Abstract This paper discusses how historically, the concept of rape has severed to protect a man's right to exclusive sexual access to his woman, while the feminist re-definition of rape empowers women to assert control over their own bodies. This paper also reviews various reactions to this re-definition of rape and discusses the effects that rape has on a victim.
From the Paper "Criminology indicated that date rape was an under-reported crime (Date pp). Vanstone highlighted the fact that sex through physical violence is clearly viewed as rape, date rape, on the other hand, may not involve physical violence (Date pp). There are other forms other forms of coercion to obtain sex that is also considered rape, such as "fear of violence, detention, intoxication with alcohol or a drug, and deception can all be factors relevant to whether the woman has consented (Date pp). Vanstone said that date rape has been an offence for a very long time, yet only recently has been acknowledged as a serious social problem (Date pp). According to a 1996 survey, almost 90 percent of rape victims know the perpetrator, and of these victims, some 25 percent were the current partner, boyfriend or date of the victim in the twelve months prior to the survey, and if previous partners are added in, the percentage is as high as 37 percent (Date pp). However, date rape is rarely reported to law enforcement authorities, and most surveys indicate that the number of sexual assaults reported to the police are only the tip of the iceberg (Date pp). "
Tags: date, rape, issues, sexual, victimization, control, assult, post, traumatic, stress, sex
A research paper on the effect of rape on later relationships, determining if women who are raped have a difficult time becoming emotionally or romantically close to a man.
Abstract This paper examines the effect rape has on victims' subsequent intimate relationships. By interviewing women and providing in-depth research this paper show how women who have been raped a single time by a man who she does not know are more likely to have problems with their post-rape relationships. The paper details reasons for this difficulty in forming relationships and discusses possible treatments.
From the Paper "In a society where rape is a common occurrence, Kilpatrick, Edmonds, & Seymour (1992) found that 1 in 8 adult women in a given community have been raped, it is important to understand the long-term effects on the victim (as cited in Layman, Gidycz, & Lynn 1996). More specifically, the purpose of this study is to discover the long-term effects of rape on subsequent intimate (emotional and sexual involved) relationships on women who have been raped a single time. It is hypothesized that women who are raped a single time and do not receive social and psychological support will be more likely than women who have not been raped to have difficulties with subsequent intimate relationships with men. Women are the focus of this study because they are commonly thought of as being raped more often than and are more likely to report rape than men."
This paper examines the current laws regarding statutory rape while stressing the need for stricter implementation and enforcement of these same laws which prohibit sexual relations between adults and minors.
Abstract This paper discusses the growing problem of teenage pregnancies in America, which, can, in some part, be attributed to sexual relationships between minor females and adult men. The writer of this paper examines the argument, which states that enforcing these rape laws will result in a reduction of teenage pregnancy rates. The writer contends that if teen pregnancy rates are reduced, the existing burden on the welfare system will be substantially relieved as a result. This paper explores the current statutory rape laws, in which relations between adults and minors are referred to as rape, sexual abuse and unlawful sexual conduct. The seriousness of the charges vary, based on the age of the victim, or the span of years between the victim and the perpetrator. This paper explores the strategies of various states, such as Delaware and California, that are leveling civil penalties against the perpetrators of crimes against minors.
From the Paper "While all states currently have laws forbidding sexual activity between adults and minors, the variation in laws and application are enormous. The relations between adults and minors are referred to as rape, sexual abuse, unlawful sexual conduct and other epithets. The seriousness of the charge can vary, based on the age of the victim, or the span of years between the victim and the perpetrator. It should also be noted that most of these laws are not gender neutral and are usually applied solely to young women and girls. Even so, the laws are notoriously difficult to prosecute. The women involved are often, understandably, unwilling to give testimony against their partner. Several states are looking to recoup the cost of the teenaged pregnancy to the social service system by leveling civil penalties against the perpetrator."
Tags:rape, sex, child, abuse, adult, crime, law, minor
Abstract This paper examines the manifestation of rape in wartime and the reasons for it. The author points out variations in rapes across different wars and different ethnic groups. The paper discusses some of the theories of why rape happens.
From the Paper "Although sexual violence against women is common in times of war, the degree of such behavior varies from war to war and no adequate explanation has ever been put forward to explain this. The Soviet troops in Germany during World War II were known to rape large numbers of women particular in Berlin after the city's fall. There had been widespread rape of women earlier in Hungary and the practice intensified as the Russian army pushed into East Prussia and Silesia. Thousands of women and girls from age ..."
Abstract The following assignment is a third year history assignment. The topic of this paper is women in the Renaissance period. The writer looked at how rape was treated in the Renaissance period. Essentially the writer argues that rape is not considered a significant issue in the Renaissance period because women were not considered people. The writer maintains that women were considered as property and so rape was not considered as a serious matter.
From the Paper "The role of women in the Renaissance period was filled with a wide range of contradictions. In many cases women were seen as the most wonderful creations in the universe. For example, in the 'Most Infamous Revenge' Lisarda states, Octavia, six years older than her brother, was one of the most beautiful women of that kingdom without even taking into account her charm, her abilities, her elegance, and her intelligence. Anyone even imagining that she might look ugly, who simply heard her without seeing her, would have praised her beauty."
Abstract This paper discusses Alexander Pope's satirical poem "The Rape of the Lock," pointing out differences between the genders and the importance of physical beauty to men.
