...to assess the efficiency of the overall department. Citizens are extremely critical, as they should be, regarding the performance of the police department. Having the ability to review year over year reporting will indicate an increase or the favorable decrease in the crime results. There are many factors that contribute to the Dark Figure of Crime, but in my opinion, that number one influencer is rape. Statistics shows that rape is still one of the most unreported crimes out there, and an estimated 54% of rapes that happen each year goes unreported (Reporting Rates). To add insult to injury for those that report the crimes, only about 3% of the accused serve time in jail (Reporting Rates). That means out of 100 rapes that happen, 97 of them will walk free and will never pay for their crime. The interesting, yet sad common thread about rape is that the issue of them being unreported isn’t just seen in the United States but across the world. 80% of those raped are under the age of 30, and 44% of those raped are under the age of 18 (statistics). There are many reasons that rape goes unreported. 2/3 of the victims raped each year are assaulted by someone they know. The sociological turmoil that a man or woman undergoes when raped is a huge factor in them not wanting to report the crime, but mixing in the fact that the victim knows the assailant adds another level to the already potent dynamic. The...
Words: 561 - Pages: 3
...Patriarchy is best defined as control by men. The opposite is matriarchy which means women are in charge and the head of families. Obviously, the culture of the United States and most other countries is patriarchal. Men have the power and control the women. If you don't believe that consider the basics of how our society functions. Women constantly must fight for their rights and sometimes they struggle just to survive without the power and domination of men threatening them. Whether an individual woman wants to conquer patriarchy will come from her desire to be independent and defined outside the context of men. Look to most world leaders to see how powerful patriarchy is. Women are certainly as capable as men to be President of the United States, yet they are not and probably won't be any time soon. Men have been in that role for so long that our country probably does not believe it is possible. Consider who is typically at the head of a company or leaders in local governments. While certainly more women are fulfilling these roles, it is a constant struggle for the ones who are able to achieve that success with men having much more power just by their biological nature. Men have not had to fight for their place in society like women have. It has been an expectation that they will become leaders because that is what patriarchy is about. Much of patriarchy also has its roots in Christianity. Religions which believe the Bible or other religious text often follow it faithfully...
Words: 12725 - Pages: 51
...Stances on Rape ------------------------------------------------- Causes, Activism and Prevention [Author] Abstract Understanding the many different studies and work done by feminists regarding rape and sexual violence. Table of Contents Introduction…………………………………………………………….3 Anti-Rape Movement………………………………………………4 Feminist Perspective…………………………..…………………..7 Amelioration Vs. Backlash……………………………………...9 Conclusion………………………………………………………….…11 Bibliography……………………………………………….…………12 Introduction The definition of rape has been something of dispute for the last number of years. Rape usually is understood to involve some sort of sexual penetration of a person by force or without consent. Rape is committed more by males, usually on a female. In the last three decades, feminist have worked and studied rape with the collective agenda to work towards changing rape in a social and legal manor. Feminist thought and activism have challenges the myth that rape is rape, showing that it is a common experience among girls and women. Although feminists have different theories on why rape occurs, and how to eliminate it, they share the notion that rape is wrong and work towards learning and teaching about rape prevention. This paper will touch on the anti-rape movement, the feminist perspective, and different hypothesis in learning about the different feminist theories of rape. Anti-Rape Movement Feminists have been working for decades towards raising awareness and changing the perspective of rape and...
Words: 1571 - Pages: 7
...What is Victimology? Tysheena Draten American InterContinental University March 25, 2012 CRJS 310-1202A-01 Abstract In this paper, the writer gives the definition of victimology along with its history and how it was developed. The writer also explains how it is different from criminology, sociology, and psychology. The writer also discusses who established the first safe houses for battered women as well as where and when those safe houses were established. The writer then goes on to tell who established the first rape crisis centers as well as when and where they were established. Next, the writer discusses how the civil rights movement contributed to anti-discrimination efforts and the establishment of hate crime legislation and policy. The writer also tells the role children’s rights groups have played in highlighting the problems child victims face in the criminal justice system. Finally, the writer provide the organizations that an individual can contact if he/she has been victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and homicide along with what services are not provided by government crime compensation programs. What is Victimology? Victimololgy is a sub-discipline of criminology concerned with understanding and explaining the patterning of criminal victimization (Victimology, 2008). Victimology draws together academics, activists, and policymakers from all different type of backgrounds. There are three different types of victimological thoughts...
