Transcript Return to menu

WARNING: The following presentation uses copyright protected materials used
under the Multimedia guidelines and fair use exemptions of U.S. Copyright law.
Further use is prohibited.
Sexual Assault Prevention & Response
Annual Chaplain Training
Move to the next slide …
Introduction
Sexual assault is a pervasive problem in our
nation and the military is not immune. In 2004, there
were 1,700 reported sexual assaults in the U.S.
military. Victims may suffer physically and emotionally
for months or years; friends and family members
experience a wide range of emotional distress; unit
morale is damaged, and the whole military community
is adversely affected. Sexual assault threatens our
greatest asset, our people, and damages mission
readiness. It will not be tolerated in the Department
of Defense.
Introduction
The Department of Defense implemented
the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR)
program to reduce the number of assaults and to
ensure active duty military members who are
victimized receive prompt appropriate care, are
treated with dignity and respect, and that their
perpetrators are held accountable.
SAPR is designed to streamline victim care
and standardize prevention and response efforts
throughout the services. The success of this program
requires ongoing training of all members, especially
commanders and care-givers.
Introduction
Throughout this training, you will have an
opportunity to go forward or backup and review using
the arrows at the bottom of each page. You will also
find “checkpoints” to test your knowledge at several
transition points in the material. Review the material
carefully.
After you complete each checkpoint
successfully, you can proceed to the final test. To
receive credit for this training, you must receive a
minimum score of 70% on the final test. Print out
your training certificate and give it to your supervisor.
If you’re ready to begin, hit, “Let’s get started.”
Let’s get started …
Course Outline
Follow these links to complete the training.
•
Caring for Victims – an Introduction
•
Learning Objectives
•
Sexual Harassment vs. Sexual Assault
•
Sexual Assault: Myths and Facts
•
Who Are the Perpetrators?
•
The Undetected Rapist – a video production
(caution: uses frank and graphic language)
•
Responding to Sexual Assault
•
Victim Responses
•
Secondary Victimization
•
Cultural and Religious Sensitivities
•
Final Test
•
Print Certificate of Completion
Caring for Victims
Sexual assault is one of the most
devastating crimes. It is not unusual for victims to
experience short or even long-term physical and
psychological reactions to the assault, which can
inhibit their ability to function normally on even simple
day-to-day tasks, strain even the closest of
relationships, and impede other life-goals.
Choosing not to tell anyone about the
assault or to internalize their reaction to the assault
can further exacerbate the problem. Yet for a number
of reasons, many victims choose not to talk about
what happened.
Return to menu
Caring for Victims
One critical component of pastoral care to
victims requires the chaplain to be a good listener,
and when appropriate, to encourage victims to report
the assault, tell their story, and recognize the real
strength of those who do. This training provides
information some of the reasons victims often don’t
talk about their assault and define the role of the
chaplain as caregiver to victims of sexual assault.
Next you’ll see the learning objectives for
this training. Pay careful attention to them as they will
be used in questions in your final test.
Return to menu
Learning Objectives
After completing this section, you should be able to:
•
Identify the difference between sexual assault and
sexual harassment
•
Distinguish between long believed misconceptions
and reality concerning the nature of sexual assault
•
Identify three types of sexual assault
•
Identify at least one drug used in drug facilitated
sexual assault
•
Identify possible psychological consequences
associated with sexual assault
Return to menu
Sexual Harassment vs. Sexual Assault
Before we can consider being caregivers to victims or
survivors of sexual assault, first it is critical to
understand the terminology. Specifically, we must be
able to draw the sometimes fine line between the
terms Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault. First,
let it be stated clearly, both are crimes according to
the UCMJ, and the Air Force has zero tolerance for
either behavior.
Return to menu
Sexual Harassment vs. Sexual Assault
This is what the UCMJ says:
Sexual Harassment is any unwanted and
repeated attention that is sexual in nature and
unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work
performance or create an intimidating, hostile, or
offensive environment.
