Issues and dynamics of sexually assaulted adolescents and their families

Abstract

Interpersonal violence such as sexual assault creates a variety of traumatic responses. Adolescents encounter a significantly high rate of exposure to sexual assault. In the aftermath of sexual assault, issues and dynamics related to traumatic responses include ongoing fear and threats to personal safety, stability, and structure of the family and environment. Each issue is of concern for community and health care practitioners. Sexual assault has a detrimental effect on adolescent intrapsychic development and interpersonal relationships. Symptoms are disturbing and disruptive to daily routines, negatively affect adolescent normal growth and development, and can result in post-traumatic stress disorder. Issues and dynamics regarding sexual assault are explored, with suggestions on how to help adolescents avoid developing a negative world view and long-term negative health consequences.

Assessment of Sexual Violence and Associated Factors among High School Students in Harari Regional State, Harar Town, Eastern Ethiopia

“…n showed 53% anxiety, 41% self blame which is also higher compared to our finding. Majority of the victims of rape (35.8%) dropped out of the school, higher when compared to the study done in Jimma Zone among school girls which is 26% may be because majority of our study participants were from rural area [20,21,22,23]. From the total 107 male participants involved in the study, 2.8% were raped in their life time which is less compared to the result of a study done in USA that revealed 4% [24,25].…”

“…Sexual violence has different psychological and social impact on victims, such fear, anxiety, sleep disturbance, nervousness, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms like depression and intimate partners, less emotional, lower likelihood of marriage [21,22]. Gender based violence highly prevalent in sub Saharan African countries in Zambia, south Africa, Kenya were 13%, 7%, 16% respectively reported sexual violence 15-19 years old [23,24,25].…”

Justice, Reciprocity and the Internalisation of Punishment in Victims of Crime

“…Clements et al [3] described a range of symptoms that can follow rape in adolescents. These symptoms fall into six groups; 1.…”

Community Notification Laws

“…Sex offender registration with local authorities is sound policy given the personal nature and trauma caused by sex offenses (Clements et al, 2004). Police officers should be knowledgeable of all criminal elements within their communities and registration should be reserved for those offenses that create more trauma to victims, instead of offenses most often committed.…”