module specification

This module runs in block mode.

In 2015-16 this module should run in Spring Semester - 11th, 12th, 25th, 26th February and 10th ,11th March.

This module will focus on forms of sexual violence in child and adulthood.  We will address:  incidence, prevalence and reporting; theoretical and explanatory frameworks; impacts and  meaning for victims/survivors; persistence and change with respect to legal frameworks, the justice system and support services; perpetrators and approaches to prevention.

None.

- to explore the extent and forms of sexual violence in child and adulthood
- to critically examine theoretical, conceptual and explanatory frameworks
- to locate legal reform, support services and policy development in historical and comparative
  contexts
- to examine the impacts and consequences for individuals and for gender and generational
  relations
- to explore prevention and work with perpetrators in context of contemporary sexual norms and
cultures

Theory, concepts and boundaries
Sociological, psychological and biological theories of sexuality and sexual crime, with an emphasis on feminist perspectives; definitions and overlaps between rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and sexual abuse; boundary issues between consent and non-consent, acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, including in the context of changing sexual cultures.

Prevalence, impact and meanings
Prevalence studies - methods and findings; debates on who defines 'rape' and how; reporting and seeking help; the framings of victim/survivor, trauma and harm; cultural constructs of honour, stigma and self-blame; constructions of identity in the aftermath of sexual violence and how women and children create personal safety

Law and the Criminal Justice Systems
The Sexual Offences Act 2003 will form a framework for exploring law reform, and comparative data on attrition will provide a basis for explorations of commonalities and differences in international approaches to adult rape and sexual abuse in childhood.

Support services in historical and comparative contexts
Emergence and constitution of rape crisis centres, survivors groups, victim support and children's charities within the UK and comparator countries.  The themes of professionalisation, assimilation and social change will be addressed, alongside what we know about good practice.

Perpetrators and prevention
The normalisation of aspects of the continuum of sexual violence will be contrasted with social constructions of sex offenders, especially the 'paedophile' and 'serial rapist'. Links between pornography and sexual violence will be explored. A final session will address prevention, with a focus on international campaigns and approaches.

This module is delivered over 6 days, 10am -5pm   Three blocks of 2 days will be spread over the teaching semester of 11 weeks.

Case study material will be supplied, as well as recommended reading to support each session.

By the end of the module students should be able to:

1  develop and present an argument using key concepts and contemporary research data;
2  critically assess changing legislative, policy and practice frameworks;
3  ‘recognise the similarities and differences between a range of forms of sexual violence in childhood and adulthood’;
4  draw on and apply explanatory frameworks and social science concepts.

This will consist of an individual presentation and an essay. For the 10 minute presentation students will be able to chose from a list of statements reflecting populist positions and are to use concepts and research data to address the accuracy of the assertion.   The presentation will be assessed against learning outcome 1, and will take place on Day 5.  For the essay, a list of topics will be supplied on Day 3 and will be assessed against learning outcomes 1 to 4.

Students must pass both components

Coursework 100%

Oral presentation followed by a written paper of 3,500 - 4,000 words

Brown, J. &Walklate, S. (2011) (eds) Handbook on Sexual Violence London: Routledge

Campbell, R. (2002) Emotionally involved: The impact of researching rape New York: Routledge.

Gavey, N. (2005) Just Sex? The Cultural Scaffolding of Rape London: Routledge

Kennedy Bergen, R.L., Edleson, J.L. &Renzetti, C.M. (eds) (2005) Violence Against Women: Classic Papers. Boston: Allyn& Bacon

Horvath, M.A.H. & Brown, J (2009) Rape: Challenging Contemporary ThinkingCullompton: Willan

Jordan, J. (2008) Serial Survivors: Women’s narratives of surviving rape Sydney: Federation
Press

Kelly, L. (1988) Surviving Sexual Violence Cambridge: Polity Press

Martin, P.Y. (2005) Rape Work: Victims, Gender and Emotions in Organization and Community Context. Abingdon: Routledge

Reavey, P. & Warner, S. (eds) (2003) New Feminist Stories of Child Sexual Abuse, London: Routledge

Westmarland, N. &Gangoli, G. (2011) (eds) International Approaches to Rape Bristol: Policy Press

Violence Against Women. An International and Interdisciplinary Journal. Sage Journals (available via on-line library facility)