This behavior and the perceived threat or
intimidation may be explicit or implicit. This would
include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for
sexual favors, and other verbal and physical conduct
of a sexual nature.
Return to menu
Sexual Harassment vs. Sexual Assault
According to that definition, which of the following do
you think constitutes sexual harassment?
A. Asking a co-worker on a date
A
B. Repeatedly asking the same coworker after being
B
told no once or twice
C
C. Repeatedly asking the same coworker after the
coworker has asked you to stop asking
D. Telling jokes and stories of a sexual nature
D
E. Displaying sexually graphic or suggestive photos
E
or images in the office space
Return to menu
Sexual Harassment vs. Sexual Assault
People who believe they have experienced or
witnessed sexual harassment should follow normal
chain of Command:
•
Begin at the lowest level by simply telling the
perpetrator to stop. Be polite but assertive.
•
Report continued behavior to your supervisor.
•
If these steps don’t end the unwanted behavior,
report the situation to the Command Equal
Opportunity Officer.
Return to menu
Sexual Harassment vs. Sexual Assault
This is what the UCMJ says:
Sexual assault is “intentional sexual
contact, characterized by use of force, physical threat
or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or
cannot consent.”
It is critical to understand sexual assault can
occur without regard to gender or spousal relationship
or age of the victim. Sexual assault includes rape,
nonconsensual sodomy (oral or anal sex), indecent
assault (unwanted, inappropriate sexual contact of
fondling), or any attempts to commit these acts.
Return to menu
Sexual Harassment vs. Sexual Assault
Here are a few important things to remember:
•
Consent does not mean failing to offer physical
resistance.
•
Simply because the victim didn’t “fight back,” does
not mean he or she was giving implied consent.
•
Consent is not given when the assailant uses
force, threat of force or coercion.
•
Consent cannot be given by a person who is
asleep, incapacitated (by too much alcohol, drugs,
or other means), or unconscious.
•
Even if a person seems to participate willingly, if
alcohol or drugs were involved, they may have
legal grounds for claiming sexual assault!
Return to menu
Sexual Harassment vs. Sexual Assault
It is critical that airmen be educated in the
legal implications of these terms both to protect
themselves from unwanted harassment or assault
and to protect themselves from the appearance of
inappropriate behavior and perhaps unwarranted
charges.
Next we will consider why victims of sexual
assault often fail to report the crime, but first it’s time
for our first checkpoint to see how you’re doing!
Return to menu
Checkpoint
Choose Assault, Harassment, or Neither
Capt Smith has asked Lt Whynot out on several
occasions. Lt Whynot has always said no and indicated
she was uncomfortable with him asking. Last time she
asked him to please not ask her out again.
Today, Capt Smith asked her out again and reminded
Lt Whynot her OPR was due in a couple weeks.
Assault
Harassment
Neither
Sexual Assault: Myths vs. Facts
There are a number of common
misconceptions regarding sexual assault. Such
myths are often driven by social, cultural, racial and
gender-based stereotypes. These myths influence
society’s attitudes about sexual assault,
characteristics of offenders or victims, and who is to
blame. Such attitudes tend to pressure victims to
keep silent about the assault for fear of embarrassing
themselves or their family, reprisal by the perpetrator
or others, or fear of being blamed or judged.
We’ll try to bust some of these myths with a
simple quiz on the next page.
Return to menu
Select M for MYTH or F for FACT
Rape is not really about sex
M
F
A person should always fight back
M
F
Men and women can both be victims of sexual assault M
F
Sexual assaults are rare and affect few people
M
F
You can tell sexual offenders by their appearance
M
F
Most sexual assaults are committed by an individual
known by the victim
M
F
Only certain kinds of people get assaulted
M
F
Most sex offenders are repeat offenders
M
F
The way a woman dresses affects her likelihood of
being sexually assaulted
M
F
Return to menu
Who Are the Perpetrators?
