drugs, alcohol, and sexual assault | CRJ 522 Psychological Factors in Criminal Justice | Ashford University

 Drugs, Alcohol, and Sexual Assault

Chapter 9 in the textbook addresses the issue of sexual assault. Reported incidents of sexual assault on college campuses, including military academies, continue to rise. Reported incidents of “date rape” and gang rape at parties and other social gatherings are also increasing. Unlike the laws concerning stalking that were discussed in this week’s reading, laws about sexual assault are clear, direct, and unambiguous. Yet, many offenders (and witnesses to sexual violence) have stated they did not interpret their actions, or those of the actual perpetrator(s), as sexual assault. What type and degree of social influence may be impacting this reported lack of understanding and awareness of sexual assault as a crime? What steps would you recommend, or endorse if they are already in place, as necessary to address this situation? Include information from your review of a relevant scholarly journal.

 Required Resource

Text

Bartol A., & Bartol C. (2019). Introduction to forensic psychology: Research and application (5th ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.

• Chapter 2: Police and Public Safety Psychology
• Chapter 8: Psychology of Violence and Intimidation
• Chapter 9: Psychology of Sexual Assault

Recommended Resources 

Websites

Office for Victims of Crime (Links to an external site.). (http://www.ovc.gov/)

• There are several professional organizations and the U.S. Federal Government who provide current and historical data and research regarding issues of mental health and the criminal justice system. This site can provide you with additional information to assist you in the development of both of this week’s discussion posts and the assignment. 

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (Links to an external site.). (www.theiacp.org)

• There are several professional organizations and the U.S. Federal Government who provide current and historical data and research regarding issues of mental health and the criminal justice system. This site can provide you with additional information to assist you in the development of both of this week’s discussion posts and the assignment.

Guided Response: Your initial post should be at least 300 words in length.