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Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Alcohol ADCO Summit 31 August 2010 Steven R. Zahl Senior Policy Analyst OPNAV N135. Overview of Presentation. Sexual Assault Overview of definitions/expectations Alcohol’s effects on perpetrators and victims
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Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Alcohol ADCO Summit 31 August 2010 Steven R. Zahl Senior Policy Analyst OPNAV N135
Overview of Presentation Sexual Assault • Overview of definitions/expectations • Alcohol’s effects on perpetrators and victims • Program development and policy implications • ABC video clip Domestic Violence • Overview of definitions/Central Registry Stats • Domestic Homicide/Lethality Indicators • Stalking and Violence
Definitions • Rape: Any person…who causes another person of any age, to engage in a sexual act via force…causing grievous bodily harm/fear…rendering another person unconscious by administering…a drug, intoxicant or other substance…impairing the ability of a person is guilty of rape. (paraphrase of UCMJ Article 120 (t)(1)) • Sexual Assault: Intentional sexual contact…by use of force, threat or abuse of authority…when the victim does not/cannot consent. Includes rape, nonconsensual sodomy, indecent assault, or attempts to commit these acts. (paraphrase of DoDI 6495.01) • Vast majority of rape/sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows!
Alcohol - Prevalence • Alcohol is the single most-often cited contributor to sexual assault • Alcohol-involved sexual assault – when consumption by the perpetrator and/or the victim: • At least 50% of reported cases • Often - both the perpetrator and the victim had been drinking
Causality • Research suggests that alcohol (or drugs) is involved in one-third to two-thirds of all sexual assaults ~ (NOT a causal factor!) • Majority of sexual assault victims (90%) indicated they were familiar with their perpetrator • 62% of Navy reported SA cases were Blue-on-Blue • Majority of Navy reported victims are female, 20-24 years old, E1-E4 • Majority of Navy perpetrators are male (96%), E1-E4 (42%) • About 50% occur on a “date”/social situation (party, bar) Citation: 2009 NAVINSGEN Sexual Assault Study
Alcohol Consumption • Alcohol effects behavior through two primary mechanisms: • Psychological: Beliefs about alcohol’s effects • Pharmacological: Cognitive and motor impairments
Alcohol’s Multiple Roles in Sexual Assault Prior to Assault: Psychological Effects of Alcohol Perpetrator:Victim: *Self expectancies* Self expectancies * Stereotypes about drinking women* Perpetrator’s selection of * Alcohol as a sexual signal victim During the Assault: Pharmacological Effects of Alcohol Perpetrator:Victim: * Cognitive impairments bias * Cognitive impairments bias perceptionsof woman riskassessment * Heightened aggression * Motor impairment After the Assault: Explanations Based on Alcohol Perpetrator:Victim: * Alcohol as post hoc excuse* Victim blamed for losing control 10
Prior to Assault - Beliefs about Alcohol • Beliefs/societal views of alcohol’s effect is based on: • cultural norms • personal experience • media images
Men’s Expectations • Many men believe alcohol: • Enhances sexual performance • Increases aggression • Lowers sexual inhibitions/increases arousal • Common stereotypes men have toward women who drink: • Negative perceptions of women who drink • Perceived as sexually available • More likely to view sex as ‘consensual’ if both man and woman have been drinking together
Cognitive Impairments • 2 standard drinks begins to impair functioning of ideas/thoughts, ability to interpret observations, problem solving, response inhibition, focus, etc. • Sexual assault often occurs in a dating context • If man is sexually aroused and feels a woman has “led him on” - then intoxication makes it easier to: • focus on his own arousal and sense of entitlement • ignore the woman’s signs of distress, continued refusals, and potential long-term negative consequences
Alcohol and Aggression • Numerous studies have demonstrated that at a BAC level of [.08 - .10]: • alcohol consumption increases men’s general aggressive behavior • Intoxicated men who read a research ‘date rape’ scenario were: • less likely to view what happened as violent • more likely to believe the victim enjoyed it • more likely to think the man acted appropriately • more willing to use force in similar situations
Intoxicated Perpetrators* • Do men who commit sexual assault when intoxicated differ from those who commit sexual assault when sober? • Using 16 behaviorally-specific questions: • 58% were aware of one/more sexual assaults • 18% attempted or completed a rape • 51% of perpetrators had been drinking alcohol: • typically, if he drank - she drank (>80%) • on average, each had 4-5 drinks * Research by: Abbey, A., Clinton-Sherrod, A.M., McAuslan, P., Zawacki, T., & Buck, P.O. (2003). The relationship between the quantity of alcohol consumed and the severity of sexual assaults committed by college men. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 18, 813-833.
