The document discusses how societal gender norms have perpetuated intimate partner violence and abuse. It analyzes how norms position men as overly sexual beings entitled to women's bodies and women as subservient to men's needs. This confusion norms create around sexuality and consent has enabled intimate partner violence. The document also examines how a website combats myths that justify abuse. Finally, it discusses how norms requiring men to prove masculinity through aggression and viewing women as property have fostered environments that tolerate intimate partner violence.
Men can also be victims of sex trafficking. However, they often face disbelief that they could be victims due to gender stereotypes. Services for male trafficking victims are also lacking. For example, few shelters allow male victims or have separate services for men. Additionally, male victims may face stigma and shame for admitting they were victimized. It is important to recognize that both men and women can be traffickers or trafficked and provide support services to all victims of sex trafficking.
This document discusses the persistence of rape culture in the 21st century. It argues that rape culture stems from societal views of masculinity that teach men to assert dominance over women, as well as from the normalization of sexual violence in schools, media, and on college campuses. The document provides statistics on sexual assault and examines how historical views of rape laws, portrayals of gender roles, sexual harassment in schools, and the exploitation of women in media and entertainment have collectively reinforced a culture where rape is tolerated and victims are not believed or supported.
Victim blaming occurs when victims of crimes or accidents are held responsible, in whole or in part, for the crimes committed against them. This blame can come from legal and medical professionals, the media, and friends and family. There are several reasons why people blame victims, including the just world hypothesis where people believe the world is just and people get what they deserve, attribution error where too much blame is placed on personal characteristics rather than situational factors, and invulnerability theory where people blame victims to reassure themselves that the same thing won't happen to them. Victim blaming has negative effects as it discourages crime reporting and causes psychological distress for victims.
Estimated to have the potential to cost Australian business $609 million a year by 2021,
domestic and family violence is a national pandemic that every person, family and company
needs to acknowledge, and take steps to address.
This document discusses intimate partner violence against women. It notes that many women initially believe the abuse is their fault, when in reality the abuser is at fault. The document aims to help shift women's perspectives on victimization by empowering them to speak out, leave abusive situations, and prevent future abuse. Intimate partner violence is a serious issue that affects millions of women worldwide regardless of demographic factors. Abuse can be physical, sexual, psychological and can damage women's health. Risk factors include gender inequality, lack of control over social factors, and adherence to traditional gender roles. The cycle of violence used by abusers aims to maintain control over women through stages including violence, remorse, promises of change, victim blaming, and
This document discusses internalized misogyny and how it differs from sexism. It provides definitions of terms like sexism, hostile sexism, and benevolent sexism. It then defines internalized misogyny as the subconscious projection of sexist ideas onto other women and oneself. The document discusses how internalized misogyny is spread through various societal institutions and media influences, and the negative impacts it can have on mental health and female relationships. Examples of internalized misogyny in media like movies are provided.
This document discusses domestic violence, including definitions, statistics, stories, and perspectives from Catholic social teaching. It defines domestic violence as physical, psychological, emotional, or economic abuse against intimate partners or family members. Statistics provided indicate that domestic violence disproportionately affects women and children globally. The document references Catholic teachings advocating for human dignity and against violence and oppression of women. It discusses the role of shelters and organizations in supporting survivors of domestic violence.
Men can also be victims of sex trafficking. However, they often face disbelief that they could be victims due to gender stereotypes. Services for male trafficking victims are also lacking. For example, few shelters allow male victims or have separate services for men. Additionally, male victims may face stigma and shame for admitting they were victimized. It is important to recognize that both men and women can be traffickers or trafficked and provide support services to all victims of sex trafficking.
This document discusses the persistence of rape culture in the 21st century. It argues that rape culture stems from societal views of masculinity that teach men to assert dominance over women, as well as from the normalization of sexual violence in schools, media, and on college campuses. The document provides statistics on sexual assault and examines how historical views of rape laws, portrayals of gender roles, sexual harassment in schools, and the exploitation of women in media and entertainment have collectively reinforced a culture where rape is tolerated and victims are not believed or supported.
