one in every four women has or may experience sexual assault. Sexual assault has a profound impact of the mental and physical health of a person as well as increase in risks of a wide range of sexually transmitted diseases and other reproductive health problems. These problems may be either long-term or immediate consequences. Deaths may even result from these acts as the victim might commit suicide, of due to STD infections or even through murder. Murder may result either during the sexual assault or as an intended act of ‘honor’ or as a way of concealing the act. These incidents may also affect a person’s social life as the victim may be stigmatized, or ostracized by their families and other people in the society. (Resick & Schnicke 1992)
Once a victim has experienced sexual assault, multiple factors influence the victim’s psychological reaction and therefore greatly impact the victim’s coping ability. In a case where the assault happened between a couple (boyfriend and girlfriend) most victims choose to ignore the incident and continue with their lives. This usually happens when a victim is caught between personal feelings and social expectations. Society generally expects the victim to act in certain way following the assault such as reporting the assault or to stop dating the offender.
Although majority of the victims are women Sexual assault is not only experienced them. Sexual assault is also a significant problem in men and boys. Sexual assault acts are directed against the male gender in a variety of setting, which include homes, workplaces, schools, on the streets, in the military, and in prisons (Lipscomb et al., 1992). Sexual assault is a major problem in prisons where by inmates are forced into sex to establish hierarchies of respect and discipline within themselves and as a form or ‘entertainment’ to the officers in command. Sexual assault may also be evident at work places where an employee is forced to sleep or perform sexual favors for this employer in order to maintain his job or get a promotion (Lacey & Roberts, 1991). In schools, sexual assault occurs when a child is admitted to a one-gender boarding school where there is no freedom and interaction with the other gender. Bullies tend to force the weak and new students to perform sexual favors for them in exchange of protection or to avoid being bullied (Burgess, 1978).
The male victims also suffer both psychologically and physically from these assaults. The most common problems faced include guilt, withdrawal from relationships, depression, post-traumatic stress disorders, somatic complaints, sleep disturba...