Category: Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is one of the major problems that has not only been faced by humans in the past but is also being faced by the modern society. The negatives effects of sexual assault are numerous. They range from the ones that are just confined to the victim such as physical injury to those affecting the larger community as the sense of loss and the related efforts that are aimed at aiding the victim. Sexual assault has touched on many aspects of society; the religious beliefs that we hold, our moral perspective, the social structures that we have and even our legal, and learning institutions. Sexual assault has led us to examine whether our religious institutions pass messages that can deter people from committing the same. It has led us to question the governments ability to protect its citizens. We have been forced to consider our moral obligations toward one another, the obligation not to harm others and also the obligation to help the members of society in need. The victim of sexual assault suffers in many ways which may include but are not limited to psychological trauma and physical injury(Fisher et al , 2000).

It is because of the many negative impacts of this evil that society attempts to prevent or at least control the occurrences of sexual abuse. In order to be successful at averting abuse and having proper punitive measures against perpetrators, it is necessary that sexual assault be defined. So what is sexual assault? this term has been variously defined but it may be generally termed as any sexual words and actions done to another person that are unwanted by the person to whom the action is done or sexual actions that are harmful to the person(Fisher et al , 2000).

In drug or alcohol aided sexual assault, there are three possible situations. One situation is when only the assailant is intoxicated when the act or acts of sexual assault are committed. The other situation in which alcohol and drug aided assault occurs is when only the victim of the assault is under the influence of drugs at the time of the event. The final situation is when both the victim and the assailant are under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of assault. Although the singular form of victim and assailant are used here, there are situations where the numbers of either or both have been greater than one(Abbey et al , 1996).

The victims of sexual assault are of diverse nature as assault knows no boundaries. The victims are of any race, gender, age and political affiliation.

The situations that concern us for the purpose of this writing are the last two where the victim is under the influence of drug or alcohol. The assailant is sometimes normally responsible for the state of intoxication of the victim. The assailant may introduce drugs into the victims system without the victims knowledge or the assailant may deliberately make the victim consume alcohol excessively. In other cases the victim may have consumed alcohol or used drugs out of their own will prior to meeting the assailant (Abbey et al , 1996). The assailant normally takes advantage of the victims state to commit the assault. The intoxicated victim is in such a state as to negate the possibility of consent or the making of any attempt at resisting the actions done to them (Ullman et al ,2008).

There are many substances that are used during the commission of a drug assisted sexual assault.

The most common and widely used substance is alcohol which usually decreases inhibitions thereby facilitating the attacks.

Other than alcohol, some drugs are also very commonly used to facilitate the commission of the said sexual assaults. Some of the drugs that are most often implicated are soma, Rohypnol, which is a benzodiazepine, and ketamine (U.S. Department of Justice, 2009). The victim is usually rendered unconscious using benzodiazepines and other sedative hypnotics, are used as well. The effect of these drugs is that they make the victims unconscious (Fisher et al, 2000). This effect is usually quickened and made more intense by making the victim take the drugs mixed with alcohol. Some individuals may also willingly take the drugs and put themselves in a situation that makes them become victims. As these drugs have sedative properties, many of the victims of sexual assault do not normally have any memory of the commission of the act towards them. They may only have an inexplicable sense or awareness that they had been violated (Abbey et al, 1996).

Alcohol and drug aided sexual assault is a prevalent problem in the society today( U.S. Department of Justice, 2009). In an effort to deter people from committing this crime and also to bring about justice, the prosecution of suspected offenders is paramount. For any prosecution to be carried out, there must be awareness the crime was committed. In most sexual assault cases the individuals involved are normally only the assailant and the victim. As such the only person who is more likely to bring the matter to the attention of the authorities is the victim as the assailant would rarely self-incriminate if at all. The reporting of the occurrence of an assault is therefore necessary for any further action to be taken. A significant number of drug and alcohol related abuse is however rarely reported (U.S. Department of Justice, 2009). This is more so when the victim was either intoxicated out of their own free will or otherwise. There are several reasons why very few cases of sexual assault where the victim was under the influence of alcohol or other drugs or possibly a combination of both. This happens for several reasons.

One of the reasons why cases of drug or alcohol aided sexual assault are never reported is that the involvement of the drug usually occurs when the victim and the assailant both know each other. As the drug is interpreted as a sign of closeness between the victim and the assailant, the victim never labels the act as an assault (Abbey et al, 1996). This could happen when the drug is offered to the victim as perhaps a gift and the victim afterwards views the act as just a consequence of the enjoyment of the drug in question (Small, & Donell, 1993.). The incident that occurs between the two after consumption of the drug is however, still fundamentally sexual assault as at the time of occurrence the victim could neither have consented nor refused to engage in the act. Nonetheless the means i.e. the drug still becomes the way out for the assailant as the victim views the drug as a sign of closeness the assault notwithstanding (Abbey et al, 1996).

Another reason for none reporting of alcohol or drug aided sexual assault is the policies in the institutions where the victim is a member. A case to illustrate this is that of a college student in an institution whose policies prohibit the consumption of alcohol or any other form of substance abuse (Payne, 2008).

Many institutions of learning especially those set up by religious organizations have a zero tolerance policy to alcohol let alone hard drugs. The victim usually fears the punishment that would come when the institution learns that they engaged in drug abuse contrary to the set policies (Payne, 2008). Since reporting the incident of sexual assault necessitates the narration which would eventually bring up the issue of substance abuse, the victim opts to keep silent in order to avoid such punitive measures as expulsion. The fear of the authorities to whom the report would have otherwise been made therefore exceeds the desire to report the incident. If the sexual assault would have occurred without the involvement of drug abuse by the victim, the likelihood of the incident being reported to the appropriate authorities would have been higher. Thus the drug and alcohol policies act as a constant barrier to victims willing to report sexual assault (Abbey et al, 1996).

One other way in which the abuse or drugs or alcohol by the victim prevents the reporting of an incident of sexual assault is continual abuse of drugs after the event. It is well known that some forms of sexual assault deeply traumatize the victims. These victims sometimes respond to the trauma in ways which show depths of psychological distress. When the victim was a drug abuser prior to the sexual assault, the victim may resort to the very same drugs to escape from the pain and suffering of having experienced the assault. A victim who was not involved in substance abuse may also change behavior and abuse drugs massively after the incident. When the victim of an assault reacts in this manner to the assault before reporting the incident, the report may never be made in the end. The victims state of mind is such that they can not function properly to enable them to report the occurrence of the sexual assault(Abbey et al , 1996).

