There are a variety of criminal acts that happen daily around the world. People who are involved in these vicious acts of violence become victims. Victims do not ask to be involved and be hurt by acts of violence. Once that happens, it changes lives forever. The life of the victims and their families will never be the same because of the terror and fear they have had to endure. The offenders who cause this terror are either apprehended for their crimes or left to continue the horrific pattern of violence. The two main types of violence that occur is date rape and family violence. These types of crimes have occurred numerous times by individuals whom the victim knew and had trusted. These are those traumatic types of violence because not only is the individual victimized, but they are done so by someone they knew. Most of the time these two crimes are rarely committed by complete strangers.
The term date rape is referred to a crime of rape done between two people who were either on a date or friends hanging out together. It is a violent act of forcible sexual behavior that occurs against the victims will. The victim does not want to the sexual act to occur but the perpetrator forces the sexual act against the victim. Normally when two people have sexual encounters it is because both parties agree to do so. Rape is when two people are together and one person forces sex on the other person when that person does not consent to do so. Date rape is non-consensual and occurs with the victim knowing the rapist. The victim may have thought they were safe with this person because the victim knew that individual and did not think that person would something to hurt them.
For rape date rape victims there are resources available to help them cope and protect themselves. After silence is an organization that offers education and safety prevention information for victims of date rape. They give tips on self-defense for better protection and security. Another valuable tip is to never walk alone. Stay with a group of friends or have a buddy system to ensure that this type of crime does not have the ability to happen. If you have to meet someone alone do it in a well-lit area in a public setting. Scream loudly to scare off the rapist and to let others nearby know you’re in trouble. Pay attention to your surroundings and set firm boundaries up front with someone you are going to be involved with. Let them know what you are not comfortable with and pay attention to details and actions of the person you’re with. These useful resources can help a person be more familiar with ways to protect themselves and to not put themselves in danger. Always let someone know where you’re going to be in the case of an emergency situation occurs.
Another crime that occurs often is family violence. Family violence is a hard crime to comprehend because it is done by a family member. This could be domestic violence, sexual abuse, physical abuse, intimidation, coercion, assault, control, and psychological abuse. Victims of family abuse are often traumatized because the abuser is someone they know and had trusted. This type of crime is often not reported or the abuse lasts for a long period of time before any reports are made. It is caused by the fact the abuser is a close family member, and the victim may not want to get the family member into trouble. They may think that nothing will be done about the abuse because it is a family member.
The investigation and prosecution of family violence can be difficult. The victim may not want to press charges because they do not want to their family member to go to jail. The victim may feel afraid and fear repercussions if they testify against the abuser. “Victims and abusers who will not cooperate can cause a great deal of difficulty when investigating and collecting enough evidence to prosecute” . Normally it is easier to investigate and prosecute a stranger of violence than a family member.
There are resources for victims of family violence. Several hotlines are available 24 hours a day for victims of family violence. Abuse shelter is available for emergency situations and gives people a safe place to stay. They offer legal assistance, therapy, and other services that the victim may need to stay safe and get through the horrific experience. Housing assistance is available for victims who need a place to stay. Mental health services are available for victims who may be experiencing depression, PTSD, and other psychological issues due to the violence. Government assistance programs are available for emergency help for victims who may need clothing, food, transportation, and medical care. Support groups are readily accessible to victims that will give them support and comfort. Child protective services can help family violence victims with keeping their children safe and to help maintain custody. They can offer protection for families who have become victims and assist children in the transition. Victims of rape and violence have many resources available to protect them and help them cope with the tragedies that have occurred.
Reference
John DeSantis. (2005). When ‘No’ is not Enough / Lack of Evidence can Make ‘Date’ Rape Difficult to Prove . Star News, 1-5.
Vilhauer, J. (1999). Understanding The Victim: A Guide To Aid In The Prosecution Of Domestic Violence. Fordham Urban Law Journal, 1-14.