From the Paper " In Alexander Pope's poem The Rape of the Lock Pope pokes fun at the differences between the sexes and the short-comings of each gender. In addition Pope as an artist poet and man was also a ...."
Tags: Alexander Pope, Rape of the Lock, Gender Poem
Abstract This paper reviews Iris Chang's "The Rape of Nanking" which explores the 1937 Japanese invasion of China. It discusses the militaristic culture of Japan. The author also explores Japanese war crimes and the reasons why they were not brought to wide public attention. It concludes with lessons to be learned from Nanking.
From the Paper "The Sino-Japanese War atrocities employed by the Japanese army when it invaded Nanking in December is the main subject of Iris Chang's "The Rape of Nanking" that she subtitles "The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II". Chang is as concerned with why the ensuing brutal massacre was forgotten or at least kept relatively secret as with exposing what happened in the Chinese capital. The influence of post World War II Cold War politics on this horrific episode as well as the militaristic culture of Japan is explored by ..."
Abstract This paper discusses child rape and examines the potential for victims becoming perpetrators themselves. According to this report, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children estimates that 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 10 boys are sexually assaulted before they reach adulthood, yet less than 35% of those child sexual assaults are reported to authorities.
From the Paper "Reports of child sexual abuse date as far back as history is recorded. Only recently has society begun to face the frequency of incidences and significance of child sexual assault. Throughout human history, child molestation and rape has plagued society and has manifested into a major social problem of the 21st century. Disturbing facts of the sheer numbers of reported cases of child rape are broadcast nightly on television news reports. Some researchers suggest the majority of these cases of child sexual assault involve the victim knowing the perpetrator (i.e. relative, family friend, and authority figure). Even though experts study the causes for this problem, little research has been conducted on the correlation between the age and sex of the offender. "
Abstract The paper examines the issue of date rape, noting that it is not new, but that in the past authorities often viewed the victim as at least partially responsible for putting herself in the situation in the first place. The paper adds that also a reasonable doubt might be raised by the fact that the rapist and the victim were on a date at the time, so that a defense might be made that crossed signals were at fault rather than criminal intent. "
From the Paper "Rape has long been addressed by the criminal justice system as a crime, though how assiduously the system raises the issue and makes its case depends on a variety of circumstances and prevailing social attitudes. More recently, attitudes have changed so that claims of date rape are taken more seriously, and in addition, today there are certain drugs used for date rape and acquaintance rape, adding to the problem."
Abstract The paper examine the theory propounded by Randy Thornhill and Craig Palmer that rape has evolved as a reproductive strategy, and is a natural, biological phenomenon. The writer of the paper examines in detail Thornhill and Palmer 's theory and their arguments supporting their case. He then examines the theory in the light of existing research and presents the reader with both assenting and opposing arguments as presented by researchers including Jerry Coyne and Leda Cosmides and John Tooby.
From the Paper "The aspect of Coyne's argument that appeared the weakest was his due focus on child molestation and homosexual rape. For a man, the act of having sex with a child or with another man is, by definition, maladaptive sexual behavior, because it is impossible for such sex to result in the transmission of genes. Therefore, to use the fact that both children and males are highly represented among rape victims to disprove the concept that rape behavior is the result of evolution is irresponsible science. Consensual homosexual sex is maladaptive sexual behavior, and the gene for homosexuality, if there is one, is not represented in a significant portion of the population. However, the rape gene, if there is one, would have to be highly represented in society, since the percentage of men who have forced sexual contact on a partner is much higher than the percentage of men who have engaged in consensual homosexual contact. Therefore, it is clear that these genes are not the same genes; as a result, one could be homosexual and still carry a gene that combines violence with sexuality. However, one's homosexual orientation would naturally translate that impulse to homosexuals. The same argument could be made for child molestation. Coyne's failure to acknowledge that possibility is his greatest weakness."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts William Shakespeare's "The Rape of Lucrece" with Thomas Nashe's "The Unfortunate Traveller", pointing out that, although Nashe's work was published after Shakespeare's, both contain a very brutal rape scene. The paper then attempts to identify what is both similar and different about each rape scene by comparing and contrasting the works in terms of motivation, plot, character and outcome.
From the Paper "In The Rape of Lucrece the motivation of Tarquin is more subtle. There is no evidence that he has done such a thing before, although he is guilty of an inflated case of pride. However, it is clear that he is an honorable soldier and friend, at least initially. His motivation comes from lust born of hearing about Lucrece's beauty. One could therefore say that this is not a case of habit or of greed, but of lust alone."
Abstract This paper discusses William Shakespeare's retelling of the story of the "Rape of Lucrece." It discusses the way that Shakespeare used this story to criticize a monarchy that otherwise could not be criticized. It quotes from Shakespeare's version of the story and describes and explains his version of the events. It also discusses the religious implications evident in this version of the retelling.
From the Paper "There's also a criticism implied in the monarchy's abuse-of-power concerning the church. Lucrece's rape in 510 B.C. by Prince Tarquin was not just a vicious crime of sexual predation--it was so infuriating to Rome's monarchy-weary populace that it led indirectly to the formation of the Roman Republic and the election of Lucrece's hubby Collatinus as Rome's first First Consul (Mondello 4). The English people were sick of queens being slaughtered to feed the sick lust of Henry VII. They were also feeling misused in his choosing to form and lead a new church, the Anglican Church, of which he was head. This lustful and bloody "pope" might have been the tormented Tarquin in Shakespeare's poem, as he debates whether to rape and then to kill his victim."