Words: 1910 - Pages: 8
...murder, is rape (Byers 47). As defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary rape is unlawful sexual intercourse carried out by force. Despite rape being an abominable crime more than half of all victims do not report their rape to authority (Byers 47). Of those victims who do report ninety percent are women (“Scope of”). Among those women, one in five are victims of sexual assault in college (Kutner 31). However, colleges are not doing enough to protect their female student body. The Center for Public Integrity has reported that only ten to twenty-five percent of these campus rapist will be expelled from school in fear that the school's reputation would be tarnish...
Words: 2102 - Pages: 9
...Victimology Shawn Everett AIU Online Abstract This paper will discuss victimology, civil rights movement, children’s rights, crisis centers, and safe houses as well as list organizations and other resources. Victimology Victimology is considered the study of victimization which includes connections between both victim and the offender as well as the interactions between the victim and our criminal justice system which can include the police, courts, and correction officials. It’s also important to know that victimology is not limited to the connection between the victim, offender, and the criminal justice system, but it can also involve connections between social movements and many forms of human rights violations (Stevens, 2003). Victimology was born in the 1940’s after two criminologist from Europe named Von Hentig and Mendelson, also known as the fathers of victimology began studying victims of crimes. Their theory was that the victim’s behavior as well as their attitude was the cause of the crime to be committed. During its birth, the focus of victimology was on how the victims were equally responsible for certain crimes with the offender (Carson, 2009). By the 1960’s the focus of victimology shifted towards the rights of victims due to movements such as the Civil Rights movements and the feminist movements. From the 1970’s to the 1990’s victimology turned towards ways to stop future crimes from happening, help victims of crimes to become organized and empowered...
Words: 1176 - Pages: 5
...American Intercontinental University Individual Project 1 Abstract Victims of crimes come in all ages, race, nationality, and sex. Studying the victims is important to determine why they were chosen, and how they were affected. Civil rights have come a long way in the past century, and continue to get better. Child rights groups continue to fight and win wrongful rulings in, so the kids can someday redeem themselves. First of all let’s take a look at what victimology is shall we. Victimology is defined as “the study of crime victims and the psychological effects on being a victim.” (Dictionary, 2013) Let’s take a look at why victimology is so important know a days. Here are some startling numbers from 2010. “The city of Detroit, Michigan literally looks like a war zone and violent crime is thriving. So far this year in Detroit, car thefts are up 83%, robberies are up 50%, burglaries are up 20% and property destruction is up 42%. Lawmakers in Illinois say that violence has become so rampant in Chicago that the National Guard needs to be sent in. In just one night last week seven people were killed and 18 were wounded – mostly by gunfire. In fact, there have already been 113 murders in Chicago this year. There are approximately 12 million crimes committed in the United States every single year. That is by far the worst in the world. No other nation has more than about 6 million reported crimes per year.” (Michael, 2010) With these types of numbers, there...
Words: 1654 - Pages: 7
...Abstract This paper will provide a definition and history of victimology as well as give examples of real life victims. Second, this paper will discuss how victimology is different from criminology, sociology and psychology. This paper will also discuss hate crimes, the first safe house for battered women, children’s rights groups. Finally, this paper will also discuss organizations that provide advocacy for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and homicides. Introduction to Victimology Victimology is the study of victims of crime and the interactions between the victim and the perpetrator (victimology, 2006). Victimology is to investigate the victims role in the commission of crimes and sometimes the psychological effect those crimes have on the victims (victimology, 2007). Today’s criminal justice system is a fairly new appearance, in the middle ages victims themselves were responsible for dealing with criminals on their own as there were no authorities to enforce the law. Murder has always been unacceptable behavior, but it was always up to the victims or their survivors to determine the course of action to be taken against the person committing the crime. In 2200 B.C.E. was when Law of Moses, the Code of Hammurabi and Roman law all consisted of elements to individual responsibility for harms committed against others (Doerner & Lab, 2008). It was until the 1940’s that the criminal justice system decided to not only focus their time in...
