Throughout this semester, I've been collecting videos and articles as potential things to write about in this blog. For my last blog, I wanted to share all of the videos and articles I didn't get to. This shows that there has been more conversation with sexual assault and rape, but also how our society views it.
Why the Trump tape started a national conversation about sexual assault
A Doctor Who Treats Rape Survivors Seen As Nobel Peace Prize Contender
These bar employees can help stop sexual assault before it starts
Consent for kids
“Head Stuck in a Cycle I Look Off and I Stare” A personal letter from Gaga
She joked she was going to start stealing from drunk dudes to make a powerful point
'Dead or Alive' VR is basically sexual assault, the game
Alcohol does not rape people. People rape people.
Kellyanne Conway: If women, men had equal strength, 'rape would not exist'
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Rape Prevention Resource #2
Our rape resource project is an integration of sexual assault/rape discussion in the already implemented sexual education in the public schools. In our initial research, we found that the curriculum used in the school already discusses sexual assault and rape. However, we were unable to gain access to the curriculum.
So, I called up the high school (the age group we are focused on) and scheduled a meeting with the health teacher to speak about the FLASH curriculum. FLASH is the Family Life and Sexual Health curriculum that is utilized at Pullman High School.
And I had a really great conversation with the health teacher. I found that the curriculum is pretty comprehensive as it stands and that the lessons that deal with sexual assault (coercion and consent & healthy relationships) were pretty comprehensive. However, we did notice that there were a few aspects that could be adjusted to make the resource more direct when in discussing sexual assault.
First, the integration of using the word rape. (The scripted curriculum currently doesn't utilize the word 'rape)'. Especially since a sexual assault can be different than a rape. As it currently stands, the teacher can't use the word 'rape' unless the student brings it up. And while the teacher told me that students naturally bring up the word, the integration of this word in the curriculum would make it explicit.
The second thing would be integration of current cases, including the use of target testimony (whether in video or in person). This would create a reality of this problem in our society. Too often students, in their 'invincibility', don't realize that rape occurs and that it is a problem. Adhering to the current use of scenarios, the cases would be framed as a scenario in which the student would contemplate how the situation ended or what the target should do. After sharing their perspective, the students would be informed about the real nature of the event and told the outcome.
Finally, a transition from the 'no means no' campaign to a 'yes means yes' campaign. Currently, the curriculum focuses on 'no means no', but framing consent as a 'yes means yes' would be more impactful. This would include instruction on teaching students to voice their boundaries. For, it is important that students know that their sexual decisions are their own and not anyone else. While this last aspect would be controversial for many parents, it is still fundamental that students know that they need to voice their consent with a 'yes' for clear understanding.
So, I called up the high school (the age group we are focused on) and scheduled a meeting with the health teacher to speak about the FLASH curriculum. FLASH is the Family Life and Sexual Health curriculum that is utilized at Pullman High School.
And I had a really great conversation with the health teacher. I found that the curriculum is pretty comprehensive as it stands and that the lessons that deal with sexual assault (coercion and consent & healthy relationships) were pretty comprehensive. However, we did notice that there were a few aspects that could be adjusted to make the resource more direct when in discussing sexual assault.
First, the integration of using the word rape. (The scripted curriculum currently doesn't utilize the word 'rape)'. Especially since a sexual assault can be different than a rape. As it currently stands, the teacher can't use the word 'rape' unless the student brings it up. And while the teacher told me that students naturally bring up the word, the integration of this word in the curriculum would make it explicit.
The second thing would be integration of current cases, including the use of target testimony (whether in video or in person). This would create a reality of this problem in our society. Too often students, in their 'invincibility', don't realize that rape occurs and that it is a problem. Adhering to the current use of scenarios, the cases would be framed as a scenario in which the student would contemplate how the situation ended or what the target should do. After sharing their perspective, the students would be informed about the real nature of the event and told the outcome.