Victim blaming occurs when victims of crimes or accidents are held responsible, in whole or in part, for the crimes committed against them. This blame can come from legal and medical professionals, the media, and friends and family. There are several reasons why people blame victims, including the just world hypothesis where people believe the world is just and people get what they deserve, attribution error where too much blame is placed on personal characteristics rather than situational factors, and invulnerability theory where people blame victims to reassure themselves that the same thing won't happen to them. Victim blaming has negative effects as it discourages crime reporting and causes psychological distress for victims.
Estimated to have the potential to cost Australian business $609 million a year by 2021,
domestic and family violence is a national pandemic that every person, family and company
needs to acknowledge, and take steps to address.
This document discusses intimate partner violence against women. It notes that many women initially believe the abuse is their fault, when in reality the abuser is at fault. The document aims to help shift women's perspectives on victimization by empowering them to speak out, leave abusive situations, and prevent future abuse. Intimate partner violence is a serious issue that affects millions of women worldwide regardless of demographic factors. Abuse can be physical, sexual, psychological and can damage women's health. Risk factors include gender inequality, lack of control over social factors, and adherence to traditional gender roles. The cycle of violence used by abusers aims to maintain control over women through stages including violence, remorse, promises of change, victim blaming, and
This document discusses internalized misogyny and how it differs from sexism. It provides definitions of terms like sexism, hostile sexism, and benevolent sexism. It then defines internalized misogyny as the subconscious projection of sexist ideas onto other women and oneself. The document discusses how internalized misogyny is spread through various societal institutions and media influences, and the negative impacts it can have on mental health and female relationships. Examples of internalized misogyny in media like movies are provided.
This document discusses domestic violence, including definitions, statistics, stories, and perspectives from Catholic social teaching. It defines domestic violence as physical, psychological, emotional, or economic abuse against intimate partners or family members. Statistics provided indicate that domestic violence disproportionately affects women and children globally. The document references Catholic teachings advocating for human dignity and against violence and oppression of women. It discusses the role of shelters and organizations in supporting survivors of domestic violence.
This document provides information from a 2009 presentation on victim and survivor resources. It defines key terms related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and LGBTQQI identities. It presents statistics on domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and violence within LGBTQ relationships. It discusses myths and facts about domestic violence and addresses myths specifically related to LGBTQ relationships. The document emphasizes that abuse occurs across all groups and that size, gender identity, and BDSM do not determine who the abusive partner is in a relationship.
This document provides an overview of resources for marginalized communities experiencing interpersonal violence. It discusses campus and community initiatives, including those at the Jean Nidetch Women's Center. It aims to broaden understanding of violence in different communities to effectively address it as a social issue. Key points covered include definitions, theoretical frameworks, types of abuse, and addressing myths versus facts. Statistics on reporting and resources for LGBTQ and immigrant communities are also presented.
Assessment and Reporting of child sexual abuse in elementery schoolKaroline Khamis
The document discusses definitions, statistics, and protocols related to sexual assault and domestic violence. It defines sexual assault and battery according to Nevada law and provides statistics on the prevalence of these crimes. The effects on victims and importance of trauma-informed practices and victim-centered responses are covered. Mandated reporting procedures and collaboration with community partners are also outlined.
This document discusses violence against women. It begins by defining physical and emotional abuse. Statistics show that 35% of women worldwide experience intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence. Emotional abuse seeks to control victims through isolation, intimidation, and controlling behavior. The "power and control wheel" and "cycle of violence" models demonstrate how abuse evolves from the abuser's need for power and control over their victim. Children who witness domestic violence can develop long-term issues like PTSD. Prevention efforts focus on raising awareness, education, and ensuring resources are available to help victims.
Campus culture and institutional responses often facilitate and camouflage acts of sexual violence. Victims frequently do not report assaults due to believing little will be done or justice gained. Additionally, rape myths promoted on campuses increase instances of sexual violence by justifying acts. Factors that contribute to sexual violence include sex-role socialization, rape myths, lack of sanctions for abuse, male peer group support, pornography consumption, and all-male membership groups.
