North Greenville University
Principles Of Social Science Research and Writing/ 2340
Abstract
Sexual assault is a crime that affects more than the rape victim, it affects their loved ones as well. Rape victims and their loved ones face each day the psychological, emotional, and physical effects of the sexual assault. Each individual responds to the sexual assault differently. Many rape victims go untreated for years and blame themselves for the sexual assault. Sexual assault is not about the rape victim but it is more about the person committing the sexual assault.
Effects of Sexual Assault on Relationships
Rape or sexual assault is the act of forced penetration of any bodily orifice (vaginally, anally, or orally), involving violation of the survivor 's body and psychological person (Surratt, n.d.). Sexual assault is a crime that has not thought about the victim, the assault is for the person committing the rape. Rape is personal and destructive (“Effect,” n.d.). The response to the assault is different according to the rape victim (“Effect,” n.d.) . Sexual assault not only affects the rape victim but also has an effect on people that love them. The aftermath of sexual assault has the rape victim and loved ones dealing with psychological, emotional, and physical issues (“Effect,” n.d.).
Review of Literature
Psychological.
Sexual assault is not only an attack against the body but is also against the mind and spirit (Kat, 2009). The effect that rape can have on a victim psychological can be sever and long lasting. Each individual that experiences sexual assault responds different (Foothills Alliance, n.d.). Rape victims face a few common psychological problems: post traumatic stress disorder, rape trauma syndrome, and depression. Rape victims also face guilt and shame, anger and confusion as well as self-blame.
“ The essential feature of
References: American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Substance abuse. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed Bye, K. S. (2007). The relationship between self and other blame: do self-blaming rape victims of other crimes? Retrieved from http://helpsam.org/Winner2_2007.htm Coe, C., DeWolf, D., Kelch, M., Larson, R., McIntyre, M., & Seaman, P. (1999). Recovering from rape: healing your sexuality Effect of rape and aftermath. (2006). Rape Crisis Online Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://rapesurvivor.pbworks.com/Effects-of-rape-and-aftermath Retrieved from http://www.psychologyinfo.com/depression/index.html Kat, (2009) Retrieved from http://www.pandys.org/articles/lowselfesteem.pdf Menna, A., (2004) Shannon, (2007). Was it my fault? Self-blame and survivors. Pandora’s Project. Retrieved from http://pandys.org/articles/selfblameandsurvivors.html