The assailant may also incapacitate the victim further by not only encouraging the victim to consume more drugs this obviously prevents the victim from ever reporting the incident. A sad case in question is where the victims life is terminated as a result of drug abuse. If a victim consumes drugs to such quantities as to cause the death of the victim, the assault will never be reported. This is more so if a significant period of time has elapsed between the time of assault and the time of demise. If no connection is made between the sexual assault and the subsequent death, it shall never be reported that the victim was assaulted. Whether the victim would have reported the incident matters not as the effect of consuming high quantities of drugs i.e. death have in effect stopped the reporting of the same (Abbey et al, 1996).

A victim of sexual assault may also fail to report because of a feeling of quilt and responsibility for what happened (Abbey et al, 1996).This is directly linked to the use of drugs or alcohol by the victim. Because of the use of alcohol on their part, the victim feels that they would have prevented the incident had they not consumed the alcohol. They also feel that they did not engage in any physical or verbal resistance and therefore blame themselves instead of blaming the assailant for the action (Abbey et al, 1996). As they feel responsible for what happened, they fail to report. Although feelings of guilt and shame are a normal response to some forms of sexual assault, nonetheless the victims report. Failure to report can be directly attributed to alcohol consumption in this manner as in its absence the victim may have given relatively more resistance to assault. When the victim resists, they feel more anger towards the assailant than towards themselves and mat therefore report (Fisher et al, 2000). This is In contrast with alcohol or drug use by the victim, since the likelihood of engaging in any form of resistance is either reduced or completely nonexistent, the victims anger may be direct more towards the self. This therefore hinders the reporting of alcohol or drug aided assault.

Another way in which the use of drugs or alcohol consumption may deter the victim from reporting the assault is memory related. Drinking or drug use by the victim may lead to the perception that the sexual assault did not take place. This erroneous perception occurs even when the event of sexual assault actually occurred (Abbey et al, 1996). In a situation where both the assailant and the victim were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, both of them might not be aware of the occurrence of the assault. As such they may assume that the assault never occurred. In other circumstances, the assailant may well be aware of having committed the assault against the victim, while the victim due to the use of drugs or alcohol thinks that the abuse actually never took place. In both cases, as a consequence of drug use, the victim, having a perception that is false, may fail to report the incident. How would one report a crime that has not been committed? The assailant in an act of self preservation may never reveal to the victim the facts about the sexual assault (Ullman et al, 2008).

Another reason which is somewhat similar but different from the previous one is where because of perhaps physical evidence of assault, the victim only suspects assault. This may occur when the victim only remembers a portion of what ensured. It may occur for instance when a victim remembers only the part where along with the assailant, the two of them entered a room. With this as the last memory, the victim gains sobriety and realizes that the environment is suggestive of assault (Kramer, 1994). The victim may sense physical changes in the body such as exhaustion but may not recall the actual assault. Compelling evidence such as semen may not be present as the assailant may have been careful. In such a situation where there is only slight physical discomfort, a feeling that something happened and no recollection of events whatsoever, the victim may choose not to report. There are even cases where there is no discomfort but just the suspicion without evidence that the assault actually occurred (Schuller & Anna, 2000).

Failure to report drug assisted sexual assault may also be as a result of the fear of public perception. Many of the victims, being members of the society have come to realize that there are public attitudes towards sexual assault. The victims know that in the public eye, there is a lot of stereotyping and the victim is normally blamed so much for the incident. In the case of drug assisted sexual assault, this is especially true as there are widely held beliefs that the consumption of alcohol by a female is a sign of promiscuity (Maurer & David, 2007). The opinion that the consumption of alcohol leads to the lowering of sexual inhibitions is also prevalent in the public. Knowing this, the victim in drug assisted sexual assault will fail to report the assault as they fear that they will be blamed for the incident (Schuller & Anna, 2000).

The victims feel that the public will assume that they consented to the assault just because they had consumed alcohol at the period prior to the assault (Maurer & David , 2007). A victim of sexual assault who was sober at the time of assault may be viewed with a more sympathetic eye by the public as opposed to one who was under the influence. Further more the public has not accepted the fact that a woman can much like a man drink purely for the purpose of enjoyment (Ullman et al, 2008). The society is uncomfortable with a woman drinking and will therefore blame the victim in an attempt to maintain the held norms. The victim fearing further condemnation fails to report the sexual assault that has occurred (Kramer, 1994).

Another reason that prevents the victims of drug assisted sexual assault from reporting to the authorities is that they do not have the legal knowledge to realize that what they had experienced was sexual assault. This is so because the weapon used by the assailant is a drug or alcohol. To the victims, since there is no physical injury, no struggle and no weapons used, the sexual assault does not fit there prototype of sexual assault (Kramer, 1994). When a victim willingly consumes alcohol and afterwards the assault occurs, the victim fails to comprehend the magnitude of what has occurred. The victim fails to report not because of prior consent but because the introduction of alcohol exploits the victims ignorance (Abbey et al, 1996).

The lack of evidence may also result in the failure on the part of the victim to report the occurrence of sexual assault to relevant authorities. How does the victim prove that the assault was actually drug assisted when there are no drugs detected in the victims body? There are no detections as most of the drugs that are widely used when committing acts of sexual assault are absorbed very rapidly into the victims body system (Bryden et al 1997). They then undergo quick metabolism and converted to substances that are usually present in both blood and urine making them undetectable by way of examination of these fluids. Victims who use drugs know that these drugs cause memory loss and are metabolized at very high speed. They also know that by the time they recover fully from the effects of drug use such as dizziness, the drugs will no longer be in there system (Maurer & David, 2007). The victims therefore know that it would be difficult for them to support any claim that drugs were used to sexually assault them. This deters them from reporting the commission of the assault on them (Bryden et al, 1997).

The use of alcohol in the commission of sexual assault leads to non-reporting because the victims sometimes identify with the assailant in terms of control of their faculties of thinking. This is normally the case when both the victim and the assailant were under the influence of alcohol (Small, & Donell, 1993). While the assailant was aware of the actions, the victim assumes that the assailant was actually unaware of what was occurring. The victim assumes that since they did not have control over their conduct during the event of sexual assault, the assailant must also have been in a similar state. The victim feels that the assailant is not to blame but rather the drug. The victim sees the assailant as a co-victim of drug abuse. With this kind of rationalization, the victim excuses the assailant who may have carefully planned the whole thing, unknown to the victim. The assailant does nothing to make the victim any wiser. In this way the use of alcohol or drugs neither ensures that an act of sexual assault is committed but is neither recognized as such nor reported (Schuller & Anna, 2000).

In the event that only words which in a sober setting would qualify as sexual assault, due to memory loss and reduced cognitive powers, the victim of verbal sexual assault fails to recognize it as such or even remember that such an assault occurred. Thus the assault is likely to go unreported (Fisher et al, 2000).