Trends in female crime are complex compared to male crime. While female crime makes up a smaller percentage, it has been increasing, especially for minor property crimes and substance abuse. There are differences in the types of crimes committed by men and women, with women more likely to commit property crimes like theft. The causes of female crime are varied and can include personal factors like education level, as well as family issues, lack of opportunities, and social or legal system failures. Understanding the underlying causes of female crime is important for developing strategies to reduce it.
Gender differences in offending rates can be explained by sociological theories. The chivalry thesis argues that women are less likely to be prosecuted due to leniency from male criminal justice agents. However, feminists believe the criminal justice system is patriarchal and punishes women harshly for deviating from gender norms. Sociological evidence suggests patriarchal control reduces female offending through domestic responsibilities and fear, while males use crime and violence to construct masculinity when lacking legitimate means.
Domestic violence against men is a serious issue. The document discusses several cases in Britain where men have been physically abused by their wives through actions like being scratched, kicked, bitten, or attacked with bottles and knives. A refuge organization reported that some abused fathers had moved into their safe house with their children to escape abuse that for many men had lasted an average of six years, and included being beaten with iron bars or threatened with knives. While the actual number of abused men is unknown due to underreporting, studies estimate that in the U.S. roughly 300,000 to 400,000 men are treated violently by their partners each year.
The document discusses domestic violence, including definitions, characteristics, myths, statistics, and the impact on victims. It also covers theories related to domestic violence, such as symbolic interactionism and feminism. The author presents information on domestic violence shelters, policy implications, and the influence of culture, including discussions of domestic violence in South Asian and military cultures.
A description of corporate social responsibility to which we encourage IBM to support the stopping of domestic violence. Domestic Violence statistics are given and reasons why IBM should support this cause.
Violence against women has occurred throughout history and in all societies. In India, women have faced both domestic and public violence physically, emotionally, and mentally, despite India giving rise to leaders of non-violence. Violence against women is linked to their status in society, which has declined over time as women lost rights and faced increasing control, objectification, and punishment. Today, violence against women in India has reached alarming proportions and occurs in over 30 forms from female feticide to bride burnings. Addressing the root causes and attitudes that enable this violence will require coordinated efforts from women's groups, lawmakers, and society as a whole.
This document discusses trends in female offending based on various data sources. It finds that while males generally commit crimes at much higher rates than females, the gaps may be closing according to some official data. However, self-report data indicates the gender gap is stable or increasing. While most offenses show gender stability over time, some crimes like prostitution are female-related, and embezzlement/fraud are gender-neutral. Factors like joining gangs, drug use, abuse and homicide patterns differ for males and females as well.
This document discusses theories around gender differences in crime and deviance. It notes that official crime statistics show most recorded crimes are committed by men. Various explanations for this are discussed, including biological theories, socialization/sex role theories, social control theories, and lack of opportunities. More recently, postmodern theories have looked at concepts like transgression. Theories have also examined how masculinity relates to crime, with some men feeling pressure to demonstrate aggression, control, and oppositional behavior to affirm their masculinity.
White ribbon campaign and dash smith ransom 2Brianna Smith
The document discusses dating violence and abuse prevention programs run by the White Ribbon Campaign and DASH. It provides information on the organizations' missions to educate youth and the public on healthy relationships. Statistics are presented on the prevalence of teen dating abuse, including that 1 in 4 teens experience abuse. Warning signs of abusive relationships and tactics of control used by abusers are identified. The importance of believing survivors and supporting organizations that help victims is emphasized.
Ppt made on gender related issue ('women in crime')ihedce
This document discusses women who commit crimes in India. It notes that while most convicted offenders are male, women also engage in criminal acts like shoplifting, theft, fraud, and prostitution. The reasons women commit crimes include needing money, taking revenge, gaining power, or feeling unrewarded. While crimes by women are often underreported, the document argues they are on the rise in India. It provides examples of famous female criminals in India and examines how society and the legal system sometimes treat women criminals differently than men.
The document discusses the historical and ongoing issues of violence against Indigenous women in tribal communities, including high rates of sexual assault and the barriers Native women face in accessing justice systems. It also outlines culturally appropriate responses to sexual assault, such as involving traditional healers and addressing jurisdictional complexities, and calls for the development of Indigenous-based sexual assault response teams to better serve Native victims.