Intoxicated Perpetrators - Groups • Research* compared 3 groups: • Did not perpetrate sexual assault 42.4% • Perpetrated onlywhen sober 26.4% • Perpetrated when intoxicated 31.2% 100% • 57.6% perpetrated a rape/sexual assault * Abbey, A., Clinton-Sherrod, A.M., McAuslan, P., Zawacki, T., & Buck, P.O. (2003). The relationship between the quantity of alcohol consumed and the severity of sexual assaults committed by college men. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 18, 813-833.
After the Assault - Explanations • Societal norms often justify men’s inappropriate behavior when intoxicated, a time out from normal rules • Particularly when a “release” is perceived as being needed • Interviews with date rapists: • I just got “a little carried away” while drinking • Real criminals use weapons & assault strangers
Alcohol Consumption • At each step where alcohol influences a perpetrators’ thoughts and actions - it also influences the victims’ thoughts and actions • What infractions are excused by a Sailors intoxication? • Alcohol increases the likelihood that sexual assault will occur
Women’s Alcohol Expectations • At a party/on a date, alcohol expectations are associated with: • sociability - having fun • relaxing - trust • letting their guard down - especially if interested in the man • Many women believe drinking puts other women at risk, but notthem!
Cognitive Impairments and Risk • What to do if Seaman Mark shows up at the door drunk with a pizza and a 6-pack? - many women let him in! • Intoxicated women are more likely to engage in behaviors that put them at risk and less likely to expect any negative outcomes In another study: • Intoxicated women reported feeling more conflict and uncertainty about how they should respond • This, led to less use of assertive resistance and increased use of polite resistance (no, no, stop!)
Alcohol and Motor Impairments • During an assault, individuals are unlikely to be able to resist effectively if intoxicated: • fewer resistance strategies - can’t think clearly • completed rapes are more common • At some level of intoxication, victims are unable to give consent - sex at this point is rape!
Perpetrators’ Selection of a Victim • Many perpetrators’ use the woman’s intoxication as part of their strategy: • target an intoxicated woman • deliberately encourage excessive drinking • Date rape drugs are rarely used - “Alcohol” is the drug of choice!
After the Assault - Explanations • Double standards about sex and alcohol may influence “blaming the victim” • Women are seen as responsible for: • controlling men’s sexuality • keeping things from going too far • losing control when intoxicated • Negative feelings toward intoxicated victims • Women tend to internalize society’s standards
Policy Implications • Intoxicated sexual assaults are rarely reported – Navy must have a system that is trusted to not penalize or blame victims • Educate and reinforce Navy policy regarding sexual assaults, sexual harassment and domestic violence with regards to alcohol use/abuse
We need to… • Coordinate alcohol, sexual assault and domestic violence programs and policies • Ensure alcohol education integrates sexual assault and domestic violence prevention • Evaluate Sailor’s attitude toward alcohol use: • is drunk & disorderly behavior acceptable in our Navy? • is a “work hard/party hard” attitude encouraged for our Sailors? • do Sailors “watch out” for shipmates?
Program Implications - Men • Sex with someone too intoxicated to consent is rape • What men label as seduction may be perceived as coercive by women • Don’t trust your perceptions of a woman’s level of sexual interest when intoxicated – direct/verbal consent is always required • Discourage unacceptable behavior when intoxicated • Do not excuse transgressions when intoxicated • Treat women as equals
Program Implications - Women • Ensure alcohol education programs focus on acquaintance sexual assault/domestic violence • Be cognizant of men’s perceptions of intoxicated women • Be aware of the effects of alcohol on yourself, do not ignore warning signs • Encourage clear, assertive communication on your lack of sexual interest • Use a trusted buddy system when drinking • Implement the Bystander Intervention concept [ABC Clip]
High Risk Domestic Violence
Definitions • Domestic Violence: An offense under USC, UCMJ or State law which involves the use, attempted use, or threatened use of force or violence against a person of the opposite sex who is, a current or former spouse, a person with whom the abuser shares a child in common, or a current or former intimate partner with whom the abuser shares or has shared a common domicile.(OPNAVINST 1752.2B) • Domestic Abuse: Domestic violence or a pattern of behavior resulting in emotional or psychological abuse, economic control, and/or interference with personal liberty when such violence or abuse id directed toward a person of the opposite sex who is: (1) a current or former spouse; (2) a person with whom the abuse shares a child in common; or (3) a current or former intimate partner with whom the abuser shares or has shared a common domicile. (OPNAVINST 1752.2B) • Domestic Violence: Is more about “power and control” over another person than anything else
Domestic Violence Navy FAP Central Registry Stats ReportedSubstantiated FY07 3,194 (18.5) 1,925 (11.1) FY08: 3,167 (18.8) 1,524 (9.1) FY09: 3,215 (19.2) 1,432 (8.6) • DV poses lethal risks to: • Adult victims • Children • Perpetrators • Navy population/community members (Rates per 1000)
Domestic Homicide • On average, more than 3 women are murdered in the U.S. by intimate partners every day • Of the 1,642 murders attributed to intimates in 1999, 74% were women and 26% were men • In 1999, intimate partner homicides accounted for 34% of the murders of women and 4% of the murders of men Citation for DV statistics: Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report, Intimate Partner Violence and Age of Victim, October 2001.