In my opinion, although it rarely happens, the use of drugs or alcohol by the victim of sexual assault may actually lead to the reporting of sexual assault. This could happen when there is concern for the change of behavior in the victim in terms of drug use. When inquiries are made by concerned parties, they may lead the victim to reveal the commission of sexual assault that they react to by consuming drugs. Another odd manner in which victim alcohol abuse may lead to reporting could be confessions made under influence. A victim who would when sober not talk about sexual assault may in a moment of bravado as a result of alcohol consumption speaks of sexual assault committed against them. Later on those who had the victim speak may approach the victim in a sober state to hear the full account. In this manner the sexual assault may be reported.

Victims who understand sexual assault properly may easily recognize it as such by the simple fact that they were not sober at the time of the event. With this kind of knowledge, the victim assured that the question of consent should not arise, reports the commission of the assault.

Conclusion

It is quite evident that use of drugs or alcohol in many ways hinders the reporting of sexual assault. In odder to prevent assault, measures should be taken to encourage victims to report the crimes so that justice can take its cause. Such measures would include exempting victims of sexual assault from punitive measures in the drug policies of institutions. Another measure could be proper counseling to suspected victims to ensure that they do not use drugs that may make them incapable of filling a report and furnishing it with information. The society should also change its perspective on women who consume alcohol. The society should learn to direct blame to the perpetrator and not to further victimize the victim. With encouragement to victims who consume drugs or alcohol, more cases of sexual assault will be reported and the society will improve as further assault will be averted.

Bibliography

Abbey et al. Alcohol and dating risk factors for sexual assault among college women. Psychology of Women Quarterly: 1996.

Bryden et al Rape in the Criminal Justice System. The Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology :1997.

Fisher et al. The sexual victimization of college women. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice: 2000. Web.

Kramer, Karen M. Rule by Myth: The Social and Legal Dynamics Governing Alcohol-Related Acquaintance Rapes: Stanford Law Review: 1994.

Maurer, Trent W. & David W. Robinson. (2007). Effects of Attire, Alcohol, and Gender on Perceptions of Date Rape: 2007.

Payne, Brian K. Challenges responding to sexual violence: Differences between college campuses and communities. Journal of Criminal Justice: 2008.

Schuller, Regina A. & Anna Stewart. Police Responses to Sexual Assault Complaints: The Role of Perpetrator/Complainant Intoxication. Law and Human Behavior: 2000.

Small, Stephen A. & Donell, Kerns. Unwanted Sexual Activity among Peers during Early and Middle Adolescence: Incidence and Risk Factors. Journal of Marriage and the Family: 1993.

U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics. National crime victimization survey, Crime characteristics: 2009. Web.

Ullman et al (2008). Exploring the Relationships of Womens Sexual Assault Disclosure, Social Reactions, and Problem Drinking. Journal of Interpersonal Violence.

By definition, a criminal statute of limitations is a piece of law that places a time limit on when a prosecutor can file criminal charges against an individual. These laws give prosecutors a set period or amount of time to file charges against a suspect. If the given time expires, the prosecutor has limited ability to file charges against a suspect. The suspect can raise the statute of limitations as a defense if the prosecutor fails to file a criminal charge against that person until after the law has expired. In Arizona, severe criminal offenses such as sexual crimes and violent sexual assault have seven years of limitations. The statute ARS 13-107 applies for both 1982 and 1992 accounts. Under the rule, section A stated that any form of sexual assault and prosecution could be commenced at any time, thus removing time limitations. Nevertheless, there were changes that can affect the 2002 account in the current situation.

For all three accounts, the actual identity of the defendant was unknown to the police and state authorities. In fact, there is no evidence to show that the defendant ever lived outside the state of Arizona for the 30-year period running from 1982 to 2012. In addition, there is no evidence to show that the defendants residence within Arizona was unknown during the period or that he ever served jail term until he was arrested in 2012 for other offenses. Therefore, there are no statutory exceptions for the cases where his identity was unknown to the police and state authorities and which can delay the duration of the limitation period.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that there have been no statutory exceptions for sexual offenses that would exempt all three counts from the statute of limitations. In the State of Arizona, the existing laws of limitation give prosecutors seven years to charge suspects with such crimes as armed robbery, burglary, aggravated domestic violence, theft, and possession of drugs. In 1982, there were no published Arizona Supreme Court or Arizona Court of Appeals opinions addressing the issue of statute of limitations periods for sexual assaults.

Until 1997, the prescription period was equal to seven years from the moment of the crime. In 1997, subsection E was amended, which claimed that this period began only after the accused person was identified. In State v. Aguilar, Roberto Aguilar appealed to dismiss allegations of sexual assault committed by him in 1993 due to the termination of the prescription period (State v. Aguilar, 2008). Since subsection E was passed only in 1997, all charges were dismissed as time-barred. In State v. Gum, Gum appealed against the decision by the court, claiming that the limitations period had expired in September 1998 (State v. Gum, 2007). However, his prosecution was not recognized as time-barred because his limitations period did not expire until the data of amending the section E.

Based on all three accounts and the legal conditions, there are grounds to believe that the defendants first charge can be dismissed. Since subsection E was amended in 1997, he can apply for the dismissal of charges under the first counts, the statute of limitation of which expires until amending. However, there are no constitutional laws that claim that cases, where the dates of the offenses were between 1990 and 1997 may be dismissed. As for the third case, the defendants statute of limitation began not earlier than he was identified.

References

State v. Gum. (2007). 1 CA-CR 06-0683 PRPC (Ariz. Ct. App.)

State v. Roberto Aguilar. (2008). 2 CA-CR 2007-0126 (Ariz. Ct. App.)

August 19, 2020

Tammy Duckworth

Washington, D.C.

524 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510

Phone: (202) 224-28 54

Dear Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth,

My name is Your Name, and I am writing on behalf of myself and the people of the USA. We are deeply concerned about the issue of sexual violence and harassment in the military. It is a significant problem, as can be seen from the latest Pentagon reports (April 2020), which provided information on the rapid increase in sexual assault rates and harassment in the military. The number of reports is significantly higher compared to the situation in 2019 (Kenney, 2020). Moreover, I should note that the issue has been existing for a long time. In 2019, the Defense Department reported that sexual violence in the American military has suddenly increased in the last two years (Philipps, 2019). The recent cases of the death of Vanessa Guillen and the issues at Ford Hood are proof of the seriousness of the problem. I am confident that the situation requires immediate legal intervention.

I address this issue to you, as you are deeply involved in veterans affairs and, thus, well-informed about the American armys real state of affairs. Your actions in support of the financial state of veterans and their families (especially female veterans) are of great respect to American society. We believe that your sincere interest in those problems will help to address the ongoing issue of sexual harassment in the U.S. army. Below, you can find a pamphlet that demonstrates the issue in detail and offer a recommendation, a set of actions that can be performed to lower the number of cases of sexual assault in the United States armed forces.