Victoria Ybanez presented to the Kalispel Tribe on July 31 and August 1, 2013 about domestic and sexual violence. The presentation explored how native women experience the highest rates of domestic violence and sexual assault in the US. It defined domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It discussed myths and facts about these issues, barriers victims face in reporting, and the impact on victims. It also outlined the complex systems victims may navigate and emphasized enhancing victim safety.
The document discusses issues related to violence against Native American women and teens. It notes that Native American women experience disproportionately high rates of violence and rape compared to other groups. They are over 2 times more likely to be raped and have nearly 50% higher rates of violent crime. The document also notes that at least 70% of violence against Native Americans is committed by non-Native offenders. It goes on to discuss the impact of colonialism and internalized oppression in contributing to high rates of violence today. The document also discusses the epidemic levels of teen dating violence and lack of awareness and resources for teen victims.
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Domestic ViolenceAdam Motiwala
This document discusses domestic violence and its effects. It covers four main types of domestic abuse: emotional/mental, physical, sexual, and financial. It notes that domestic violence most often affects women, with 85% of victims being female. The text also discusses the cycle of abuse, signs of abuse, and effects on children who witness domestic violence. It provides statistics on the prevalence and underreporting of domestic violence. Throughout, it aims to start a conversation on this difficult topic and provide information to recognize and address domestic abuse.
This document summarizes and discusses religious discrimination against minority religions in the United States. It provides several examples of how the legal rights of minority religions have been limited by the Supreme Court in recent decades, such as restricting fundraising, limiting access to public spaces for religious expression, and not allowing certain religious practices even if they do not harm others. The document also discusses how minority religions often have to petition state legislatures for exemptions from general laws and policies in order to freely practice their faith, whereas majoritarian Christian faiths rarely require such exemptions. This establishes an inherent favoritism toward mainstream religions in law and policy.
This document summarizes a research paper about the impact of charter schools on urban public school systems, using Detroit schools as a case study. It finds that while some charter schools have had success, they have not been a panacea and their rapid growth in Detroit has led to increased segregation. It also discusses critics who argue that charter schools privatize education and are motivated by profit rather than student outcomes. The document advocates for reform of existing public schools rather than replacing them with charter schools.
This document provides information from a 2009 presentation on victim and survivor resources. It defines key terms related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and LGBTQQI identities. It presents statistics on domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and violence within LGBTQ relationships. It discusses myths and facts about domestic violence and addresses myths specifically related to LGBTQ relationships. The document emphasizes that abuse occurs across all groups and that size, gender identity, and BDSM do not determine who the abusive partner is in a relationship.
This document provides an overview of resources for marginalized communities experiencing interpersonal violence. It discusses campus and community initiatives, including those at the Jean Nidetch Women's Center. It aims to broaden understanding of violence in different communities to effectively address it as a social issue. Key points covered include definitions, theoretical frameworks, types of abuse, and addressing myths versus facts. Statistics on reporting and resources for LGBTQ and immigrant communities are also presented.
Assessment and Reporting of child sexual abuse in elementery schoolKaroline Khamis
The document discusses definitions, statistics, and protocols related to sexual assault and domestic violence. It defines sexual assault and battery according to Nevada law and provides statistics on the prevalence of these crimes. The effects on victims and importance of trauma-informed practices and victim-centered responses are covered. Mandated reporting procedures and collaboration with community partners are also outlined.
This document discusses violence against women. It begins by defining physical and emotional abuse. Statistics show that 35% of women worldwide experience intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence. Emotional abuse seeks to control victims through isolation, intimidation, and controlling behavior. The "power and control wheel" and "cycle of violence" models demonstrate how abuse evolves from the abuser's need for power and control over their victim. Children who witness domestic violence can develop long-term issues like PTSD. Prevention efforts focus on raising awareness, education, and ensuring resources are available to help victims.
Campus culture and institutional responses often facilitate and camouflage acts of sexual violence. Victims frequently do not report assaults due to believing little will be done or justice gained. Additionally, rape myths promoted on campuses increase instances of sexual violence by justifying acts. Factors that contribute to sexual violence include sex-role socialization, rape myths, lack of sanctions for abuse, male peer group support, pornography consumption, and all-male membership groups.