Lethality Indicators • Threats of homicide or suicide • Includes threats to the victim, children, her relatives, family pets • Thoughts of homicide or suicide • More detailed the fantasy about who, how, when, where to kill, the more dangerous • Acting out part of the fantasy • Availability of method • Sense of absolute “ownership” • “If I can’t have you, no one will.” • Espouses fundamental belief that women have no right to life separate from him
Lethality Indicators (cont) • Weapons • Possession • Use or threatened use in past • If history of arson, fire should be considered weapon • Centrality of partner • Heavy dependence on a partner to organize/sustain his life - has isolated self from other community support • Sees spouse leaving as “betrayal” • Pathological jealousy (Zelophobia) / possessiveness • Separation violence • Cannot envision life without partner • Separation causes extreme despair or rage
Lethality Indicators (cont) • Depression • Acutely depressed, with little hope of moving beyond depression may predispose a candidate for murder and/or suicide • Access to victim and/or family members • Homicide almost always occurs in the context of historical violence • Evidence of escalation despite legal intervention • Substance Abuse • Chronic Alcohol Abuse: Related to increased frequency and severity of violence (perpetrator) • Drug Abuse: Amphetamines, speed, angel dust, cocaine, crack of particular concern (perpetrator) • Impacts ability to take protective actions (victim) • Abuse during pregnancy • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Lethality Indicators (cont) • Escalation of personal risk undertaken by batterer • Begins to act without regard to legal and/or social consequences that previously contained violence • Hostage-taking • 75% to 90% of all hostage situations in the U.S. are related to DV situations • Police often at high risk when responding to DV cases • History of severe, life-threatening violence • Strangulation in particular • Stalking • Follows/spies on, leaves threatening notes, destroys property, recurrent phone calls
Murder-Suicide • About 1,500 deaths per year • Firearms are the overwhelming method • Alcohol/drug use is prevalent • Usually occurs at home/residence • There is no national tracking system • Murder of intimate partners is most common • Jealousy, fear of losing the relationship • 94.5% involved firearms; 90.4% of offenders were male • 73.7% involved an intimate partner; 76% occurred at home Citation: “American Roulette: The Untold Story of Murder-Suicide in the United States.” Violence Policy Center, 2002
Stalking Categories • Stranger Stalking • Cases involving celebrities and other public figures generally fall into this category • Acquaintance Stalking • May know each other casually, through formal or informal contact; may have dated once or twice • Intimate or former intimate Stalking • A history of domestic violence may exist • Intimate stalkers are most likely to be violent • A significant number of battered women murders are believed to be preceded by stalking Citation: “Stalking and Domestic Violence: The Third Annual Report to Congress Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)”
Stalking Statistics • 45% of women and 43% of men were overtly threatened by their stalkers • Requirement of overt threat of violence in Statutory Law may be problematic • By definition, you are stalked if experienced fear • 80% of the women stalked by intimates have been physically assaulted by them • An estimated 1 million adult women and 400,000 adult men are stalked annually in the U.S. Citation: Tjaden/Thoennes (2001) “Stalking in America: Findings from the National Violence Against Women Survey”
Stalking and Gender • Victims: • 78% female • 22% male • Stalkers: • 94% male, as reported by females • 60% male, as reported by males • Vast majority of Victims know their stalker: • 59% of females and 30% of males were stalked by some type of intimate partner • 23% of females and 36% of males were stalked by strangers • State of relationship involvement for women: • 21% during • 43% after • 36% during and after
Emotionally Abusive Behavior • An Ex-spouse is significantly more likely to: • Be jealous and/or possessive • Provide arguments in his favor, limit her point of view • Limit her contact with family and friends • Insist on knowing where she is at all times • Make her feel uncomfortable, shout/swear at her • Degrade her as a human being • Frighten her, prevent her from working outside the home • Prevent her from knowing about or having access to family income/finances • Insist on changing residences when she didn’t need or want to
Take Home Messages • Alcohol’s role is still very complex! • Alcohol effects are driven by both psychological and pharmacological factors • Alcohol exacerbates the likelihood of sexual assault or domestic violence occurring • Alcohol use is NOT a cause of sexual assault or domestic violence!
Questions • Thank you all for what you do!! • Any Questions? • You can contact me at: • Steven.zahl@navy.mil • (901) 874-4355/DSN 882-4355