Pamphlet: A guideline

General information on the issue

Sexual violence and harassment is ongoing issue in the United States armed forces. The problem became the center of public attention in 2010 when the Department of Defense (DOD) has reported a significant increase in sexual assaults, including unwanted sexual contact, touching, and sex (NSVRC, 2013). Despite the governments efforts to prevent harassment in the armed forces, it remains an unsolved issue. It can be seen from the latest Pentagon reports presented in 2020 (Kenney, 2020). The inappropriate actions are committed against both male and female military workers by their colleagues of the same position or military people of higher ranks.

Effects of sexual violence

Numerous studies have demonstrated a strong link between sexual harassment and violence and mental health issues, and it is not an exception for the armed forces. People who experienced sexual abuse reported depression, sexual issues, eating disorders, anxiety, personality disorders, and other health-related problems (NSVRC, 2013).

Analysis and reasons

The issue is especially controversial due to the nature of the military profession that implies moral barriers on a victim to report the case. According to NSVRC (2013), 67% of female victims and 80% of males did not report incidents to military or civilian authorities. The reasons for avoiding reporting sexual violence in the military include the following: desire to hide the incident, shame, accusations of other military coworkers, and fear of career loss. Thus, the above-mentioned facts demonstrate that the real numbers of incidents are significantly higher than those shown in the official statistics. Moreover, the latest governmental reports, the recent death of Vanessa Guillen, and the issues at Fort Hood are vivid examples of the unsolved problem with sexual violence in the military.

An example and a proposition

The death of Vanessa Guillen has revealed that sexual violence is still a real problem in the military. Moreover, the case has proved that recent governmental reforms have failed to address the ongoing issue (Jindia, 2020). In this regard, I would like to propose to lower the number of cases of sexual violence. I believe that the set of actions needs to consist of three major parts: revision of military legislation, education programs, and the introduction of permanent psychological assistance in the military.

Preventive measures

Concerning the first measure, I believe that legislation changes can be a powerful tool, as it implies legal liability on an offender. The proposition is the following: an immediate dismissal from the army of those who have been found guilty of minor sexual assaults, as unwanted advancements, touching, and other similar actions. Such a severe punishment would be a preventive measure and would reduce the number of cases. Second, education programs should be introduced regularly. Military workers should have training once every six months, which includes information on what is considered sexual violence and harassment, the relationship of sexual abuse to mental health issues, communication training programs, and raising awareness on sexual violence cases in the country. Third, it is essential to require military people to regularly see a psychological professional to prevent cases of harassment and sexual violence. The doctor could detect an overall atmosphere in the army and report poor behavior if needed.

References

Jindia, S. (2020). We are Vanessa Guillen: killing puts sexual violence in the U.S. military in focus. The Guardian. Web.

Kenney, C. B. (2020). Pentagon: Reports of sexual assault, harassment in the military have increased. Stars and Stripes. Web.

NSVRC (2013). Sexual violence in the military: A guide for civilian advocates. Web.

Philipps, D. (2019). This is unacceptable. Military reports a surge of sexual assaults in the ranks. The New York Times. Web.

Etiology/Pathophysiology/Incidence/Prevalence

Sexual assault is non-consensual sexual behavior (Harkin, Borock & Amaranto, 2011, p. 404). The most vulnerable groups are women especially living in the low-income environment and those who abuse substances. Children and the elderly are also vulnerable. However, sexual assaults occur in all populations irrespective of ethnicity, age, gender and so on. Sexual assault involves threats, battering, control and so on (Screening for domestic violence, 2016). Sexual assault does not always involve physical injury. In many cases, the abuser is an intimate partner. In such cases, the victim is abused multiple times. Researchers identify certain periods in such relationships: tension development, explosion, the so-called honeymoon. The abuser intimidates, tries to control and humiliates the victim. Then the incident takes place. After that, the abuser promises that it will never happen, but soon everything happens again (Screening for domestic violence, 2016).

Differential Diagnosis

Differential diagnoses may include burns, injuries, dislocation of hand, hip, elbow, ankle, cervical strain, candidiasis, corneal abrasion, bites, chancroid, anxiety, and depression (Harkin et al., 2011).

Evaluation

History

During the evaluation, it is necessary to obtain the necessary information. This should include the description of the incident, the place where the incident took place, the identity of the abuser, how the abuser escaped, any weapons or drugs the abuser used. If the victim knows the abuser, it is necessary to elicit as many data as possible (name, age, place of work, home address, possible location and so on). It is also important to ask whether the victim had a shower, changed the clothes and so on.

Physical Examination

It may involve gynecologic examination as well as the overall physical examination of other injuries (dislocation, bruises, scratches, being under substance and so on). The psychological state can also be assessed (depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and so on).

Diagnostic Studies

Laboratory studies often involve pregnancy tests for females of the corresponding age. Serologic tests to screen such diseases as HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis and so on. Tests to screen bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis and other disorders are also performed.

Treatment

Treatment can involve a set of procedures. Sometimes it may be vital to stabilize life-threatening injuries. These often involve blood loss and overdose (Harkin et al., 2011). When carrying out the examination, the healthcare professional should provide the necessary psychological support to the victim. The victim receives medication to prevent pregnancy if necessary. The healthcare professional also provides medication to prevent STDs. The victim is given the necessary vaccines (to prevent the development of hepatitis B). The victim is advised to get the professional psychological support in specialized centers. The psychological and emotional support can be provided by social workers if community-based centers are not available.

Expected Outcome/Follow-up Needs

The expected outcome of the treatment is the prevention of the development of certain diseases (hepatitis) and the recovery from disorders (STDs) and injuries if applicable. Complete psychological and emotional recovery is also an expected outcome.

Patient Education

Community education concerning sexual assault is an effective tool. The trainers should provide information on strategies to avoid the assault and to overcome the aftermaths of the sexual assault. There are various online resources providing detailed information on the matter. The healthcare professional should provide information on community-based resources and online resources. The inclusion of the corresponding information into the curricula is often regarded as an efficient tool.

References

Harkin, K.E., Borock, E., & Amaranto, A. (2011). Sexual assault. In E. Legome & L.W. Shockley (Eds.), Trauma: A comprehensive emergency medicine approach (pp. 404-418). New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.

Screening for domestic violence in the pediatric emergency department. (2016). Web.

Introduction

It needs to be said that sexual assault is the topic that has been actively discussed over the last few years. It is described as an action with a body of a person that is performed without his or her agreement. It needs to be said that it is a tremendous problem that should not be disregarded, and it could lead to severe complications.

Search Strategy

The primary goal of this research project is to analyze the literature to determine the way sexual assault is to identify any patterns and other aspects that should not be disregarded. The sources will be chosen based on convenience because it is appropriate in this situation. Another purpose of this paper that should not be overlooked is to have a better understanding of what issues are viewed as the most important and if there is any similarity between the approaches that are suggested.

