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The document summarizes a clinical trial, NCT06571513, that is investigating the use of telehealth-delivered written exposure therapy as a potential intervention for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a sexual assault. The trial aims to recruit 80 cisgender women who have recently experienced a sexual assault and are willing to participate in remote therapy sessions. Half of the participants will receive virtual written exposure therapy, while the other half will receive virtual unemotional writing control. The study is being conducted by the University of North Carolina and is expected to be completed by July 2026. The results of this trial will provide valuable data for the design and support of future large-scale trials and may inform the development of interventions to prevent PTSD after sexual assault. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of Melbourne examined the experiences of Australian nurses, midwives, and carers with domestic, family, and sexual violence. The study found that these healthcare professionals may be exposed to higher rates of violence in their personal lives compared to the general community. The research revealed that survivors of child abuse were three times more likely to experience both intimate partner violence and non-partner adult sexual assault. The study emphasizes the need for accessible and effective workplace interventions to prevent and address the negative impacts of violence on the health and well-being of these professionals. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Tufts University examined the impact of a sexual assault resistance program on intimate partner violence (IPV). The program, called the Enhanced Assess, Acknowledge, Act (EAAA) Sexual Assault Resistance program, was designed to help university-aged women resist sexual assault. The study found that women who participated in the program had a significantly lower risk of experiencing IPV compared to those in the control group. These findings suggest that the EAAA program is effective in reducing the risk of IPV and highlight the potential for programming that addresses multiple forms of gender-based violence. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the Faculty of Social Sciences have conducted a comparative legal analysis on efforts to prevent sexual violence and provide legal protection for women. The researchers found that the current regulations in the Criminal Code are insufficient in fully addressing the various forms of sexual violence. However, the enactment of Law number 12 of 2022 concerning criminal acts of sexual violence has provided clearer and more specific updates on the types of criminal acts and the rights and protection of victims. The research highlights the differences in legal provisions and protection between the Criminal Code and the new law. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the Department of International Relations examines the passing of the Sexual Violence Crime Law in Indonesia. The law, which was enacted in April 2022, was the result of a decade of deliberation and sparked controversy both inside and outside parliament. The research identifies the critical actors and actions that led to the passing of the law, as well as the institutional responses. While the passage of the legislation is seen as a step forward, the research concludes that it does not fully meet the requirements of a gender-sensitive parliament. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Foothills Medical Center examined the impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual violence on the mode of delivery in obstetric patients. The researchers found that patients with a history of IPV/sexual violence were more likely to deliver via caesarean section compared to those who did not have such a history. The study analyzed thirty studies with a total of 280,864 participants and concluded that routine obstetrical practices may potentially re-traumatize patients who have experienced IPV/sexual violence. The research suggests the need for further investigation and support for these patients during childbirth. [Extracted from the article]

A clinical trial is underway in Somalia to evaluate the effectiveness of the Communities Care (CC) program in preventing violence against women and girls. The program aims to change harmful social norms related to gender-based violence and increase confidence in services for women and girls. It will be implemented by the Comitato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo dei Popoli (CISP) NGO in partnership with the Somalia Ministry of Education and local women-led organizations. The study will use quantitative methods to measure outcomes among participants in the CC program and community members who do not participate. The program is funded by What Works to Prevent Violence Against Women and Children and is expected to be completed by November 2029. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of Central Florida examined the relationship between social connections and attitudes towards sexual violence. The study found that having connections to a workplace was protective against endorsing problematic sexual violence-related attitudes, such as rape myth acceptance and hostile sexism. Family connections were also found to be protective against disapproval of sexual consent, rape myth acceptance, and hostile sexism. However, the study also revealed that connections to a religious social group were unexpectedly found to be a risk factor. The study provides valuable insights into the complex factors that influence attitudes towards sexual violence. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Colorado explores the potential benefits of recreational martial arts practice for sexual assault survivors. The study found that martial arts may offer unique advantages, such as increased self-defense self-efficacy, empowerment, and corrective experiences with trauma reminders. Participants described multiple recovery benefits, including improved physical health, access to social support, and the ability to manage PTSD symptoms and triggers. The research suggests that martial arts could be a powerful tool for survivors, but further investigation is needed to determine how to structure the practice to ensure healing and empowerment. [Extracted from the article]

