GIS Taiwan U++ Innovation Competition

Women-A Sexual Object?

Ganesh SubramanianResearch Scholar, Sathyabama University, Chennai,

Tamil Nadu, India

PREVALENCE Sexual assault is one of the most under reported crimes, with 60% still being

left unreported.

Males are the least likely to report a sexual assault, though they make up about 10% of all victims.

Approximately 2/3 of rapes were committed by someone known to the victim.

73% of sexual assaults were perpetrated by a non-stranger.

38% of rapists are a friend or acquaintance.28% are an intimate.7% are a relative.

Victims of sexual assault are:3

• 3 times more likely to suffer from depression. • 6 times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.• 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol. • 26 times more likely to abuse drugs.• 4 times more likely to contemplate suicide.

1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime.

About 3% of American men — or 1 in 33 — have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.

THE COSTS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

The Costs of Sexual Violence Impacts us AllIndividuals - Inability/loss of friendships and romantic relationships,

depression, sexual dysfunction, hospitalization, suicide disability, lower level of functioning

Relationships – Divorce, separation, psychological effects impacting the relationship, loss of income

Society – health care costs to government, individuals and insurance companies, loss of income, in and outpatient psychiatric costs, lost days of work, jail and court costs, loss of productivity and disability cost.

Role of our Society

Our society has done a fantastic job of teaching the rape survivor to

blame herself/himself for another person’s violence.

SEXUAL ASSAULT RISK REDUCTION TIPS

KNOW YOUR LIMITS AND BELIEVE IN YOUR LIMITS. IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS, STOP AND TALK ABOUT IT.

Communicate your limits clearly. Tell them quickly, firmly, and clearly. Polite approaches may be ignored or misunderstood. Say "No" when you mean "No.”

Talk with each other. Communication is the key to a good relationship. Don't assume your date will know how you feel or will eventually get the message.

Be aware of (your date's) actions. Pay attention to behaviors that are not respectful of you. Even the simple things --like put-downs, making all the decisions, or constantly teaching you. This may mean he does not respect your decisions or boundaries.

Make a scene if you feel threatened. Trust your intuition. If you feel you are being pressured, say so. Don't worry about a few minutes of embarrassment or awkwardness. They will pass. Stick with your friends at parties or get-togethers. Use the "buddy system."

Avoid using alcohol or other drugs. They interfere with your ability to think, act, or communicate clearly.

IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE BEING PRESSURED...

Try to stay calm. It's easier to think that way.

Be assertive. Clearly say that you are uncomfortable and want to leave or want the behavior to stop.

If possible, look for ways to escape. If it doesn't work, resist as long as it is safe for you to do so. If it is too dangerous to, stop. Submission does not mean consent.

Don't worry about being nice or hurting the other person's feelings -- think about your safety.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTION

1. Provide young people with information and comprehensive sexuality education.

2. Strengthen child protection and social protection measures to prevent exploitation of vulnerable children and adolescents.

3. Engage young people.

4. Engage communities in shaping a positive social environment that promotes healthy behaviour.

5. Establish laws and policies that respect young people’s rights.

6. Scale up proven interventions for HIV prevention.

7. Increase the number of adolescents and young people who know their HIV status.

8. Expand comprehensive services for young people living with HIV, paying special attention to adolescents.

9. Strengthen monitoring, evaluation and data reporting on young people, particularly adolescents.

Participant of GIS Taiwan 2015 U++ competition