Anyone can be a victim, and nearly anyone
can be considered a potential perpetrator of sexual
assault. In reality, the only common elements found
among most assailants are issues of power, anger,
and control. For this study, we will briefly discuss four
types of assault, each identified by the assailant’s
relationship to the victim and the methods used in the
assault:
•
Non-stranger assault
•
Stranger assault
•
Gang rape or multiple rape
•
Drug-facilitated assaults
Return to menu
Non-Stranger Assaults
Most sexual assaults are committed by nonstrangers. Check out these startling statistics from the
National Violence Against Women survey from 2002:
•
57.7% were committed by an intimate partner
•
9.9 % were committed by a relative
•
12.7% were committed by an acquaintance
•
16.7% were committed by strangers
•
83.3% of sexually assaulted women knew their
assailants at least as casual acquaintances!
These assaults included acquaintance rape, date
rape and marital rape.
Return to menu
Non-Stranger Assaults
Perpetrators of
non-stranger
assaults often
follow a threestep pattern:
Intrusion – the perpetrator violates the victim’s
personal space, perhaps by unwanted touching or
caressing.
Desensitization – ignoring “sixth sense” warnings,
the victim dismisses feelings of discomfort, perhaps
attributing the misbehavior to too much alcohol or
being the kind of person who touches a lot.
Isolation – the assailant manipulates the victim into
positions of vulnerability by getting them alone in a
room, car, or other secluded area. The assailant may
use alcohol or so-called “date rape” drugs to disable
the victim.
Return to menu
Non-Stranger Assaults
Other common
patterns in
non-stranger
sexual assault:
Alcohol Use – Assailants often use alcohol to
disinhibit themselves and their victims, rendering their
victims more vulnerable. Many assaults occur after
the victim is only semi-conscious or entirely
unconscious from the effects of alcohol.
Previous consensual sexual contact – Assailants
incorrectly reason prior sexual consent guarantees
perpetual consent. Often the victim fails to report the
crime because the victim also believes this myth and
somehow believes he or she is ultimately responsible
for the act.
Age – Victims are typically between 16 to 25 years.
Return to menu
Non-Stranger Assaults
Non-stranger assault can be the most
damaging to one’s psychological wellbeing. Because
victims knew and trusted the offender, they often
question their ability to make good decisions or to
trust others in the future. Recovery is complicated by
the “friendly-fire” nature of the harm because it came
from a completely unexpected source.
Such victims are also more likely to be
blamed and/or revictimized by family members,
friends, and others who may perceive the victim as
somehow “participating” in the assault. We’ll deal
with revictimization later.
Return to menu
Stranger Assaults
The 16.7% of stranger assaults are more
likely to be reported, and their victims are more likely
to receive higher levels of support from authorities,
family members, and friends. These attacks are often
crimes of opportunity, and common crime-prevention
techniques such as using the “buddy system,” locking
doors, and practicing situational awareness can help
to lessen but not eliminate the likelihood of
victimization.
Return to menu
Gang Rape
Gang rapists reduce their victim to an object,
and repeatedly rape the individual in the company of
their peers. They seek confirmation of their own
power and authority over the victim.
Some common patterns include:
•
Gang members typically age 10 to mid-thirties
•
Victim likely knew one or more gang members
•
Alcohol or drug use by assailants and/or victim
•
Victims are more often male than female
•
More likely to suffer physical injuries which require
medial attention.
Return to menu
Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault
Drug-facilitated assault is believed to be
increasing. More than 20 drugs have been implicated
in recent years, the most popular include:
•
Alcohol and Marijuana
•
Benzodiazepines
– Tranquilizers, anti-anxiety, & hypnotic drugs
For more information,
check out these links:
– Xanax
– Valium
– “Date rape” drugs like Rohypnol
Date Rape Drugs
Benzodiazepines
Rohypnol
•
Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
– “Rave drug” known as “Liquid Ecstasy”
GHB
Return to menu
Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault
Many drugs can be administered by being
slipped into an unattended drink, and affect the victim
within 20 minutes causing passivity, muscle
relaxation, and a certain level of amnesia. Affects are
increased by alcohol.
