Rape Awareness

NEW 2007 SEXUAL ASSAULT STATS FOR TENNESSEE
Statewide
Reported Cleared Adult Arrest Juvenile Arrest
Forcible Rape 2187 791 337 65
Forcible Sodomy 422 154 38 20
Sex Assault w/Object 294 106 39 12
NEW 2007 SEXUAL ASSAULT STATS FOR KPD
Knoxville Police
Reported Cleared Adult Arrest Juvenile Arrest
Forcible Rape 110 47 8 1
Forcible Sodomy 28 6 0 0
Sex Assault w/Object 10 8 4 0
*Random Research*
Reactions to an acquaintance rape scenario were examined for effects of respondent gender and portrayals of different levels of alcohol intoxication on attributions of responsibility and blame. Comparisons of conditions in which both victim and perpetrator were described as experiencing equivalent levels of intoxication revealed that participants rated the victim as more, but the perpetrator as less, responsible and blameworthy after consuming alcohol-particularly when drinking was accompanied by clear signs of behavioral impairment.Rape Trauma Syndrome is a common reaction to a rape or sexual assault. It is the human reaction to an unnatural or extreme event. There are three phases to Rape Trauma Syndrome:Acute Phase: This phase occurs immediately after the assault and usually lasts a few days to several weeks. In this phase individuals can have many reactions but they typically fall into three categories of reactions:
Expressed Controlled- This is when the survivor appears to be without emotion and acts as if “nothing happened” and “everything is fine.” This appearance of calm may be shock.
Shocked Disbelief- This is when the survivor reacts with a strong sense of disorientation. He or she may have difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or doing everyday tasks. He or she may also have poor recall of the assault. The Outward Adjustment Phase: During this phase the individual resumes what appears to be his or her “normal” life but inside is suffering from considerable turmoil. In this phase there are five primary coping techniques:
Minimization- Pretends that “everything is fine” or that “it could have been worse.” Dramatization- Cannot stop talking about the assault and it is what dominates their life and identity. Suppression- Refuses to discuss, acts as if it did not happen.
Explanation- Analyzes what happened- what the individual did, what the rapist was thinking/feeling. Flight- Tries to escape the pain (moving, changing jobs, changing appearance, changing relationships, etc.).
There are many symptoms or behaviors that appear during this phase including:
Continuing anxiety
Severe mood swings
Sense of helplessness
Persistent fear or phobia
Depression
Rage
Difficulty sleeping (nightmares, insomnia, etc.)
Eating difficulties (nausea, vomiting, compulsive eating, etc.)
Denial
Withdrawal from friends, family, activities
Hypervigilance
Reluctance to leave house and/or go places that remind the individual of the assault
Sexual problems
Difficulty concentrating
Flashbacks
All of these symptoms and behaviors may make the individual more willing to seek counseling and/or to discuss the assault.The Resolution Phase: During this phase the assault is no longer the central focus of the individual’s life. While he or she may recognize that he or she will never forget the assault; the pain and negative outcomes lessen over time. Often the individual will begin to accept the rape as part of his or her life and chooses to move on.
NOTE: This model assumes that individuals will take steps forward and backwards in their healing process and that while there are phases it is not a linear progression and will be different for every person.
Violent Crimes in Knoxville
Offense 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Murder 15 21 18 20 25
Forcible Rape 139 74 81 80 99
Robbery 637 553 443 520 545
Agg. Assault 1314 1308 1150 1023 1059