Words: 1553 - Pages: 7
...Abortion. It’s the word many people hate to discuss because of the controversial viewpoints on the subject. There is the pro-life movement, where people believe that abortion is murder and is many times related to religion. Then there is the pro-choice movement, where people think that women should have the rights to their own bodies and are the only people who can make such decisions. Both sides of the spectrum argue back and forth about the topic, but nobody can come to a clear consensus on things. I personally stand on the pro-choice end of things. There are many reasons why I believe what I do, such as rape and incest cases, financial situations, and medical emergencies. Abortion is a touchy subject no matter where you stand on the issue, so we...
Words: 1415 - Pages: 6
...Rape Culture Views: Attitudes and Practices in our Society that Normalize or Excuse Rape. Brianna Burke Sociology of Women Dr. King June, 20, 2013 Abstract Rape Culture views are based on attitudes and practices in our society that normalize or excuse rape. Society excuses rape because it has come to the belief that sex is an act of male domination and female submission. Although we have laws against rape they do not appear to be a main focus point. Society seems to minimalizes rape to the point of not caring, in some cases making the victims seem to be at fault. Because it seems that the repercussions of the rapist are not as tough as they should be, rapists repeat their actions without fear of severe punishment. The average sentence for convicted rapists was 11.8 years, while the actual time served was 5.4 years. In the US because of our rape culture, rape in the military became a major problem in recent years, even up until this problem was publicized. When first brought into the public’s eye the military didn’t seem to be taking rape seriously. Rape is not just a nightmare for military women but for men as well. Rape seems to be more main stream than some might think. Society more often than not are blaming the victims, the proof is in a recent 12-minute video of young men in Steubenville, Ohio, joking about the brutal, extended gang rape of a 16-year-old girl. According to one study of 16,000 Americans, 17.6% of women report having been victims of rape or...
Words: 3888 - Pages: 16
...Rape & Rape Trauma Syndrome Dictionaries most commonly define rape as a sexual act committed by force especially on a woman. (The American Heritage College Dictionary. 1997 pg. 740) Until a few years ago it was limited to penial penetration of the vagina. Penal Code 261 defines rape as an act of sexual intercourse accomplished with a person not the spouse of the perpetrator without the lawful consent.(Roberson, 1998, p. 188) Penal Code 263 goes on to say that the fundamental wrong at which the law of rape is aimed is . . . the violation of a woman's will and sexuality. (Roberson, 1998, p. 190) All other sexual assaults are classified under varied names, yet the aftermath is usually the same. Rape is one of the cruelest forms of criminal violence. The victim suffers a profound injury. Rendered powerless by physical force, threats, or fear, after which being forced to submit to sexual acts, including vaginal penetration, oral copulation, sodomy, and penetration opening with a foreign object, the victim is left virtually alone. Rape is an intrusion into the most private and intimate parts of the body, as well as an assault on the core of the self. Despite whether the victim suffers any physical trauma, the psychological impact of a sexual assault is severe. Moreover, the painful, post-trauma symptoms that result from rape are long-lasting. Even those victims who appear to have recovered months or years later often find that an overwhelming sense of powerlessness and vulnerability...