A new report on military medicine has been published by investigators from Leidos Corporation. The study focuses on sexual assault in the U.S. Military and the importance of recruiting representative samples for research. The study involved an anonymous survey of sexual assault and alcohol use among 612 active duty sailors aged 18 to 24, with women being oversampled to achieve sufficient representation. The research found that female sailors were more likely to participate in the study, but once enrolled, both male and female sailors completed the questionnaire at a similar rate. The findings highlight the challenges of engaging male service members in sexual assault-related research and suggest that researchers may need to sample according to the overall distribution of gender in the military or oversample men to achieve a representative sample. [Extracted from the article]

A new study from National Research University provides insights into gender and women's experiences during the Kazakh famine of 1930-1933. The research, based on archival sources and famine testimonies, explores topics such as motherhood, survival rates, and sexual violence. The study suggests that traditional parental norms collapsed during the famine, leading to a preference for saving sons over daughters. Additionally, the research highlights how sexual violence and barter took a different form in Kazakhstan, with abusers often forcing women to marry them as second wives. The study concludes that son preference and the sale of women reflect the patriarchal nature of nomadic society. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Pisa in Italy explored the relationship between the use of passive and active voice in online narratives of rape survivors and their psychological distress. The study found that passive voice narratives were associated with a greater focus on psychological distress, while active voice narratives emphasized the roles of family members and others in the survivors' experiences. These findings highlight the connection between language and mental health and have implications for therapeutic interventions. The study was published in Computers in Human Behavior and was funded by the EU NextGenerationEU program and PNRR-"SoBigData.it Strengthening the Italian RI for Social Mining and Big Data Analytics." [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Binghamton University explores the factors that influence men's decisions to use assault tactics in response to women's sexual refusal during hookups. The research found that men who held higher levels of rape myth acceptance, hypermasculinity, and psychopathy were more likely to engage in assault. Additionally, participants reported being more likely to use coercive sexual practices when refusals occurred at higher levels of sexual intimacy already attained. The study suggests that a subset of men with elevated assault-relevant traits and higher likelihoods of using coercion and force in the face of female sexual refusal had a disproportionate influence on the results. The research highlights the importance of identifying these factors and discusses the theoretical and practical implications of the findings. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Arizona focused on the needs of survivor-victims of sexual assault. The study found that support and services for these individuals should go beyond justice and include a holistic wellness perspective. Key informants from the service and justice sector emphasized the need for increased funding for existing interventions. The findings highlight the importance of involving survivor-victims in the planning and implementation of services. The full article can be accessed for free at the provided link. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from Pennsylvania State University challenges feminist approaches to understanding sexual violence against women. The study proposes a social psychological theory of aggression that emphasizes bounded rationality, suggesting that sex differences in sexuality lead men to attempt to influence women to have sex using various means. The research argues that sexual assault can be explained by bounded rationality and well-established social psychological processes. This study provides a different perspective on the motivations behind sexual violence and highlights the role of grievances in some cases. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University Gadjah Mada in Indonesia examines the challenges in protecting child victims of sexual violence within non-formal education institutions. The study utilizes a socio-legal framework and draws on data from Bantul Regency and Yogyakarta City. The findings indicate that while preventive and repressive measures have been enacted, the effectiveness of preventive measures is hindered by current regulations and prevailing social norms. The study suggests that future initiatives should prioritize non-penal approaches and enhance coordination mechanisms among local government agencies to mitigate the stigma faced by child victims of sexual violence. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers from Edith Cowan University in Joondalup, Australia, suggests that deliberate and effortful body gaze behavior in heterosexual men may be a marker for sexual objectification and potential propensities for sexual assault. The study involved 110 male participants who were shown images of fully and partially dressed women with and without injuries, while their physiological responses were measured. The findings indicate that body gaze behavior was correlated with attitudes that support rape myths, prior perpetration of sexual assault, a stronger association between erotica and aggression, and lower physiological reactivity towards partially dressed injured women. The study suggests that measuring and observing body gaze behavior could be useful for risk assessments, intervention efficacy, and public awareness. [Extracted from the article]