Victims report numerous sensations and
symptoms including disassociation of mind and body
and residual muscle weakness. Within six to eight
hours of ingestion, vital signs may be depressed.
Urine testing can be positive for drug
presence up to 96 hours after ingestion. Suspected
drug-facilitated sexual assault should be reported as
soon as possible.
Return to menu
Checkpoint
What type of sexual assault is committed in the
following situation?
Gina is walking home at night, and is attacked on
the street. Her attacker drags her into an alley,
rapes her and flees. Gina immediately calls the
police.
Non-stranger Assault
Stranger Assault
Gang Rape
Drug Facilitated Assault
The Undetected Rapist
This video is a dramatic
reenactment of an actual
interview with an admitted
rapist.
Click video screen to view film.
It contains language and
descriptions of a frank
and graphic nature.
You may choose to skip
this part of the training.
No questions from this
material will be included
in the final test
© National Judicial Education Program
Return to menu
Responding to Assaults
Victims of any type of sexual assault should
be encouraged to report the attack or attempted
attack immediately. They should go directly to a
hospital for examination and collection of potential
evidence. They should be encouraged to refrain from
any activity that might change or destroy evidence of
the assault such as:
•
Changing clothes or undergarments
•
Showering
•
Washing
•
Urinating or defecating
•
Brushing teeth or rinsing the mouth
Return to menu
Responding to Assaults
Many assaults go unreported and victims
refuse to seek help fearing their case will be reported
to law enforcement. Victims have a right to seek
medical care including sexual assault forensic
evidence (SAFE) examination without criminal
referral. Evidence gathered will be safely stored for
one year in the event the victim later chooses to
report the case.
Military members also have the right to
advocacy service provided by a trained victim
advocate, and pastoral care by members of the
civilian clergy or Air Force Chaplain Service.
Return to menu
Responding to Assaults
Why offer restricted reporting?
When a victim selects
“restricted reporting,”
Commanders are notified
that an assault has
occurred, but no specific
information is made
available. This enables
increased diligence in
prevention and
awareness efforts.
•
Allows victims to seek medical and mental
health care without a criminal investigation
•
Allows victim personal space to consider
options and begin healing while safely
preserving key evidence
•
Empowers the victim to seek information and
support, and make an informed decision about
participating in a criminal case
•
Allows victim to control management and
release of personal information and to decide if
and when to move forward with the case
Return to menu
Responding to Assaults
The Consequences of Restricted Reporting:
•
Assailant remains at liberty and unpunished, and
may be continuing threat to victim or others
•
Without reporting, victim cannot receive legal
restraining order or Military Protective Order
(MPO) against perpetrator
•
Without a search warrant, key crime scene
evidence can be lost or damaged
•
Only chaplains, medical personnel, SARC, and
victim advocate can offer restricted reporting
•
Victim cannot talk to anyone else about the crime
without making them mandatory reporters
Return to menu
Victim Responses to Sexual Assault
•
Rape Trauma
Syndrome (RTS)
– Shock Phase
– Adjustment Phase
– Depressed Phase
– Integration Phase
•
Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder
(PTSD)
Victims of sexual assault experience a wide
range of short and long-term psychological reactions
to the assault. It must be stressed that each person’s
experience, response, and recovery process is
unique. However, we will discuss typical physical and
mental health responses to sexual assault and their
symptoms.
These responses include Rape Trauma
Syndrome with four phases, each with distinct
symptoms, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a
clinical diagnosis not unusual among victims of
sexual assault or other trauma.
Return to menu
Rape Trauma Syndrome
Medical and legal professionals often refer
to post-assault reactions as Rape Trauma Syndrome.
