Psy 277
Nov 27, 2018
Conceptual Journal 6
Nov 27, 2018
Conceptual Journal 6
Observation and Description
Sexual assault is at the forefront of the modern psyche
these days. With the Catholic Priests, Harvey
Weinstein, Bill Cosby, and Justice Brett Kavanaugh, we seem to be uncovering
generations of sexual assault to both genders.
The most heinous of these crimes is that of child sexual abuse. It is unknown how many children are sexually
assaulted because it largely goes unreported (Rathus, S. A., Nevid, J. S.,
Fichner-Rathus, L., 2018, p. 496). One place where sexual assault is more
common than in the general public is in Saddle Creek Cree Nation in Alberta
Canada. Though the researchers initially
wanted to interview Cree members about the unusually high STI rates, they
uncovered a tribe torn apart by generations of unreported child sexual abuse (Gesink,
D., Whiskeyjack, L., Suntjens, T., Mihic, A., McGilvery, P., 2016, p. 16).
Conceptual Linkage
In the Cree Nation, a wounded person will seek out
medicine. However, there is not a system in place to handle the wounds of
childhood sexual assault. This problem
is so pervasive, that because they are choosing to self-medicate with drugs,
alcohol, and sex, the reported STI rates have become astronomical, with Cree
women having a higher rate of HIV infection than the general population
(Gesink, D., et. al., p. 13) And yet, when the researchers arrived, the Cree
interviewees, pointed to their massive problem with childhood sexual assault as
the root “wound” of the healing circle (p. 14). As a victim of childhood sexual
assault myself, who is a recovering addict as well, I agree that one needs to
find the root problem of the addiction before the work on healing can
begin. It is a shame that the Cree
Nation chooses to stay silent about the sexual assault, though I understand the
reasons. In our text, it is suggested
that only 14% of all rapes are reported, a tragic fact that is a direct result
of the flaws in our various cultures (Rathus, S., et. al., p. 480). I chose not
to report my second rape. I just hoped
he wouldn’t do it again. Cree Indigenous
women have similar feelings (p.18). They
are taught to “suffer in silence” (pp. 480-481) while the assailant walks
free. This could be because of loopholes
in the government, as Cree people do not have police, are drugged at parties,
or are assaulted by family members (p.20).
Conceptual Insight for the Future
It’s important not to put our values onto other
people. While the Cree certainly should
have better access to police and psychiatric care, it is important that their
traditions, such as the medicine wheel (p. 14).
I don’t think there’s a clear cut answer to ending childhood sexual
assault that doesn’t involve throwing everyone from the tribe (or at least most
of them) in jail. The article makes it seem that almost everyone is either a
participant, an assailant, or someone who looked the other way, and the text
also mentions how Mexican women are told to deal with it and move on (p.
481). We need a stronger justice system,
and more punishments for rapists.
However, until we topple the patriarchy and handle our victim blaming,
gas lighting, and slut shaming, it’s very unlikely to change.
References
Gesink, D., Whiskeyjack, L.,
Suntjens, T., Mihic, A., McGilvery, P. (2016) Abuse of power in relationships
and sexual health. Child
Abuse & Neglect, 58(2016) 12-23
Rathus, S. A., Nevid, J. S.,
Fichner-Rathus, L., (2018) Human
Sexuality in a Changing World. New York, NY.
Pearson
-----------------Grade: 21/20
Professor Comments: Very interesting topic for your make-up CJ, and a very large social issue for the Cree Nation.
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