Slater Slater Schulman LLP has filed approximately 1,800 lawsuits in New York State under the Adult Survivors Act (ASA) on behalf of survivors of sexual assault. A recent investigative report by Gothamist revealed widespread sexual abuse and assaults committed by a guard named "Champagne" at the Rose M. Singer Center on Rikers Island. At least 24 women have filed ASA suits naming "Champagne," and 18 of them are represented by Slater Slater Schulman. The survivors' accounts highlight the failure of state and federal prison systems to prevent the sexual abuse of incarcerated women by correctional staff. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Bangalore, India, aimed to understand the extent and consequences of child sexual abuse (CSA) on the psychiatric well-being of children. The study included 100 children aged 6-17 years who had experienced sexual abuse. The findings revealed that more than half of the children had at least one psychiatric disorder, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) being the most common. The study emphasized the importance of evaluating the mental health of all sexually abused children, regardless of their demographic or abuse profiles, and highlighted the need for sensitizing parents and caregivers about the prevalence of acquaintance perpetrators. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Idaho State University explores the connection between sexual violence and cervical cancer screening participation. The study found that sexual violence survivors are less likely to participate in preventive healthcare behaviors, such as Pap tests, which can reduce the risk of developing reproductive health conditions like cancer. The researchers also discovered that the severity of sexual violence experienced by individuals was significantly associated with a reduced likelihood of participating in recommended cervical cancer screening. The study suggests that reproductive healthcare behaviors are influenced by experiences of sexual trauma and structural factors such as insurance and income. Further research and clinical implications are discussed. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Edith Cowan University (ECU) has found that men who frequently stare at women's bodies, rather than their faces, are more likely to hold harmful attitudes and exhibit behaviors that may lead to sexual assault. The study, led by Dr Ross Hollett, examined the correlation between pervasive body gaze behavior and markers of sexual assault propensity. The research suggests that men who engage in body gaze are more likely to hold insidious attitudes, perpetrate sexual assault, have stronger associations between erotica and aggression, and show lower emotional responses to images of partially dressed injured women. The study builds on previous research by validating the "pervasive body gaze scale" as a reliable marker of sexual objectification and assault propensity. Understanding these attitudes and behaviors is crucial for predicting and reducing the likelihood of sexual assault. Future research will involve implementing the body gaze scale in prevention or intervention programs and developing interventions to disrupt body gaze and encourage face gaze behavior. The study was published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behaviour. [Extracted from the article]

Dr. Alissa Ackerman and Casey Ballinger have been awarded the 2024 Gail-Burns Smith Award by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) and the Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse (ATSA). The award recognizes their outstanding contributions to preventing sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. Dr. Ackerman is the co-founder of Ampersands Restorative Justice, an organization dedicated to restorative justice for sexual harm, and Casey Ballinger is the Training and Technical Assistance Manager with the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCCASA). Both individuals have made significant contributions to the field through their research, advocacy, and support for survivors of sexual harm. [Extracted from the article]

A systematic review conducted by researchers at the University of South Carolina explores the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in disclosing and reporting sexual assault among young adults. The review examines how ICT design choices can impact the sexual assault disclosure process and identifies the functions of sexual assault disclosures and their connection to platform affordances. The findings highlight the need for a better understanding of how ICTs function as counter-discursive information spaces and suggest important considerations for redesigning ICTs to support sexual assault disclosure work. This research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into the topic. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Perth Children's Hospital in Western Australia evaluated the adherence to pediatric HIV postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) guidelines following child sexual assault (CSA). The study found that only 12% of the 511 CSA events were appropriately risk-assessed as requiring PEP, and less than half of the eligible children were adherent to the 28-day regimen. The researchers also identified areas in their PEP management that needed improvement and implemented a multifaceted follow-up program. The study highlights the need for standardized guidelines and further evaluation of the impact of these changes. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Miami aimed to understand the relationship between geolocational dating apps and technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) among university students. The study found that over half of the respondents reported experiencing some form of TFSV while using dating apps, with women and non-heterosexual students experiencing significantly more TFSV than male and heterosexual students. The researchers recommend implementing interventions to address campus social norms, comprehensive sexuality education, consent education, and improved regulation of TFSV by technology companies, particularly for cisgender, heterosexual women, and gender and sexual minorities. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Macquarie University in Australia have conducted a study on the history of rape in eighteenth-century Scotland. The research explores the connection between ideas of lust and the prosecution of rape during this time period. The study suggests that understanding the societal norms and attitudes towards emotions, including lust, can help explain the low prosecution rates for rape, even in cases where sexual violence was considered sinful. The research has been peer-reviewed and is available for further reading. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study investigated the use of passive voice versus active voice in online narratives of rape survivors. The study analyzed over 65,000 posts from Reddit's r/sexualassault board and found that passive voice usage was associated with a greater focus on psychological distress, while active voice usage was associated with a greater focus on the roles of family members. These findings suggest a link between language and mental health for rape survivors. It is important for mental health professionals and survivors to consider the impact of language on their experiences. Please note that this study has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