Some victims may reject being labeled with RTS or
any other psychological diagnosis; others will find it
comforting to know their feelings and reactions are
legitimate and appropriate.
RTS establishes a baseline of “normal”
behaviors to help understand the not-so-normal
behaviors following a rape or assault experience.
Chaplains can help remind victims their feelings are a
normal reaction to an abnormal and traumatic
experience.
Return to menu
Rape Trauma Syndrome
RTS follows a linear pattern of recovery, but
victims may spend more time in one stage and less in
others or may loop back through one or more stages
repeatedly before progressing on. It is worth
repeating the obvious, each victim’s response is
unique.
Since, most victims do NOT follow a set
pattern, and many professionals question the idea
that anyone ever fully “recovers” from a sexual
assault, caregivers should stress to victims that each
person’s response is different and there are no
“timelines” for recovery.
Return to menu
Shock Phase
Typically occurs immediately and lasts for several
days to weeks after the assault. May include:
•
Disbelief, anxiety, and fear
•
Self-blame, guilt and self-hatred are common
•
Lost trust in own judgment and decisions
•
Lost trust in others’ ability to respect or empathize
•
Physical symptoms may include:
–
Insomnia
– Nightmares
– Depression
–
Loss of appetite
– Irritability
– Headaches
–
Nausea
– Stomach Aches
– Diarrhea
Effects can be ongoing and chronic unless there is
support for the victim from qualified personnel as well
as from family members and friends.
Return to menu
Adjustment Phase
Can appear several days to weeks after the
assault depending upon the coping mechanisms of
the victim, the severity and type of the assault, the
victim’s relationship to the offender, the victim’s prior
trauma history, and the meaning the victim attaches
to the assault.
Critical to the victim’s recovery are the
support system and reactions of family, friends, first
response groups, and others to the assault.
The greater the humiliation or fear for his/her
life, the longer it will take to get through this phase.
Return to menu
Adjustment Phase
Initial characteristics of this phase include:
•
Victim loses interest in seeking help and wants to talk
less about the experience
•
Physical distress diminishes and nightmares lessen in
frequency and/or severity
•
Victims may attempt to reorganize and “move on”
–
Move to a new home or city
–
Change jobs
–
Seek a new phone number
–
Victims in counseling may choose a new counselor or
cease sessions altogether
Beginning about six weeks after the assault:
•
Beginning to cope
•
Repeated testing for pregnancy and STDs
Return to menu
Depressed Phase
Because the person seems to begin
recovery in the previous stage, moving into this stage
may cause alarm to the victim or family members and
friends. This stage may last several days to several
months and may include:
•
Loss of self-esteem as defenses breakdown
•
Flashbacks or nightmares
•
Uncertainty about being able to control life and
environment
•
Crying
Return to menu
Depressed Phase
Physical symptoms and behaviors may include:
•
Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
•
Fatigue, headaches, stomachaches, and other
unexplainable aches and pains
•
Noticeable changes in behavior or interests (i.e.,
decreased interest and enjoyment of activities,
sports, hobbies, going out with friends, etc.)
•
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
•
Neglect of responsibilities and personal appearance
Return to menu
Integration Phase
During this final phase of recovery, the victim
may withdraw from contact with other people, and
can recycle through prior phases, especially the
depressed stage.
Some victims return to counseling while
others do not.
The emotional and psychological damage
suffered during sexual assault can be permanent.
Sexual assault can lead to severed relationships,
permanently change a victim’s outlook, and result in a
more serious psychological disorder described in the
next section.
Return to menu
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Sexual assault is among the most violent of
crimes. In response to an assault, many victims
develop short and long-term psychological disorders,
including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
major depression, and general anxiety, among other
reactions.
It is not unusual for sexual assault victims to
experience PTSD. Nearly a third of rape victims
report they have contemplated suicide or experienced
PTSD or Major Depression. A 1992 study suggested
94% of rape victims who reported a recent rape met
the criteria for PTSD two weeks after the attack.