Literature Review

It needs to be said that the number of works on this topic is astounding, and many researchers want to draw attention to this issue. One of the critical problems that are frequently mentioned is that many individuals do not think that they need treatment, and do not want to allow medical examinations. The issue is that they believe that it would hurt their personal lives, and they would rather try to forget such incidents. It is necessary to note that many individuals have different reactions to sexual assault, but is should be understood that it is an offense that should be reported (Mason & Lodrick, 2013). It is imperative to note that the article titled Male sexual assault is especially interesting because the author raises the topic that is not frequently mentioned. It is believed that a man being abused is a rare occurrence, but the issue that is worth noting is that the number of incidents that are not reported is truly astounding. Trained professional should take necessary measures if there is any suspicion of male sexual assault, and it is paramount to make sure that this is perceived as a critical problem that is not overlooked (Porche, 2005). The article titled Care of the Sexually Assaulted Woman also needs to be discussed. It is imperative to say that the numbers that are listed at the start of the article are shocking. The fact that it is stated that close to 1 of 3 women have been victims of sexual assault is especially interesting and such numbers seem intriguing. It needs to be said that a definition of sexual assault should be understood because it includes a broad range of activities that can be performed against ones will. It is paramount to note that a numerous programs have been developed to help survivors, and it is imperative to have an understanding of policies that are associated with such incidents (Wadsworth & Van Order, 2012). It is paramount to understand that sexual assault can happen in any environment, and the biggest issue that is worth noting is that many nurses are not ready to provide the treatment and their assistance. Symonds and Oldham (2014) suggest that it is even possible on the territory of health care institutions, and it is a critical issue that should not be overlooked because they should be regarded as incredibly safe (p. 30). It needs to be said that another issue that has been identified is that victims are often forced to have unprotected sex. It is imperative to note that it is incredibly risky and could lead to severe consequences if treatment is not provided. Unwanted pregnancy is also a crucial factor that should not be overlooked, and such situations can be hard to handle most of the time (ONeal, Decker, Spohn, & Tellis, 2013). Also, another significant aspect that should not be overlooked is that it is paramount to understand that a prompt physical examination increases the possibility of positive legal outcomes because it is easier to prove the guilt (Wiley, Sugar, Fine, & Eckert, 2003). The fact that new technologies and techniques are being developed is essential because it would help to decrease the number of such incidents.

Patient-related Factors

It is necessary to say that individuals that have been victims of sexual assault are extremely likely to develop mental issues. It needs to be said that PTSD is especially problematic because it is quite common among those who suffered from traumatizing experiences. The fact that offenders are likely to be mentally unstable and have personal issues also should be taken into account. It needs to be said that several factors significantly increase the risks of being sexually assaulted. First of all, the biggest issue that should be noted is that abuse of alcohol because it reduces awareness and control of the situation. Mental disability is another factor that should not be disregarded, and it is paramount to make sure that such individuals are being monitored. It is paramount to mention that it is likely that patients would be incredibly depressed after such incidents, and it is paramount to access the risks that are associated with lethality because some individuals may be viewed as suicidal. Age is also a critical risk factor that should be taken into account, and it is imperative to make sure that young individuals are educated on this topic. It is paramount to understand that having numerous sexual partners is also incredibly dangerous, and the risk is increased significantly. It is imperative to say that social and community also should not be overlooked, and poverty and lack of education are especially problematic in most cases.

System Related Factors

The biggest issue that should be noted is that the number of incidents that are not reported is unacceptable. One of the core aspects that should not be overlooked is that a trained professional should be able to identify if there was an incident related to sexual abuse, and ask the patient a set of questions that would help t clarify the situation. It should be understood that it is a responsibility of a nurse to report such case. Also, it should be noted that it is necessary to create an environment where patients would not be afraid to voice their opinions. Every professional should have an understanding of what measures should be taken to make sure that a person that suffered from abuse feels safe and is provided with services of highest possible treatment. It should be noted that some patients may require individual approach, and this aspect should be taken into account in most situations. It is paramount to make sure that the population has an understanding of this issue, and know how to act in particular circumstances. It is paramount to say that such experience may be incredibly traumatizing, and it is necessary to guarantee that the information that is received stays confidential. It is also imperative to mention that aspects that are related to ethics should not be overlooked. Overall, it is paramount to develop a relationship the patient, and their participation in the process of treatment is also essential. It is paramount to understand if the treatment is successful, and if a follow-up and consultation are necessary.

Gaps in the Literature

It is paramount to note that several issues have been identified during the process of literature analysis. First of all, it should be said that not enough attention is devoted towards such problems as sexual violence against males and children. It needs to be said that the fact that the biggest number of victims are female should not be disregarded. However, a critical aspect that needs to be mentioned is that many health care professionals do not have an understanding of what course of actions should be taken in such situations because a different approach is necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is evident that sexual assault is a significant issue in the modern society that should not be disregarded. It needs to be said that an enormous number of cases could have been avoided if the population was educated on this issue, and had an understanding of measures that should be taken to reduce possible risks. Overall, it is paramount to say that the situation has been getting better over the years thanks to increased awareness to this problem.

References

Mason, F., & Lodrick, Z. (2013). Psychological consequences of sexual assault. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 27(1), 27-37.

ONeal, E., Decker, S., Spohn, C., & Tellis, K. (2013). Condom use during sexual assault. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 20(6), 605-609.

Porche, D. (2005). Male sexual assault. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 1(4), 196-197.

Symonds, A., & Oldham, J. (2014). Sexual assault. Nurse Management, 45(5), 30-37.

Wadsworth, P., & Van Order, P. (2012). Care of the sexually assaulted woman. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 8(6), 433-440.

Wiley, J., Sugar, N., Fine, D., & Eckert, L. (2003). Legal outcomes of sexual assault. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 188(6), 1638-1641.

Introduction

Campuses have the highest number of women who are at risk of assaults, especially the sexual ones. Bonnie Fisher and his group carried out research under the National Institute of Justice and the Bureau of Justice Statistics for the United States Department of Justice. There was a strong judicial and societal cause for this kind of research. The group created a conclusive abstract in regard to the papers needs, research criteria and development of study conclusion. The study goal to determine the nature of sexual assaults and their prevalence in the US campuses was very appropriate, considering the campus crimes rates during the period of the research.

The researchers also covered gaps unaddressed by the previous studies by carrying out analysis on unreported cases of sexual assaults. The research showed that despite the fact that the college sexual assaults rate was very high in the USA; most of the cases went unnoticed. A high percentage of college women failed to report sexual assaults for several reasons. The groups identified the major reasons why women did not inform about sexual assaults, which included the failure to understand the legal definition of the issue by the victims, feeling of embarrassment, finding it hard to disclose the details of the case, and blame laid upon themselves by some college women in case of assaults (Neil, 1997).

