1
|
Marshall SM. A Novel Method to Examine Public Communications and Policy Representations: A Case Example of Hawai'i's Perspective on Juveniles Involved in Commercial Sexual Activity. Public Health Rep 2022; 137:38S-45S. [PMID: 35775912 DOI: 10.1177/00333549221107005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Public policy may be strongly influenced by the language used in the media to discuss issues. This language can create a policy image or policy representation that frames the issue as being either deserving or undeserving of policy aid. This policy representation, in turn, may influence the direction of public policies proposed to address the issue. This article presents the development of a codebook for systematically examining the language used in the media to create these policy representations. Framing theory and a qualitative content analysis approach were used to develop the codebook, using a 4-part taxonomy: problem definition, causal interpretation, moral evaluation, and policy recommendation. The issue of juveniles involved in commercial sexual activity in Hawai'i was used as a case study to guide creation of the codebook. Pilot study data were drawn from Hawai'i's local newspapers and from testimony submitted to the Hawai'i State Legislature during 1985-2016. A set of coding schemes built on the 4-part taxonomy was based on the dichotomous attitude of juvenile criminality and juvenile exploitation. Pilot data indicated that juveniles are increasingly being represented as victims of sexual exploitation (newspaper, 45%; testimony, 90%), and the presence of thematic elements in the media strongly correlated with this overall shift. A key lesson learned was the ability of the codebook to capture episodic and thematic elements, which may have strong implications for those concerned with populations that are exploited, politically marginalized, and in need of policy aid. Another key lesson learned was the strength of the codebook to collect quantitative and qualitative data that may lie outside carefully constructed dichotomous frames (eg, a policy representation of juveniles as survivors) and the media's prevailing narratives (eg, the experience of sexual minority juveniles).
Collapse
|
2
|
Franklin CA, Garza AD. Sexual Assault Disclosure: The Effect of Victim Race and Perpetrator Type on Empathy, Culpability, and Service Referral for Survivors in a Hypothetical Scenario. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2021; 36:2327-2352. [PMID: 29502508 DOI: 10.1177/0886260518759656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The aftermath of sexual assault warrants further attention surrounding the responses provided by those to whom survivors disclose, especially when perpetrator type or victim race may affect whether the bystander response is supportive or attributes culpability to the victim. Disclosure responses have significant consequences for survivors' posttrauma mental health and formal help-seeking behavior. The current study used a sample of 348 self-report, paper-and-pencil surveys administered during the fall 2015 semester to a purposive sample of undergraduate students with a mean age of 20.94 years old at a midsized, Southern public university. Survey design included a randomly assigned 2 × 2 hypothetical sexual assault disclosure vignette. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of perpetrator type (stranger vs. acquaintance) and victim race (White vs. Black) on empathic concern, culpability attributions, and resource referral. Between-subjects factorial ANOVA and multivariate ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models were estimated to identify the role of vignette manipulations, participant-sexual victimization history, and rape myth acceptance on empathy, culpability, and resource referral for the sexual assault survivor portrayed in the vignette. Multivariate analyses included main effects and moderation models. Findings revealed increased culpability and decreased resource referral for victims of acquaintance rape as compared with stranger rape, independent of victim race. Although no direct victim race effects emerged in the multivariate analyses, race moderated the effect of culpability on resource referral indicating culpability attributions decreased resource referral, but only when the victim was Black . Implications from the results presented here include a continued focus on bystander intervention strategies, empathy-building techniques, and educational programming targeting potential sexual assault disclosees and race stereotypes that disadvantage victims of color.
Collapse
|
3
|
Litam SDA, Lam ETC. Sex Trafficking Beliefs in Counselors: Establishing the Need for Human Trafficking Training in Counselor Education Programs. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COUNSELLING 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10447-020-09408-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
4
|
Buller AM, Pichon M, McAlpine A, Cislaghi B, Heise L, Meiksin R. Systematic review of social norms, attitudes, and factual beliefs linked to the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 104:104471. [PMID: 32371213 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite growing interest in the role of social norms in perpetuating the harmful practice of sexual exploitation of children and adolescents (SECA), little is known about the state of the literature on this issue. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aims to summarize what associated norms, attitudes and factual beliefs have been identified by the SECA literature worldwide. METHODS Multiple database searches were conducted using controlled vocabulary and keywords referring to SECA. RESULTS Our searches identified 3690 unique references. After applying our exclusion criteria, 49 studies, including over 14,000 participants from 37 countries and most world regions, were included. Across studies we identified six injunctive norms perpetuating SECA: owning goods as a social status marker ; being sexually active; exchanging sex for favors; contributing financially to the household; stigma and discrimination against young people who experienced SECA; and lack of social sanctions for SECA perpetrators. These norms were supported by enhanced tolerance of SECA when it involved older or more physically developed adolescents and when it occurred in poverty-affected contexts. Beliefs around markers that denote adolescents' readiness for sex; men's entitlement to sex; and the perceived benefits of intergenerational relationships, also contributed to the maintenance and reproduction of SECA. Findings from all regions suggested that marginalized young people are particularly vulnerable to SECA. CONCLUSIONS Interventions to reduce SECA must consider individual, social, and structural factors and how they interrelate. Context-specific social norms interventions are needed to address harmful norms, promote protective norms, and improve services for those who have experienced SECA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Buller
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, Kings Cross, London, WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom.
| | - Marjorie Pichon
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, Kings Cross, London, WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom.
| | - Alys McAlpine
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, Kings Cross, London, WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom.
| | - Beniamino Cislaghi
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, Kings Cross, London, WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom.