Trends in female crime are complex compared to male crime. While female crime makes up a smaller percentage, it has been increasing, especially for minor property crimes and substance abuse. There are differences in the types of crimes committed by men and women, with women more likely to commit property crimes like theft. The causes of female crime are varied and can include personal factors like education level, as well as family issues, lack of opportunities, and social or legal system failures. Understanding the underlying causes of female crime is important for developing strategies to reduce it.
Gender differences in offending rates can be explained by sociological theories. The chivalry thesis argues that women are less likely to be prosecuted due to leniency from male criminal justice agents. However, feminists believe the criminal justice system is patriarchal and punishes women harshly for deviating from gender norms. Sociological evidence suggests patriarchal control reduces female offending through domestic responsibilities and fear, while males use crime and violence to construct masculinity when lacking legitimate means.
Domestic violence against men is a serious issue. The document discusses several cases in Britain where men have been physically abused by their wives through actions like being scratched, kicked, bitten, or attacked with bottles and knives. A refuge organization reported that some abused fathers had moved into their safe house with their children to escape abuse that for many men had lasted an average of six years, and included being beaten with iron bars or threatened with knives. While the actual number of abused men is unknown due to underreporting, studies estimate that in the U.S. roughly 300,000 to 400,000 men are treated violently by their partners each year.
The document discusses domestic violence, including definitions, characteristics, myths, statistics, and the impact on victims. It also covers theories related to domestic violence, such as symbolic interactionism and feminism. The author presents information on domestic violence shelters, policy implications, and the influence of culture, including discussions of domestic violence in South Asian and military cultures.
A description of corporate social responsibility to which we encourage IBM to support the stopping of domestic violence. Domestic Violence statistics are given and reasons why IBM should support this cause.
Violence against women has occurred throughout history and in all societies. In India, women have faced both domestic and public violence physically, emotionally, and mentally, despite India giving rise to leaders of non-violence. Violence against women is linked to their status in society, which has declined over time as women lost rights and faced increasing control, objectification, and punishment. Today, violence against women in India has reached alarming proportions and occurs in over 30 forms from female feticide to bride burnings. Addressing the root causes and attitudes that enable this violence will require coordinated efforts from women's groups, lawmakers, and society as a whole.
This document discusses trends in female offending based on various data sources. It finds that while males generally commit crimes at much higher rates than females, the gaps may be closing according to some official data. However, self-report data indicates the gender gap is stable or increasing. While most offenses show gender stability over time, some crimes like prostitution are female-related, and embezzlement/fraud are gender-neutral. Factors like joining gangs, drug use, abuse and homicide patterns differ for males and females as well.
This document discusses theories around gender differences in crime and deviance. It notes that official crime statistics show most recorded crimes are committed by men. Various explanations for this are discussed, including biological theories, socialization/sex role theories, social control theories, and lack of opportunities. More recently, postmodern theories have looked at concepts like transgression. Theories have also examined how masculinity relates to crime, with some men feeling pressure to demonstrate aggression, control, and oppositional behavior to affirm their masculinity.
White ribbon campaign and dash smith ransom 2Brianna Smith
The document discusses dating violence and abuse prevention programs run by the White Ribbon Campaign and DASH. It provides information on the organizations' missions to educate youth and the public on healthy relationships. Statistics are presented on the prevalence of teen dating abuse, including that 1 in 4 teens experience abuse. Warning signs of abusive relationships and tactics of control used by abusers are identified. The importance of believing survivors and supporting organizations that help victims is emphasized.
Ppt made on gender related issue ('women in crime')ihedce
This document discusses women who commit crimes in India. It notes that while most convicted offenders are male, women also engage in criminal acts like shoplifting, theft, fraud, and prostitution. The reasons women commit crimes include needing money, taking revenge, gaining power, or feeling unrewarded. While crimes by women are often underreported, the document argues they are on the rise in India. It provides examples of famous female criminals in India and examines how society and the legal system sometimes treat women criminals differently than men.
The document discusses the historical and ongoing issues of violence against Indigenous women in tribal communities, including high rates of sexual assault and the barriers Native women face in accessing justice systems. It also outlines culturally appropriate responses to sexual assault, such as involving traditional healers and addressing jurisdictional complexities, and calls for the development of Indigenous-based sexual assault response teams to better serve Native victims.