Discussion

Fisher and his teams work were to serve not only their interests but those of the whole American society. The study was necessary following a constant increase in the number of campus sexual assault cases reported to the Department of Justice. The incidences caused a wide public and government concern; in particular, the Department of Justice readily sponsored the research. Most researchers carried out sexual assault studies at the community level, neglecting institutions like campuses. As a result, Fishers focus on colleges was prompted by the increase in the number of criminal activities including sexual assaults. In his research, Fisher said, previous research suggests that these women are at greater risk for rape and other forms of sexual assault than women in the general population or in a comparable age group. College women might, therefore, be a group whose victimization warrants special attention, (Fisher, Cullen & Turner, 2000). As proof that the research was a matter of national concern, several arms of government were involved. The United States Congress showed a lot of concern over campus criminal activities, such as sexual assaults; the government carried out several amendments to reduce college crimes.

Fishers study was aimed at minimizing research gaps that many researchers left in the topic. As a result, he developed two distinct surveys for data accuracy and reliability. The group highlighted several research failures in college sexual assault data, such as failure in random sampling, inability to research several ways in which college women were sexually assaulted, ill-developed questionnaire, poor collection of victims personal information for the study. According to Fisher and his team, the research presented the most accurate and reliable data, which provided not only college sexual assault data and trends but also the best approaches for curbing the problem. The research method successfully achieved its goal as depicted in the findings.

The research method ensured that the study generated quality data. The research incorporated two distinct strategies. Random sampling, which was computer-aided, was applied. About 4500 students were sampled in total. The students had first been contacted, then the letters containing survey questions were distributed to them to ensure that their information would be accurate and reliable. Within a fortnight, the students were contacted again over the telephone to conduct the interviews. The control research was carried out almost in the same way, except its focus was on sexual assault victims through two-stage screened questions. Fishers research also relied on a lot of literature material. Such a method was chosen since the random sampling method is easy to conduct and reduces bias in researches. Fishers selected population was manageable and large enough to produce desired results with a lot of accuracies (Ehrhardt & Tewksbury, 1999).

Like in any other good research, Fisher supported his work with reliable material. His findings were in line with many past researches from data gathered to results. However, he managed to generate more information on campus women. The application of two research methods gave the researchers a chance to compare their findings. In most studies, researchers have heavily depended on one research method. Fishers study, however, determined its own limitations. The author proved that fact by saying, We should note, however, one other possible factor that might have contributed to the differences in victimization between the main and comparison components: the context of two surveys (Fisher, Cullen & Turner, 2000, n.pag). Apart from this limitation, the paper did not show the graphical representation of trends in sexual assaults over the period. The research also failed to recommend strategies for curbing the sexual assault problem in the United States (Crowell & Burgess, 1996).

Conclusion

The research paper by Fishers group successfully achieved its goals. The research methodology was rationally developed. As a result, both behavioural and other sociological factors influencing the number of sexual assaults on campuses were analysed. The survey questions were effectively developed and covered all the areas of the study. Despite some limitations, the research paper was properly designed and met all the set goals. Not only the Department of Justice but also the American society at large benefited from the research.

References

Crowell, A., & Burgess, W. (1996). Understanding Violence against Women by the Panel on Violence against Women. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

Ehrhardt, E., & Tewksbury, R. (1999). A Routine Activity Theory Explanation of Womens Stalking Victimizations, Violence against Women 5(1), 43-62. Web.

Fisher, B., Cullen, T., & Turner, G. (2000). The Sexual Victimization of College Women.. (Research Report. National Institute of Justice, Washington). Web.

Neil, G. (1997). Advocacy Research and Social Policy. Crime and Justice: A Review of Research. 22, 101-148.

Introduction

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs were formed inside the communities all over the States of America. The participants of the program are expert forensic nurses who underwent specialized training to provide round-the-clock, first-response medical interventions and crisis management to rape survivors in hospital and clinic settings. SANE programs have several domains, which contribute to the programs effectiveness. The tasks within these domains include endorsing the mental revitalization of survivors, providing complete and reliable post-rape medical assistance, accurately recording the forensic facts of the crime, giving improved forensics and skilled testimony, and contributing to the societys transformation by presenting wide-ranging care to sexual assault survivors.

The first SANE programs came out in the 1970s, and they rapidly developed through the 1990s. These days, the number of the SANE programs is about 450 programs nationwide, according to the International Association of Forensic Nurses (2005). All these programs provide the survivors and their communities an exceptional model of intervention, the one that emphasizes inclusive, multisystem service delivery. In that regard, with many survivors still burdened with medical care and legal meddling, it is necessary to assess whether SANE programs have made a positive difference in rape survivors [post-assault] help-seeking experiences. (Campbell, Patterson, Bybee, & Dworkin, 2009)

Discussion

Eliminating the possibility of re- traumatizing the survivors in the health care setting, implies that clients get a special treatment considering hisher condition. This treatment is mainly concerned with increasing the probability that the survivors will report the sexual harassment to law, making sure that survivors get faster access to necessary services and moderating the effect of sexual assaults on communities. All of the aforementioned are the responsibilities of the provider, which must be secured for the abused victims. This is made, due to the fact that accurate evidences and legal characteristics should be the main factor in the sentencing outcomes, rather than the characteristics of the victim. (Holland & Sheets, 2009) In that regard, SANEs provide law representatives and prosecutors with complete forensic evidences regarding crimes of sexual assault, which raise up questions such as, do SANE programs have an impact on the outcomes of cases? It can be said the evidences collected by SANE staff are more complete and accurate than those collected by non-SANE personnel. Accordingly, it might be stated that such actions might enforce prosecution in certain cases. Such cases might include examples, when the offenders, when faced with complete set of evidences, might prefer to plead guilty, and thus, face a less charge, rather than deny and go through a long trial and receive a harsh sentence. Other cases might include examples when the evidences that are provided by SANE provides leads that help finding the offender. There is a difficulty in obtaining medical information regarding the evidences collected prior to the implementation of the SANE programs, and thus there is a difficulty in conducting an empirical research regarding the influence of SANE on the outcomes of the prosecution. Nevertheless, there is already a widespread data on the usual rates of prosecution in societies that do not implement SANE programs (Campbell, Patterson, & Lichty, 2005)

Credibility

Regarding the credibility of SANE programs, it should be noted that the logical answer to such call is the system of certification. First of all, SANEs require extensive training, which falls beyond conventional medical practices. Additionally, the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) published SANE Education Guidelines to serve as a framework for the specialized training and education of SANEs. (OVC Support for Replicating SANE Programs, 2009)Among the specific purposes of this framework is ensuring the credibility in the courtroom. The interrelation of SANEs practices and the legal systems was further promoted by setting specific minimum standards for SANE certification. In that regard, a bill passed in 1997 by Texas legislature directing the Sexual Assault Prevention and Crisis Services Division led to that [s]everal prosecutors have asked their local SANEs how they can help them get certified, since it will further validate SANEs education and currency of practice in court. (OVC Support for Replicating SANE Programs, 2009)