Finally, a transition from the 'no means no' campaign to a 'yes means yes' campaign. Currently, the curriculum focuses on 'no means no', but framing consent as a 'yes means yes' would be more impactful. This would include instruction on teaching students to voice their boundaries. For, it is important that students know that their sexual decisions are their own and not anyone else. While this last aspect would be controversial for many parents, it is still fundamental that students know that they need to voice their consent with a 'yes' for clear understanding.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
What about the rapist?
I recently read an article on the BBC as part of their 100 women of 2016. They cover women that are influential and inspirational women around the world. This particular article is focused on a female psychologist, Erin Sweeny, that works with rehabilitating rapists. In discussing her work, Sweeny shares that she believes that the commonality between all of her clients behavior is often related to neglect or abuse growing up. She recognizes the role that media plays in the objectification of women as well as a struggle with intimacy. Furthermore, she separates the individual from their behavior and tries to look for something redeemable about the person. In addition, she believes that if treatment is performed with the correct principles, this can lead to change in the sex offender's life.
This article provides a unique perspective on a rape act. First, in comparison to our class discussions, we did not have any conversation surrounding the health care that rapists receive (possibly related to a sentence that was given). While this care is important in preventing future rapes and/or assaults yet doesn't guarantee that it won't happen again, I think it is important to also think about the well-being of the psychologist that is treating the individual. In the article, Sweeny discussed how it was difficult at times to separate even herself from what the rapists were telling her. She would be infuriated with the details they told her. And this, once again, speaks to what we discussed in class--how a single act of rape can effect more than just the target, target's family, perpetrator, etc. The act extends beyond and to others.
The other perspective this addresses is how rapists are viewed. That is, Sweeny still views the rapist as a person that is separate from the act that they committed. I must admit, I myself find that hard to do. Especially when considering the violent nature of rape. But perhaps that is the approach she must take in order to protect herself emotionally while trying to encourage the rapist that they are more than the act to help with rehabilitation. It must be noted, I'm far from being a psychologist and am unaware of the approach that should be taken with rapists. These are just speculations at best. But it still should be evaluated for what it appears. And I just have a hard time making that separation.
I guess what I am struggling with reconciling is the idea that if someone makes a mistake--no matter what it is--will someone be able to forgive me and see that I can overcome the mistake that I made. I don't want to trivialize a rape as a mistake. This isn't the point at all. But it is still an important idea. How can a family member forgive a murderer that took away someone? How can a psychologist find a redeeming aspect of a rapist?
Perhaps this is a question that can only be answered by the person extending the forgiveness.
This article provides a unique perspective on a rape act. First, in comparison to our class discussions, we did not have any conversation surrounding the health care that rapists receive (possibly related to a sentence that was given). While this care is important in preventing future rapes and/or assaults yet doesn't guarantee that it won't happen again, I think it is important to also think about the well-being of the psychologist that is treating the individual. In the article, Sweeny discussed how it was difficult at times to separate even herself from what the rapists were telling her. She would be infuriated with the details they told her. And this, once again, speaks to what we discussed in class--how a single act of rape can effect more than just the target, target's family, perpetrator, etc. The act extends beyond and to others.
The other perspective this addresses is how rapists are viewed. That is, Sweeny still views the rapist as a person that is separate from the act that they committed. I must admit, I myself find that hard to do. Especially when considering the violent nature of rape. But perhaps that is the approach she must take in order to protect herself emotionally while trying to encourage the rapist that they are more than the act to help with rehabilitation. It must be noted, I'm far from being a psychologist and am unaware of the approach that should be taken with rapists. These are just speculations at best. But it still should be evaluated for what it appears. And I just have a hard time making that separation.
I guess what I am struggling with reconciling is the idea that if someone makes a mistake--no matter what it is--will someone be able to forgive me and see that I can overcome the mistake that I made. I don't want to trivialize a rape as a mistake. This isn't the point at all. But it is still an important idea. How can a family member forgive a murderer that took away someone? How can a psychologist find a redeeming aspect of a rapist?
Perhaps this is a question that can only be answered by the person extending the forgiveness.
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