A pilot study conducted at Indiana University explored the effectiveness of a parent-based intervention to address alcohol-related sexual assault on a college campus. Parents of incoming college students participated in a small group intervention during summer orientation, which included discussions on alcohol use and sexual assault, bystander intervention, and communication tools. The study found that there was a decrease in the acceptability of giving consent for sexual activity while using alcohol after the intervention, but an increase in the endorsement of rape myths. However, parents reported feeling more confident in talking to their children about sexual assault after the intervention. This pilot study shows promise for parent-based prevention and sets the stage for further research in this area. [Extracted from the article]

A research study conducted at Prairie View A & M University in Texas examined the impact of perpetrator and victim gender on bystander behavior during a sexual assault. The study found that female victims of male perpetrators were most likely to be chosen for help, while male victims of female perpetrators were least likely to be chosen for help. The study also analyzed the rationale used by participants to make helping decisions, which varied depending on the gender of the perpetrator and victim. The full research article can be accessed for free through the provided link. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan School of Nursing aimed to develop a more inclusive Sexual Experiences Survey (SES) for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals who have experienced sexual assault. The researchers added gender-neutral language, assault types that are more common among these individuals, and coercion tactics specific to this population. The Gender-Inclusive SES (GI-SES) was piloted with transgender and gender-expansive undergraduates who had experienced campus sexual assault, and the results indicated that participants found the GI-SES to be inclusive and respectful. The GI-SES provides a valuable tool for researchers, clinicians, and service providers to better understand the unique experiences of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive sexual assault survivors. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Austin Peay State University explored ways to improve the effectiveness of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) in addressing sexual violence in correctional facilities. The study collected data from male and female residents of a prison system who had completed a peer-led trainer model on PREA. The findings suggested that training staff to be more knowledgeable about the traumas endured by sexual assault victims and ensuring the privacy of victims who report their abuse could enhance the implementation of PREA. The study's implications for policy are discussed in the article. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Murdoch University discusses the prevalence of drugs used in drug-facilitated sexual assaults (DFSA). The study conducted a literature review to determine the prevalence of specific substances, such as GHB, ketamine, and alcohol, in DFSA cases, with a focus on Australian data. The review found that the prevalence of these substances varied by country, with opioids being most prevalent in Northern Ireland and benzodiazepines in France. The study highlights the need for current data collection and analysis on DFSA reports and the drugs detected, as well as the assessment of prescription medications and their potential role in DFSA. [Extracted from the article]