Return to menu
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms of PTSD include:
•
Chronic anxiety
•
Depression
•
Flashbacks
Symptoms develop after significant trauma
like combat, natural disaster, or violent crime. PTSD
can be triggered by something one has experienced
or a traumatic event someone has simply witnessed.
Sexual assault is considered one of the most
prevalent triggers for PTSD.
Return to menu
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is influenced by multiple factors including:
•
Age and developmental maturity of the victim
•
Support network available to the victim
•
Victim’s relationship to the attacker
•
Response to the attack by police and medical personnel
•
Response of victim’s loved ones to the attack
•
Frequency, severity, and duration of the assault(s)
•
The setting of the attack
•
Level of violence and injury inflicted
•
Response of the justice system
•
Community attitudes and values
•
Meaning attributed to the event by the victim
Return to menu
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is diagnosed by mental health professionals
and is characterized by all of the following:
•
Symptoms usually begin within three months of the
trauma
•
Diagnosed if symptoms continue more than a month
•
Some victims recover relatively quickly; others feel
the lasting effects of their victimization throughout
their lifetime
•
Occasionally PTSD doesn’t show up until years after
the event when triggered by another related or
unrelated event
Return to menu
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
•
To be diagnosed with
PTSD, the victim must
be experiencing
symptoms in each of
these three clusters at
least one month after
the assault:
Re-experiencing
–
–
–
–
•
Avoidance and Numbing
–
–
–
–
–
–
•
Upsetting memories
Flashbacks
Nightmares
Intrusive thoughts related to the assault
Actively avoiding trauma-related thoughts and memories
Loss of memory regarding particular aspects of the assault
Shutting down emotionally or feeling numb
Feeling disconnected
Difficulty concentrating
Avoidance of certain people/places associated with the
assault
Hyper arousal
–
–
–
Heightened sense of being on guard
Feeling “jumpy”
Difficulty sleeping
Return to menu
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Victims who have experienced multiple
triggers in addition to their attack, (e.g., recently
returned from deployment to combat zone, witnessed
or experienced a serious accident, etc.) obviously will
experience greater levels of stress.
Uniformed victims of sexual assault may
exacerbate symptoms of PTSD already present from
a time in theater. Likewise, sexual assault victims
may seem to have recovered, and a deployment to a
combat area can trigger latent PTSD symptoms.
Return to menu
Summary
RTS, PTSD, and the symptoms we have
described, are considered normal reactions to an
abnormal and traumatic event.
Victims often state they fear they are “going
crazy” because of the way they feel. It may be helpful
to remind victims that the feelings, moods, and
physical changes they are experiencing are the
body’s normal part of recovery and the healing
process.
Return to menu
Summary
Victims of sexual assault are at higher risk
for suicidal ideation or attempts than the average
individual.
According to Victims of Rape and Sexual
Harassment (Kilpatrick, 1997) a national survey of
women demonstrated over 13% of rape victims
attempted suicide as compared to 1% of women who
were not crime victims.
A victim who discloses any suicidal
ideation should be referred to a healthcare
provider immediately!
Return to menu
Summary
PTSD is a mental health diagnosis.
However, it is critical chaplains and other caregivers
be aware of the symptoms in order to recognize
potential signs and assist in referring victims, with
their permission, to proper medical channels for
professional care.
At the same time, there is another condition
with which caregivers must also be familiar and
careful to avoid. That is Secondary Victimization
which is covered in the next unit.
First, however, it’s time for another
checkpoint to review what we’ve learned.
Return to menu
Checkpoint
Military Medical personnel are required to file a police
report when a sexual assault victim seeks medical
treatment in a military facility.
