PSYC39H3 Lecture Notes - Fetus, Libido, Rape Myth
Document Summary
A significant minority of the population are victims of sexual offences. The majority of sex offences are not reported to the police, and sex offences are less likely to be reported than other violent crimes. Of the sex offences that are reported, approximately one-third are not cleared. Of the sex offences that are cleared and result in a conviction, approximately half result in a sentence of incarceration. The vast majority of sex offences are committed by male offenders. Both sexual offending and victimization are more common among younger people. Offenders and victims know each other (e. g. , acquaintances, friends, family members) prior to the sexual offence in the majority of incidents. Sexual victimization is associated with a number of negative emotional reactions as well as physical and psychological problems. Contrary to public opinion, there is no evidence that sex offences are on the rise in canada. Their characteristics, motivation, and behaviour vary considerably across and even within offence type.