During a high-level mission to Haiti, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) announced a $2.5 million First Emergency Response grant to provide access to quality education for children affected by violence, insecurity, and displacement. The grant will be delivered by UNICEF and other partners and will reach approximately 75,000 children in the Ouest and Artibonite Departments. The funding includes various initiatives such as cash transfers, school feeding programs, disability inclusion, and mental health support. Haiti is facing high levels of lawlessness and brutality, with a significant portion of the population in need of humanitarian aid. ECW and its partners are calling on world leaders to mobilize additional funding to support education in crisis-impacted countries. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Belgium explored the relationship between trauma exposure, social support, and mental health in the general population. The study found that trauma exposure was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Additionally, individuals who experienced multiple traumas had more symptoms compared to those who experienced a single trauma. The study also revealed that social support was lower among individuals with trauma exposure, and a significant portion of participants had never disclosed their trauma to anyone. The research highlights the importance of addressing trauma and providing support for individuals in Belgium. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Spain by the National School of Public Health aimed to describe the acceptance of myths surrounding sexual aggression among young women and men. The study found that these myths have a negative impact on aggressive behavior towards women, institutional approaches to sexual violence, and how women cope with it. The research revealed that men were more likely than women to accept myths that question allegations and severity of violence, and that individuals with lower levels of education and those of foreign-born origin were more likely to hold these myths. The study concludes that strategies are needed to reduce these myths, particularly among heterosexual men, individuals of foreign-born origin, and those with lower levels of education. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Clemson University discusses new findings in sex research, specifically the expansion of the Sexual Experiences Survey (SES) to include Technology Facilitated Sexual Exploitation (TFSE). The revised SES now includes a module with 10 items that assess different aspects of TFSE, such as receipt of sexual materials, unwanted sexual comments, and sharing of sexually explicit images. The addition of this module aims to ensure that researchers assess both in-person and cyber modalities of sexual exploitation. The research has been peer-reviewed and can be accessed through The Journal of Sex Research. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University explored the relationship between self-efficacy and recognizing and practicing healthy relationship and consensual behaviors. The study aimed to understand the protective factors that could be utilized in university prevention programming to prevent gender-based violence on college campuses. The results showed that self-efficacy has a significant relationship with a person's confidence in recognizing consent behaviors, practicing consent behaviors, and recognizing when they are in a healthy relationship. The researchers suggest that further research should be conducted to explore how self-efficacy can be a protective factor in preventing sex and relationship violence. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Girona in Catalonia, Spain, focused on addressing sexual violence (SV) among university students. The study found that SV is prevalent in university settings, particularly in leisure settings involving the consumption of alcohol and drugs. The researchers developed and implemented an educational intervention aimed at empowering students to develop healthy affective-sexual relationships and raise awareness about SV. The intervention resulted in increased understanding and awareness of SV among the participants, as well as a greater capacity to identify SV acts. The participants considered themselves agents of social change and were empowered to censor attitudes and behaviors that promote SV. This research contributes to the limited scientific evidence on SV prevention programs in Spanish universities. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from Tehran University of Medical Sciences highlights the need to identify protective factors for sexual assault. Sexual assault is a widespread issue, affecting both women and men. Studies have shown that a significant percentage of individuals have experienced sexual assault in their lifetime. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding the mental health consequences of sexual assault, such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicidal ideation. Additionally, the study suggests that there are protective factors that can reduce the risk of sexual assault, including bystander intervention, social support, avoiding risk behaviors, sexual assertiveness, resistance and self-defense, and coping strategies. [Extracted from the article]

A new qualitative study conducted by Bartin Universitesi aimed to understand the perceptions of women in Turkey regarding their sexual lives and whether they align with their desires or involve sexual violence. The study involved in-depth interviews with 18 women, and the data was analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed three themes: the importance of sexuality in marriage, the perception of sexuality as violence, and the effects of sexual violence. The participants emphasized that their expressions of sexuality differed from societal norms and that they occasionally experienced sexual violence. The study concluded that women viewed sexuality as a crucial aspect of marriage and reported instances of sexual violence and other forms of violence. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Ajman University in the United Arab Emirates discusses research on the effectiveness of an online training course in helping women resist various forms of violence. The study enrolled 108 women aged 18 to 48 who sought help from a voluntary online relief organization in Sudan and participated in the training for a year. The research found that the online course led to significant improvements in self-esteem, personal empowerment, and overall enhancement of rights and opportunities among the participants. The study highlights the potential of online education programs in addressing violence against women and emphasizes the importance of investing in digital solutions. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report discusses research conducted at Dell Medical School on military medicine, specifically focusing on the organizational capacity for sexual assault prevention within a US Army installation. The study aimed to identify the knowledge and skills possessed by sexual assault prevention personnel and to identify any gaps in organizational capacities. The research found that there were both proficiencies and gaps in capacity for sexual assault prevention, with areas such as tailoring training and having a victim advocate present during trainings being identified as proficiencies, while gaps included training to facilitate difficult conversations and selecting appropriate outcome measures. The study suggests that support using the Getting To Outcomes (GTO) process could be useful for improving the quality of program activities, but it would be more effective if paired with sufficient prevention infrastructure at the organizational level. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from Birmingham City University in the United Kingdom explores how undergraduate university students conceptualize consent in relation to sexual assault. The study found that gendered and heteronormative norms shape students' understanding of consent and impact consent discussions. The findings have implications for secondary school Relationship and Sex Education and consent campaigns aimed at university students. The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the International Journal of Educational Research. [Extracted from the article]