Confirming the credibility of SANE in court, it should be mentioned that when called to court to testify, SANEs testimony regarding statements made by victims are accountable in cases where these statement are made for the purpose of medical diagnosis or treatment. (McLaren, Henson, & Stone, 2009) Additionally, in terms of the evidences collected, it should be mentioned that the established procedures for evidence collection leave little or no possibility for the evidences to be replaced. The requirement of a chain of custody for the evidences to be admissible implies several persons to testify including the SANE nurse who collected the evidence, the forensic serologists, the detective, the laboratory in the state department of public safety, and the criminalists who send the evidences to the FBI. (McLaren, et al., 2009)

As a confirmation of the aforementioned, a study was conducted to analyze the impact of SANEs on the prosecutorial process found that, generally comfortable with SANEs work, and [by] establishing an early relationship with the victim and creating a support bridge between the victim, victim services, and the prosecutor, the SANE can help increase the frequency of victims continued participation in the process. (McLaren, et al., 2009)

Conclusion

It can be concluded that the role of SANE programs cannot be overestimated in terms of their roles in both, prosecution enforcement and victims treatment. The specific nature of sexual assault cases requires special approach which can be witnessed through the implementation of SANE programs. Additionally, although omitted from the paper the great humane factor in providing special treatments to the victims can be seen as a major contributor to the importance of such programs in general. In terms of credibility, it should be noted that the process of certification and standardization of the SANEs and SANE programs prevents cases of abuses in the practices of SANE. Therefore, it can be concluded, that SANE is one of the best programs that addresses the problems of victims, providing the support and the compassionate care that distinguish their practice. In that regard, SANE programs outlines that managing outcomes of sexual assault can put great deal of pressure on victims, family, and friends and require collective efforts which are in the essence of SANE programs.

References

Campbell, R., Patterson, D., Bybee, D., & Dworkin, E. R. (2009). Predicting Sexual Assault Prosecution Outcomes: The Role of Medical Forensic Evidence Collected by Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 36(7), 712-727.

Campbell, R., Patterson, D., & Lichty, L. F. (2005). The Effectiveness of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Programs: A Review of Psychological, Medical, Legal, and Community Outcomes. Trauma Violence Abuse, 6(4), 313-329.

Holland, D., & Sheets, A. (2009). Sexual Assault and Sentencing: An Examination of Victim and Perpetrator Characteristics Criminology and Criminal Justice Research and Education, 3(1).

McLaren, J. A., Henson, V., & Stone, W. E. (2009). The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and the Successful Sexual Assault Prosecution. Women & Criminal Justice, 19(2), 137-152.

OVC Support for Replicating SANE Programs. (2009). Office of Justice programs. Web.

My interest in becoming a SANE has been present for many years, as I have always had a strong passion for helping those in need. Throughout my education and career, I have sought out opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of those around me. I have always been very passionate about providing care and advocacy for survivors of sexual assault, and I feel that becoming a SANE is the perfect way for me to do so.

As a SANE, I would be in the unique position of providing medical assistance and emotional support to those who have experienced sexual assault. The opportunity to provide comfort and care to those who have experienced such a traumatic event is both humbling and inspiring. My educational background in nursing and healthcare administration has given me the skills necessary to become a successful SANE. In addition to my academic experience, I deeply understand the emotional and psychological trauma associated with sexual assault, which is important in achieving effective care for patients.

In addition, I am an active advocate for survivors of sexual assault. A substantial portion of my time and energy has been utilized in volunteering to various events and organizations dedicated to aiding sexually molested individuals. I have also had the opportunity to participate in sexual assault awareness campaigns, which has further increased my knowledge and understanding of the issues surrounding sexual assault and its victims. My experience and knowledge will be an asset to the SANE profession as I comprehend the importance of providing compassionate care and advocacy to survivors of sexual assault. Moreover, making a positive difference in the lives of those affected by this traumatic event has always been something I want to achieve in life, and I see this as a good chance to do so.

My dedication to the SANE profession is unwavering, as I believe in the importance of providing high-quality care to those who have been affected by sexual assault. I am eager to begin my training and make a positive difference in the lives of those I serve. Furthermore, I plan to continue my education and training in the SANE field. I understand the importance of staying up-to-date on the latest developments in the area and am committed to staying current on the best practices for providing care and advocacy to survivors of sexual assault. Moreover, there has been an increasing need to provide support and resources to those affected by sexual assault. I am passionate about creating an environment of acceptance and understanding for survivors to encourage them to speak up and get the resources and support, care, and respect they deserve.

I am passionate about working to end the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding sexual violence. As a SANE, I can help bring about positive change in how survivors are treated and supported. This includes raising awareness about the realities of sexual violence and educating the public about appropriate responses to disclosures, advocating for better policies to protect survivors. Further, this entails providing resources and support to those who have experienced sexual violence (Moran, 2022). I am dedicated to creating a society that respects and values survivors and gives them the care and resources they need to heal and thrive.

My passion for helping those in need has been a driving force throughout my career. There are many people across all age groups who have experienced sexual abuse. Most of them have not had proper help, which has resulted in years of mental issues like depression, anxiety, and fear of building close and meaningful relationships. It is my hope to ensure that I can adequately identify victims of sexual abuse and lower the chances of people experiencing painful lives due to their unfortunate past events. Furthermore, I have grown an interest in educating the public about sexual assault and its lasting impacts. As a SANE, I would have the opportunity to work with community organizations and schools to raise awareness about sexual assault (Moran, 2022). I look forward to providing care that is respectful and inclusive of all genders and sexual orientations. Becoming a SANE would allow me to provide care tailored to each individuals needs and inclusive of all genders and sexual orientations.

As a SANE, I understand the importance of working collaboratively with other professionals to ensure that survivors of sexual violence receive the best possible care. This can involve working with law enforcement, social workers, counselors, and other medical professionals to coordinate the provision of resources and services to survivors (Moran, 2022). Collaboration is essential to ensure that survivors receive holistic and comprehensive care that meets their needs. Additionally, teamwork is critical to prevent gaps in care and ensure that survivors are connected with the appropriate services and resources they need (Moran, 2022). Working collaboratively is also essential to reduce the re-traumatization that survivors can experience when navigating the healthcare system. My experience and dedication to the SANE profession will make me an invaluable asset to any healthcare organization. I understand the importance of providing the highest quality of care to survivors of sexual assault.

Reference

Moran, M. (2022). The importance and role of sane and forensic nursing. AIHCP. Web.