Victoria Ybanez presented to the Kalispel Tribe on July 31 and August 1, 2013 about domestic and sexual violence. The presentation explored how native women experience the highest rates of domestic violence and sexual assault in the US. It defined domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It discussed myths and facts about these issues, barriers victims face in reporting, and the impact on victims. It also outlined the complex systems victims may navigate and emphasized enhancing victim safety.
The document discusses issues related to violence against Native American women and teens. It notes that Native American women experience disproportionately high rates of violence and rape compared to other groups. They are over 2 times more likely to be raped and have nearly 50% higher rates of violent crime. The document also notes that at least 70% of violence against Native Americans is committed by non-Native offenders. It goes on to discuss the impact of colonialism and internalized oppression in contributing to high rates of violence today. The document also discusses the epidemic levels of teen dating violence and lack of awareness and resources for teen victims.
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Domestic ViolenceAdam Motiwala
This document discusses domestic violence and its effects. It covers four main types of domestic abuse: emotional/mental, physical, sexual, and financial. It notes that domestic violence most often affects women, with 85% of victims being female. The text also discusses the cycle of abuse, signs of abuse, and effects on children who witness domestic violence. It provides statistics on the prevalence and underreporting of domestic violence. Throughout, it aims to start a conversation on this difficult topic and provide information to recognize and address domestic abuse.
This document summarizes and discusses religious discrimination against minority religions in the United States. It provides several examples of how the legal rights of minority religions have been limited by the Supreme Court in recent decades, such as restricting fundraising, limiting access to public spaces for religious expression, and not allowing certain religious practices even if they do not harm others. The document also discusses how minority religions often have to petition state legislatures for exemptions from general laws and policies in order to freely practice their faith, whereas majoritarian Christian faiths rarely require such exemptions. This establishes an inherent favoritism toward mainstream religions in law and policy.
This document summarizes a research paper about the impact of charter schools on urban public school systems, using Detroit schools as a case study. It finds that while some charter schools have had success, they have not been a panacea and their rapid growth in Detroit has led to increased segregation. It also discusses critics who argue that charter schools privatize education and are motivated by profit rather than student outcomes. The document advocates for reform of existing public schools rather than replacing them with charter schools.
The document discusses the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). It provides background on WIC, including its origins, eligibility requirements, funding levels, and number of participants. The central argument is that WIC eligibility may need to be more closely monitored given that Medicaid expansion could allow for more lenient income eligibility standards and greater expansion of WIC. Key sources used quantitative data and analysis to examine the relationship between Medicaid policy and WIC participation levels.
The document discusses means-tested welfare programs and universal programs like Social Security. It argues that means-tested programs are stigmatized because only a minority receive benefits, fueling discrimination. In contrast, universal programs tend to expand over time without stigma since most Americans benefit. Initially, Social Security and other New Deal programs excluded many groups like African Americans and women. However, the popularity of universal programs allowed them to gradually expand coverage to more groups. While means-testing draws negative attention, universalism promotes inclusion and closing of economic gaps.
This document analyzes how racial identities have directly impacted socioeconomic success in the United States. It examines three examples: the Tape family achieving social "whiteness" and greater opportunities through appearing white; views of whites as greedy fueling stereotypes that reinforced their higher status; and police targeting of Chicanos based on race, which both caused harassment and led some Mexican-Americans to adopt a Chicano identity. Together these examples show how race and perceptions of race have dictated and maintained class differences in American society.
Second Set of Case Briefs Due December 3Mikaela Haley
The document provides summaries of several Supreme Court cases related to civil liberties and equal protection under the 14th Amendment. It summarizes the facts, issues, holdings, reasoning, decisions, dissents, and significance of cases including Lochner v. New York, U.S. v. Carolene Products, Roe v. Wade, Planned Parenthood v. Casey, Lawrence v. Texas, Plessy v. Ferguson, and Brown v. Board of Education. The summaries concisely outline the essential details and outcomes of the landmark cases.