Words: 2029 - Pages: 9
...about five times the rate they were imprisoned under an apartheid system. Due to this, the America is an apartheid state, where guilt is deemed by the coloration of skin, rather than the true culpability. There is the issue of people serving life sentences for non-violent crimes, and many of them are also black. There are over 3,000 people in prison for non-violent crimes, and some of the crimes are as simple as shoplifting a jacket, and selling marijuana. Finally, the problem with life sentences for non-violent offenders is that people who commit rape, are rarely prosecuted for a crime. According to the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN), out of every 100 people accused of rape, 97 are going to walk out of prison with absolute impunity. When a justice system deliberately targets people of color, gives life sentences to non-violent criminals, and does not imprison rapists, there is no justice. With the recent migrant crisis in Europe, politicians in the United States have been extremely hesitant to take in the refugees from Syria and Iraq. The unwillingness on behalf of politicians is based on racism and Islamophobia. Because according to United States, Islam is the religion of terrorists, or people who support terrorism. But not only is the United States anti-Islam, it is anti-immigrant. For example, during the 1930s, Jewish refugees from Europe arrived on the shores of the United States, when the government refused the docking of their ship. Those Jewish refugees...
Words: 572 - Pages: 3
...ongoing battle. The Janjaweed is provided by the Sudanese government with food, water, money, weapons, and transportation, whereas the rebel groups that are fighting against the Janjaweed are forced to make their own weapons, which aren't as prestigiously built and handled, out of whatever materials they can manage to scrounge up. These rebel groups are not paying other men to fight with them, they are fighting solely for fair treatment, which causes many militiamen to either leave the rebel groups because of the lack of benefits or purposely get killed in battle. The International Crisis Group spoke out about the Janjaweed and said that the money that is given to the militiamen comes directly from the raids on Dafurian villages, which gives them another plus to act against Africans in Darfur with extreme...
Words: 1170 - Pages: 5
...Members of such groups are persuaded that the womenfolk ought to have same opportunities in employment and education as their male counterparts. The study of the roles of women in society and space women have generally occupied in society is known as feminist theory. This theory has its roots in the Feminist movements. There are various forms of feminism depending on the functions and its attempt to explain the nature of the relationships between the men and women. Such include Liberal Feminism, Radical Feminism, Marxist and Socialist Feminism, Eco-Feminism, Cultural Feminism (Hannam p589). Liberal feminism is a type of feminism that operates or is actively undertaken in any conventional society so as to incorporate women into the structure of that society. It started after the American Revolution and was pioneered by Mary Wollstonecraft and Abigail Adams with its main focus being to campaign for equality for women (Fisanick p757).Radical Feminism is that type of feminism that is attributed with having given rise to many of the other form of feminism. These radicals as they came to be known started this pressure group in the year 1967-1968 after the civil rights and peace movements ended. They didn’t just desire to achieve social change at a local level but in revolutionary proportions. This association held female oppression and inequality as the highest form of subjugation one that affected all races, cultures, economic class and nations (Hannam p512).Marxist or Socialist Feminism...
Words: 1204 - Pages: 5
...Feminism refers to political, cultural, and economic movements aimed at establishing greater rights, legal protection for women, and or women's liberation. It includes some of the sociological theories and philosophies concerned with issues of gender difference. Nancy Cott defines feminism as the belief in the importance of gender equality, invalidating the idea of gender hierarchy as a socially constructed concept. Feminism has earned itself a bad reputation, but it never undermined gender differences that exist between males and females. A man can never be as good a mother as a female can. Similarly, a woman can never be as good a father as a male can. While accepting these anatomical and physiological differences between the two genders, feminism seeks for both genders to be equally respected. They are both human and as a species, humans cannot progress without either one of them. Maggie Humm and Rebecca Walker divide the history of feminism into three waves. The first wave transpired in the nineteenth and early twentieth century’s, the second occurred in the 1960s and 1970s, and the third extends from the 1990s to the present. In each wave of the movement, though men have taken part in significant responses to feminism, the relationship between men and feminism has been complex. Historically, a number of men have engaged with feminism. Philosopher Jeremy Bentham demanded equal rights for women in the eighteenth century. In 1866, philosopher John Stuart Mill presented a women's...
Words: 1249 - Pages: 5