Political Frame

The political frame perceives organizations as jungles where conflicts, power negotiations, scarce resources and enduring differences exist. The political frame acknowledges that diversity of skills, behaviors, beliefs, interests and values among employees are organizational realities which are unavoidable. Effectively managed divergent views are important in organizations, since they help in encouraging creativity. Leaders and managers need to realize that these resources are not adequate to satisfy every groups interest, and this may result in conflicts.

Solutions to the problems at Amherst include negotiation between members and building power bases through formation of coalitions with all the stakeholders within the institution. The power bases enable achievement of more organizational objectives than individuals can achieve on their own. The problems at Amherst affect many individuals within the institution. Therefore, the problem of sexual assault needs combined efforts by all the Amherst college members to help in eliminating it. Another solution is obtaining knowledge on the problem and dispensing the information wisely to solve the problem. It is crucial to determine the root causes of the problem and counsel or punish the perpetrator

Human Resource Frame

The human resource frame considers organizations as families and highlights the interactions that exist between organizations and individuals. Employees are crucial in maintaining productivity of organizations. Therefore, organizations should give their employees opportunity to advance their talents. When an organization is empathic to the needs of its members and supports their goals, the members of the organization become loyal and committed to their managers. Authoritarian leaders, who poorly communicate with members of their organizations or insensitive to their concerns, can never succeed in their leadership positions.

To solve the problems at Amherst, personnel handling the assault cases need empowerment and backing from their managers. Although Dr. Martin has expansive knowledge on gender issues, assault cases remain prominent in her institution. Dr. Martin should work with her colleagues to solve the problem. Another solution is to give victims psychological and emotional support, since they also need support from the colleges leaders. This will make it easier for the victims to overcome their trauma. A major problem identified at Amherst is that the plight of victims is ignored in the institution, and this has long-term impacts on them.

Symbolic Frame

In the symbolic frame, organizations are theatres in which interaction between individuals in the course of discharging their duties creates the organizations meaning and culture. Employees need good environments to nurture their moral imagination. Therefore, organizations should focus on creating conditions to promote the energy and creativity of employees at the workplace. In the symbolic frame, culture is crucial, since it maintains stability within organizations through shared beliefs and values.

Individuals in organizations have different interpretations of their experiences. People derive meaning from their personal experiences and this affects their perceptions on organizations. Leaders should understand their organizations historical and cultural backgrounds, since this helps in promoting cohesion between individuals within their organizations.

Solutions to the problems at Amherst include creating a common vision through encouraging the Amherst community to coexist in mutual respect regardless of ones gender or sexual orientation. It is crucial to note that one of the causes of sexual assaults across America is sexual orientation of the victims. Another solution is to encourage students to desist from participating in deviant behavior, such as consuming alcohol. Sexual assault and discrimination in Amherst has a long history and is slowly becoming a norm. Students also need to understand that sexual assault and other deviant behaviors are harmful to the learning environment at Amherst.

Introduction

One may fail to understand the reason and consequently the causes to the occurrence of some events. Sometimes it’s not only the ordinary people that are in the dark, even the most important figures that are seen as the role models to the society happen to be in the dark about some things. The whole community craves to know why some people they really trust and depend on sometimes perform some abhorring acts.

At most times, we look at our leaders, role models, our elders, our parents and other people for direction. It is fascinating that in life we live to achieve from the same standard that violates our lives. The worst part of it is the fatality of a woman’s image when violated sexually. This paper seeks to highlight the pains of a violated woman and the rage of the truth seekers from an important figure in the US government.

Definition and Forms of Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is any sexual action that is related to an individual who is not willing and who is not under the influence of some effects that drives the doer to the awful action. These effects can be a result of drugs, alcohol and some incapacitation authority over some beings. According to the U.S Department of the Health and Human services, ‘Sexual assault occurs in various forms. It can be vocal, illustrated or anything that forces an individual to take part in a discarded sexual interaction or attention.

To some extent, according to the above clarification, sexual assault can be termed as rape. The various forms are experienced through unnecessary sexual touch, unwelcome disclosure of another’s body or child sexual attempt. (Marcotte, 25).However, the victims tend to face more danger due to lack of trust from their assailant and those who tend to be friendly when offering services. They experience emotional turmoil and they also look withdrawn.

Julian Assange: Motives Behind False Accusations

This happened to a great U.S. citizen, Julian Assange. The community’s quest to get an answer, is he really a traitor or a hero? (Genius, 56)

However, Julian Assange’s story has a number of objectives which overwhelms the mind of every reader and any research unit involved to his case and the victims mentioned. The story is based on sexual assaults and how to handle such kinds of cases. The other intentions for putting writing the story may be because the author had negative intentions.

For example, he may have wanted to tarnish his name, the victims’ name, or to destroy the moral image of a state because of the citizen involved. More so, it can be used to activate the duties of the press as a social working group and to add value to their working reputation.

In this article, the writer is spoiling the victim’s name and tarnishing his reputation. One such incident is that of Anna Ardin, a Christian female activist who filed charges on Julian Assange on rape case. Part of the press reported that she was raped by Julian, but other sources of information from the press have a different version of they same story. They claim that Anna is only accusing Julian to gain revenge for an unfaithful relationship and for dumping her.

Another story claims that she was raped and she is hiding the truth because of her position in the society; she is a social democrat and a Christian. Thus, Julian appears innocent. None of the articles give clear information about his story as one who has sexually abused somebody. All his theories have proofs to convince any reader on Julian’s story.

In other words, most of the stories about Julian allude that rape is not involved. Another article claims that, one of the accusers of Julian is still in Sweden while his case is still underway. One coordinator of a religious group denied vehemently reports and claims that he had proof that the founder had left Sweden and traveled to a town in Palestine (Gentleman, 56). As a result of this, the information people and media provide about Julian Asange is mostly conflicting.

The information posted can either be there for publicity to tarnish his image. Julian Assange might be having enemies and competitors all around him and all they need to do are to find a way to take him down. They do this using any available means, which at the moment is giving out the wrong information about a rape case going through the media. After the investigations, much information obtained about the rape case mostly clashes with what they already have about the rape case.

The data collected portrays Julian as innocent; this implies that his enemies are trying to use the tribulations of Julian to take him down. What was done perfectly was the fact that all his cases were dwelling on true facts to disapprove his enemies. No information could be enhanced because all the information collected was edited and proved to be right to his competitors. Even though, the media should dwell on investigative information rather than building its stories on rumors.

I got interested on the written article because I happen to be a curious journalist. The research was so much valuable to the sample cases relating to Assange’s case and helpful to the law authorities. All the sources were decent and clear despite the fact that the story was obtained illegally. Therefore the media should report the investigated facts and dwell on it with the same vigor so as to restore his reputation. He should be compensated and charges to be filed on accusers involved in tarnishing his name.

Works Cited

Gentleman, Amelia. “Genius views.” The guardian. Web.

Marcotte, Amanda. “Assange Defenders Attack Rape Accusers for No Good Reason.” Web.