1. Mikaela Haley
October 26, 2014
MC 388
Document Analysis Paper
1
Intimate Sexual Partner Violence and Abuse Today
Intimate Partner Violence is a reality for many men and women in relationships due to a
societal emphasis on gender norms creating an environment in which violence is allowed to
continue. American gender roles have perpetuated rape and violence by providing the
appearance that men are overly-sexual beings and that wives should tend to their husband’s
needs. Women are viewed as the being who must set the limits during intimacy, but men are
conflicting-constantly lusting over the woman. Gender norms convinced a society that men and
women conflict sexually, and because of this, violence ensues.
The Healing Center is a website published in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, dedicated to
providing information and support for victims of intimate partner abuse. It provides information
to the victim on how to tell if they have been abused, and provides sources for further
information as well as free support groups for victims throughout this year. The Healing Center’s
support website confirms that gender norms are harmful by counteracting them on their a page
entitled “Myths v. Facts”, they confront common statements like “Women say ‘no’ but mean
yes”, “a husband cannot rape his wife” and “women have no reasons to claim rape if they
previously had sexual contact with the acquaintance or are not a virgin” (TheHealingCenter.org).
The center specifically blames gender for the first cited statement claiming “Women and girls are
socially conditioned to be hard to get” (TheHealingCenter.org). Women are supposed to follow
sexual nuances: being hard to get, but not too hard, and being sexual enough to please their man,
but not too sexual as to be a whore. The cite claims that these nuances confuse men, making
them think that many denials are in fact just “playing hard to get”.
The website differentiates between rape and abuse by a partner versus a stranger clearly:
2. Mikaela Haley
October 26, 2014
MC 388
Document Analysis Paper
2
“…it is a physical and sexual violation and a huge betrayal of trust. The person who is
assaulting you is a person whom you thought you knew intimately, and with whom you
share a history and possibly a home and/or children…Intimate partner sexual violence is
so destructive because it betrays the fundamental basis of the relationship, calling into
question everything you thought you knew about your partner, the relationship, and even
yourself. You end up feeling betrayed, humiliated, and very confused”
(thehealingcenter.org)
Intimate Partner Violence is particularly traumatizing because of the level of trust the
victim had felt for their attacker. Rape by a partner is further traumatizing because unlike a rape
by the stranger, the victim must see her attacker frequently and may even live with her rapist.
Furthermore, considering the victim is in a relationship with the attacker, it is likely that the
attacker has had appealing characteristics and has gained the affection or even love of the victim.
This leads to a confusing state of mind because the victim becomes torn between the man that
loved her and cared for her, and the man that abused her (McOrmond-Plummer, 30-35). The fact
that the victim is in a relationship with their attacker creates confusion for many victims because
of previous consensual actions and a trust between partners that previously existed. The notion
that women are to serve their male counterparts remains in society today; women who deny their
men risk being blamed for their own attacks because they were not tending to their partner.
Due to the confusion that many victims feel, the website explains what acts are
considered intimate partner violence, such as coercion into sex, the forcing of sex by holding the
victim down, or sexually torturing and humiliating the victim (thehealingcenter.org). Much of
the confusion is a result of the presumptions of what a woman’s role is in a marriage. Louise
3. Mikaela Haley
October 26, 2014
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McOrmond-Plummer explains how gender roles mold perceptions of wrong and right in
marriage: “…women who have experienced IPVS may not know that they were raped because
they, too, have been socialized to accept stranger rape as real rape” (McOrmond-Plummer, 33).
Women have been told that as a wife, they are supposed to serve their husbands, even sexually.
If the victim had not wanted sex and their husband forced it upon them, many victims and
attackers, as well as third parties, might consider it as a punishment for not performing their duty
as a wife, or even the husband taking what is his. Male entitlement reinforces notions that
women are supposed to serve men, that they are property.
Male entitlement is displayed in Sex in the Heartland by Beth Bailey, focusing on the
1950s-1970s, numerous times by emphasizing the sexual needs of men and the task of the wife
to abide by those needs but also to limit men when unwed: “…men and women were
fundamentally different creatures, with different roles and interests in sex. In sex, as in life,
proponents of this ideological system insisted, women were the limit setters and men the
aggressors” (Bailey, 76). Referring to men as aggressive in such a matter-of-fact way only
enables a culture in which men attacking women could continue because instead of it only being
viewed as a crime, it becomes viewed as a natural state.