True
False
Secondary Victimization
Secondary Victimization results from the
careless response of institutions, caregivers, and
individuals to the victim. Behaviors or attitudes that
explicitly or implicitly place blame for the assault on
the victim are examples that can cause Secondary
Victimization. Such actions may be unintentionally
communicated by family, friends, co-workers, and
care-givers, and can slow the victim’s recovery.
Chaplains must work aggressively to
identify and assist the victim in avoiding situations in
which such behaviors may be encountered.
Return to menu
Secondary Victimization
Here are practical ways a chaplain can help
prevent or minimize secondary victimization:
•
Be careful not to demonstrate personal attitudes and
behaviors that are condescending or judgmental of the
victim or individuals close to the victim
•
Report to the SARC any concerns regarding
inappropriate or victimizing behavior by first responders
or other personnel. It is the responsibility of the SARC
to address these concerns within the appropriate chainof-command
•
Help other caregivers become aware of the damaging
consequences of secondary victimization
Return to menu
Secondary Victimization
In addition to helping steer victims around
potential secondary victimization “landmines,”
chaplains must primarily be attuned to the spiritual
needs of the victim. This requires an understanding
of and sensitivity to cultural and religious differences
as discussed in the next section.
Return to menu
Cultural and Religious Sensitivities
A victim’s reaction to an assault is likely to
be influenced by the victim’s cultural and religious
background. When working with a victim who shares
many of the same values and cultural and religious
background, the victim’s behavior is generally more
predictable than if the victim is of an unfamiliar
religious or cultural orientation.
To address the needs of each individual,
chaplains must recognize, acknowledge, and accept
cultural and religious differences. Ideally, any
advocacy program will include caregivers
representing a wide range of cultures and faiths to
help educate responders.
Return to menu
Cultural and Religious Sensitivities
The SARC or chaplain can identify other
agencies, civilian and military, that can provide
assistance to victims from diverse backgrounds.
These agencies may include:
•
Rape crisis centers
•
Local AIDS task force
•
Ethnic-oriented service groups or business organizations
•
Community action agencies
•
Religious or ethnic oriented social service agencies
•
Student services or international offices at local colleges
or universities
•
Domestic violence shelters
Return to menu
Pastoral Issues
•
A chaplain should be
aware of how the
victim’s culture or
religious orientation
may affect the
victim’s response to
the assault, medical
exam, counseling,
and investigation.
Issues to consider
include:
The victim may have been a virgin until the assault
In the victim’s culture, losing one’s virginity before marriage
may be a sin punishable by death or may simply be
opposed to one’s personal moral or religious beliefs. Such
an individual may experience more profound levels of selfblame and a belief s/he his somehow “dirty” or “damaged.”
•
The forensic exam may be the victim’s first
gynecological exam
This may be cause for additional anxiety, fear, or
embarrassment for the victim.
•
Emergency contraception
A victim may decline emergency contraception due to
personal religious beliefs or cultural values. Medical
personnel can work with victims to ensure they are given
adequate information on the potential consequences of
their choices.
Return to menu
Summary
Awareness of the physical and
psychological consequences of sexual assault will
help the Chaplain provide support, education, and
appropriate referrals to assist victims in their
recovery process. Familiarity with cultural and
religious factors that may affect a victim’s reaction to
sexual assault allows the Chaplain to respond to
each victim with greater sensitivity and awareness to
each individual’s unique needs.
Return to menu
Checkpoint
Secondary victimization is a direct result of what?
A. Sexual assault
A
B. Sexual harassment
B
C
C. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
D. Response of individuals to victims of any of the
D
above
Final Test
Sorry!
You cannot take the final test until you have
completed the training. Please return to the main
menu and complete the remaining units and
checkpoints before returning here to take your final
test. Good luck!
Return to menu
Certificate
Sorry!
You cannot view or print the certificate until
you have completed the training and received at least
70% score on the final test. Please return to the main
menu and complete the remaining units and
checkpoints before returning here to print your
certificate of completion.
Return to menu