| | - Lori Heise
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N. Wolfe Street, Room E4644, Baltimore, MA, 21205, USA.
| | - Rebecca Meiksin
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, Kings Cross, London, WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li JCM, Cheung CK, Jia CXS, Mlyakado BP. Exploitation, Offense, or Private Issue? Guardians' Perceptions and Self-Efficacy in Handling Girl Compensated Dating in Hong Kong. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2019; 34:3034-3055. [PMID: 27578389 DOI: 10.1177/0886260516665106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Compensated dating (CD) has emerged as a global concern since the 1990s. Although considerable empirical research has been conducted to assess the patterns of and factors influencing CD, limited information is currently available on the attitudes of guardians (e.g., social workers, police officers, parents of students, and community representatives) in a Chinese community toward this issue. Using survey data collected from 962 guardians, the current study analyzes the guardians' perceptions of CD and their self-efficacy in handling this issue. Results show that these guardians perceive CD to be exploitative or harmful and that their self-efficacy in handling this issue was low. In particular, social workers appeared to be considerably tolerant for this phenomenon. Perceptions of CD were partly predictable by age, gender, and educational attainment, whereas self-efficacy was partly predictable by experience working with cases involving CD. This study represents the first attempt to analyze the guardians' views on a new form of child abuse. Moreover, this research has implications for social intervention, policy, and future research.
Collapse
|
6
|
Lewis KR, Robillard A, Billings D, White K. Differential perceptions of a hypothetical sexual assault survivor based on race and ethnicity: Exploring victim responsibility, trauma, and need for social support. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2019; 67:308-317. [PMID: 29952734 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2018.1472096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Explore the ways in which a sample of college women interpret racially/ethnically coded vignettes to understand their perceptions of responsibility and trauma experienced by a hypothetical female sexual assault survivor and her need for social support. Participants: Convenience sample of college women (N = 51) attending a large, predominately white university in the Southeastern United States recruited between January and March 2013. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned one of three vignettes describing a hypothetical date rape scenario. Vignette scenarios were identical except for discrete statements coded to signify either an African American, Latina, or white female student. Participants responded to open-ended questions that gauged their interpretations of responsibility, trauma, and social support. Results: Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses revealed six overarching themes, including overt victim blaming/shaming, justification of the sexual assault, and perceived need for social support. Conclusions: Findings point to the significance of including race in discussions about and programs that address sexual assault on college campuses to ensure that all women who experience sexual violence receive the support that they need.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaleea R Lewis
- a Arnold School of Public Health, Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior Department , University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
| | - Alyssa Robillard
- a Arnold School of Public Health, Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior Department , University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
| | - Deborah Billings
- a Arnold School of Public Health, Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior Department , University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
| | - Kellee White
- b Arnold School of Public Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics , University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cunningham KC, Cromer LD. Attitudes About Human Trafficking: Individual Differences Related to Belief and Victim Blame. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2016; 31:228-244. [PMID: 25389189 DOI: 10.1177/0886260514555369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Human trafficking is believed to oppress millions of people worldwide. Despite increased media attention and public awareness campaigns in recent years, no empirical research has examined public attitudes about human trafficking. The present study examined gender, sexual trauma history, and attitudes about human trafficking as they related to belief of a sex-trafficking scenario and willingness to blame the victim for the situation. Undergraduate students (N = 409) at a large private university in the Northeastern United States completed measures in which they responded to a vignette portraying sex trafficking in the United States. Participants also reported their personal trauma history and completed a Human Trafficking Myths Scale. Results indicated that gender and human trafficking myth acceptance, but not sexual trauma history, were significantly related to participants' belief of the sex-trafficking scenario and their perception of the victim's responsibility. Potential implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Collapse
|
8
|
Fawole OI, Dagunduro AT. Prevalence and correlates of violence against female sex workers in Abuja, Nigeria. Afr Health Sci 2014; 14:299-313. [PMID: 25320578 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v14i2.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies in Africa provide detailed descriptions of the vulnerabilities of female sex workers (FSWs) to violence. OBJECTIVE To document the prevalence and types of violence experienced by FSWs, identify the risk factors of experiencing violence to women (VAW) and the perpetrators of these acts. METHODS An analytical cross sectional survey of 305 brothel-based FSWs and in-depth interview of 20 chairpersons residing in brothels in Abuja, Nigeria was done. RESULTS The prevalence of VAW six months preceding the survey was 52.5%. Sexual violence was the commonest type (41.9%) of violence experienced, followed by economic (37.7%), physical violence (35.7%) and psychological (31.9%). The main perpetrators of sexual violence were clients (63.8%) and brothel management (18.7%). Sexual violence was significantly more experienced (aOR 2.23; 95%CI 1.15-4.36) by older FSWs than their younger counterparts, by permanent brothel residents (aOR 2.08; 95%CI 1.22-3.55) and among those who had been in the sex industry for more than five years (aOR 2.01; 95%CI 0.98-4.10). Respondents with good knowledge levels of types of violence were less vulnerable to physical violence (aOR 0.45; 95%CI 0.26-0.77). Psychological violence was more likely among FSWs who smoked (aOR 2.16; 95%CI 1.26-3.81). Risk of economic violence decreased with educational levels (aOR 0.54; 95%CI 0.30-0.99 and aOR 0.42; 95%CI 0.22-0.83 for secondary and post secondary respectively). Consequences of the violence included sexually transmitted infections (20%) and HIV (8.0%). CONCLUSION Interventions that educate FSWs on their rights and enable them avoid violence are urgently required. Young women need economic and educational empowerments to enable them avoid sex work.
Collapse
|