This thesis explores the topic of rape and sexual assault of women and children. In the first part, sexual assault and the terms of sexual assault, rape, molestation and others are discussed. The historical concept of rape perception is presented - what was once considered rape, how it was addressed and punished in comparison to modern times.
The second part describes the perpetrators and the average profile of rapists – their age, gender; the geographical and psychological profile is included as well. The reasons for the perpetrator's actions are also discussed: their psychological state, childhood trauma and other reasons. Next, the categories of perpetrators are presented: what kind of perpetrators exist and how they commit their crimes.
The third part of the thesis introduces the victims of sexual assault and explains where the victims can be assaulted, for example in the workplace or in the family environment. Analysing domestic rape experienced by children, one possible explanation is an opportunity. There may be an increasing occurrence of partner-on-partner rape simply because of the failures and difficulties connected to reporting the crime as well as the difficulty in bringing assailants to justice. Family members who do not believe the victims may be listed as an additional issue.
In the next section, the legislation in Slovenia and elsewhere in the world is explored. Child rape and attackers are presented separately. Paedophilia and the differences pertaining to sexual violence are examined. Additionally, pornography is described together with acts categorising as offences.
The consequences that the victims experience after a sexual assault are explored in the continuation. These consequences can be physical, psychological and emotional; however, each consequence has its own impact on the individual victim that copes with the experience in a unique way. It is imperative to offer victims any kind of help. If nothing else is possible, it is paramount to raise awareness among victims and potential future victims where they can find help.
In the last part, four case studies illustrate and reflect in more detail on what had happened to sexual assailants in their childhood, what consequences this had for them, what later happened with their chosen victims and how the criminals were tried.
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