Bailey further reveals a concept of over-sexual males that cannot control themselves by
quoting a psychiatrist who blamed women for their own attacks: “…a woman sometimes plays a
big part in provoking her attacker by the way she dresses, her actions and overall attitude and
appearance” (Bailey, 198). Here, men appear to have no will power and become so turned on
because of what the woman is wearing or saying that they must have sex with her, even if it is
not wanted by the women. This also displays male entitlement because it is saying “women
4. Mikaela Haley
October 26, 2014
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Document Analysis Paper
4
promote rape by turning on their attackers. How dare she turn him on and then say ‘no’?” Men
are conditioned by society to be sexual figures whom pride themselves on their sexual
explorations, whereas women are supposed to only be sexual enough to please their husbands,
but not too sexual as to be viewed as a prostitute or whore. As a result, some men have found
that their “uncontrollable urges” are a valid excuse for sexual assault and rape. Because women
are expected to please their husbands, then it appears as reasonable that rape could not be
legitimate if by a husband, considering he was taking what appeared to be his own property.
It takes generations two change social norms, making it possible that gender norms have
not shifted significantly since Bailey’s writing. The struggles of the Sexual Revolution remain
today because the generations from the 1950s and 1970s are still alive and teaching their kin
what is expected of them in society. Traditional ways of thinking, although appearing outdated,
remain in America today: media continues to portray women as serving to men’s needs sexually,
home economics classes are still considered mainly female classes, in which women take care of
cooking and cleaning for their future husbands, and the old saying “boys will be boys” still rings
true today when talking about male children who have done something wrong. Gender norms
have been established decades ago for America, and traditional thinking underlays many realities
of the present time.
Gender norms have played a further role in intimate partner violence by imposing an
environment in which men constantly have to reinforce their masculinity, as shown by Elizabeth
Mansley’s Intimate Partner Violence: Race, Social Class and Masculinity: “It’s hard to be a
man. You’ve got to prove it constantly…Women are told to be emotional. We fight all the time
because women want us to be emotional…they trying to force us. The only way I know how to
5. Mikaela Haley
October 26, 2014
MC 388
Document Analysis Paper
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react to force is with more force, with violence” (Mansley, 1). Men’s constant necessity in
`proving their masculinity enforces an idea that solving issues by violence or brute force is
acceptable. When subjects of Mansley’s research used force in order to get what they wanted,
they received social validation for their actions, further perpetuating attacks by making the
actions appear acceptable, even warranted (Mansley, 8).
Mansley states that according to Bureau of Justice Statistics, there were 475,900 intimate
violence cases against women in 2004. This figure reveals that despite the Sexual Revolution,
gender norms have remained and still affect marriages today. The role of women in marriage is
still a moral debate that has left room for Intimate Partner Violence to be tolerated. If the
perception that women were to serve their husband was eliminated, and gender norms no longer
emphasized, any toleration of abuse would be squandered. Societal gender norms are not of the
past, and have harmful inflictions on society today, causing sexual conflict over men and
women. Without these pervasive gender norms, sexual assaults could occur less and become less
confusing for the many victims that have experienced abuse.
6. Mikaela Haley
October 26, 2014
MC 388
Document Analysis Paper
6
Work Cited
Intimate Partner Violence Today
Bailey, Beth L. Sex in the Heartland. Cambridge, MA: Harvard UP, 1999. Print.
Mansley, Elizabeth A. Intimate Partner Violence: Race, Social Class, and Masculinity.
El Paso: LFB Scholarly Pub., 2009. Print.
McOrmond-Plummer, Louise, Patricia Easteal AM, and Jennifer Y. Levy-Peck,
eds.Intimate Partner Sexual Violence: A Multidisciplinary Guide to Improving Services
and Support for Survivors of Rape and Abuse. London: Jessica Kingsley, 2014. Print.
"The Healing Center - Intimate Partner Abuse." The Healing Center. The Healing Center,
2014. Web. 10 Oct. 2014. <http://www.thehealingcenter.org>.