This thesis explores male sexual assault and sexual harassment perpetration. The theoretical orientations were constituted of a theoretical synthesis of primarily Max Weber's theory of action, motivation and subjective meaning, and theoretical aspects of sensemaking. Four research questions were divided into two qualitative studies. Study 1 conducted a systematic review of a diverse field of the research literature on sexual harassment and sexual assault perpetration. The two objectives of study 1 were to explore what kinds of factors are associated with sexual harassment and sexual assault perpetration and what kinds of meanings the research literature attributes to perpetrators actions. The first objective of study 2 was constituted of a qualitative investigation of what kinds of subjective meanings selfidentified perpetrators attribute to their actions. Analysis relied on a hermeneutical interpretation of meaning. Empirical materials were obtained via asynchronous online inquiries and collection of confessional online posts authored by self-identified perpetrators. The second objective of study 2 was to explore in what ways factors associated with male sexual harassment and/or sexual assault perpetration against women affect the subjective meanings perpetrators' attribute to their actions. Findings from study 1 (research review) suggest that sexual misconduct is associated with factors stemming from individual (e.g. psychological characteristics), social (e.g. norms, attitudes and beliefs of how to act as a man), situational (e.g. alcohol intoxication's distortion of meaning and detrimental effect on judgement), communicative (e.g. misperception and misinterpretation of cues from women) and power-related (e.g. sexually harassing or assaulting as a means to obtain or to exert power) factors. Findings further suggest that the research literature attributes obtainment of sexual/physical gratification, exertion of power, will to power and obtainment of a perceived sense of control as primary meanings of perpetrators sexually coercive or harassing actions. Primary findings of study 2 highlight the complex nature of power and its central relation to sexual misconduct, where perpetrators attribute will to power, obtainment of sexual gratification, obtaining enjoyment from exerting power, and ideological subordination as the subjective meaning of their actions. Suggested further is that selfidentified perpetrators attribution of subjective meanings to their actions is characterized by a sensemaking practice of moral disengagement, where distortion of the meaning of sexually oriented actions through euphemistic labeling and perceiving sexually coercive behaviors as a form of game or play are central aspects. Lastly, analysis of the empirical materials in this study suggests that the subjective meanings these men attribute to their actions are associated with individual, socioculturally embedded, situational, communicative and power-related factors.

The current study employed an exploratory approach to examine how specific sets of variables map onto a theoretical framework of posttraumatic growth (Schaefer & Moos, 1998). Specifically, the predictive capacity of belief in ultimate justice, optimism, and supportive relationships on outcomes of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and distress were examined, as mediated by supportive spirituality, meaning making, and problem solving. Secondarily, the factor structure and internal consistency of the English translation of the Belief in Immanent and Ultimate Justice Scale (BIUJS; Maes, 1998a, 1998b) was tested, which had yet to be used in the United States or with sexual assault survivors specifically. Archival data of 217 female survivors of sexual assault who completed an online survey as part of the author’s thesis were analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM). The BIUJS, when applied specifically to sexual assault survivors, is best represented by a three-factor solution. The model hypothesized according to Schaefer and Moos’ (1998) theoretical framework was not supported by SEM results, and an alternate model emerged from analyses is presented to explain how worldview and appraisal/coping are related to posttraumatic growth and distress for sexual assault survivors. Survivors’ worldview (i.e., supportive spirituality, belief in ultimate justice, and belief in an immanently just world) indirectly predicted levels of PTG and distress. The relation between worldview and outcomes was significantly mediated by appraisal and coping (i.e., presence of meaning, optimism, supportive relationships, and problem solving). The current study adds to the literature and provides important directions for researchers and clinicians by demonstrating the important roles of worldview and appraisal/coping in facilitating growth, as well as the essential role of distress in healing.

Master of Science / Department of Journalism and Mass Communications / Major Professor Not Listed / This study used a survey to gather information from 112 women on Kansas State University’s campus on the topic of sexual assault. This study attempted to fill in the gap of research concerning sexual assault, reporting, and student engagement with university prevention initiatives. The key findings of this study show that students are willing to learn about sexual assault, and that high levels of university involvement and high levels of perceived self-efficacy lead to an increase in a student’s willingness to report cases of sexual assault. Future research should explore a branding campaign for successful sexual assault prevention initiatives, while looking into the concept of self-defense as a viable addition to current campus offerings.

abstract: The purpose of this constructivist grounded theory study was to explore the perceptions of adult female sexual assault victims/survivors about their wellbeing: their definitions and descriptions of wellbeing; the impact of the assault on wellbeing; and barriers and facilitators to achieving wellbeing following assault. Feminist theory provided the sensitizing concepts for this research. Data were collected via semistructured interviews with 22 adult women who had experienced at least one episode of sexual assault at or above the age of 18. Data analysis included first, second, and third level coding techniques, memo writing, and data displays. Participants experienced negative effects to their overall wellbeing as well as to the wellbeing domains of physical, mental, career/economic/financial, relational, and spiritual. The findings of this study support wellbeing as a core category encompassing the five domains listed above, also described in the literature. The participants also confirmed and expounded in depth on the dynamic, interactive, and overlapping nature of each of the domains of wellbeing and their ability to enhance, maintain, or worsen health status and overall wellbeing. In addition, a new construct emerged that cut across all domains, that of safety, and the overarching significance of culture was recognized. Additional research should continue to explore wellbeing in diverse populations of sexual assault victims/survivors. Additional research should also explore the significance and function of safety in sexual assault victims/survivors. Formal and informal supporters of sexual assault victims/survivors should be aware of the complex ways that sexual assault affects women. In addition, they should be aware of helpful resources for sexual assault victims/survivors. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Nursing and Healthcare Innovation 2015

abstract: The purpose of this project is to better understand police perceptions of sexual assault complainants by assessing their likelihood of questioning a complainant’s credibility and by examining police attitudes toward victims of sexual assault. To advance understanding of these issues, this dissertation (1) expands upon prior research by drawing on a sample of officers from one of the largest metropolitan police departments in the United States and, (2) through the use of framing theory, contributes to the literature by focusing on the attitudes of police toward sexual assault complainants and how these beliefs are shaped by day-to-day experiences. This dissertation investigates two research questions using a mixed-methods approach. The data come from 400 sexual assault complaints that were reported to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and 52 LAPD detective interviews. I quantitatively examine the factors that influence officer perceptions of complainant credibility, focusing on indicators of “real rape,” “genuine” victims, “inappropriate” victim behavior, and “character flaws.” I contextualize this work by examining police attitudes toward sexual assault victims using qualitative data taken from interviews of sex crimes detectives. This research contributes to the broader case processing literature by focusing on victim credibility, a factor consistently found to influence case processing decisions. Moreover, this study contributes to research on the frames officers assign to women who report sexual assault. Analyses from the quantitative portion of the study confirm that indicators of “real rape,” and complainant “character issues” were key explanatory factors influencing credibility assessments. Regarding qualitative results, three sexual assault victim frames were identified. These frames include depictions of victims as they relate to: (a) the suspect/victim relationship, (b) problematic victim behavior, and (c) age. These three frames indicate that certain types of victims are viewed as problematic. This dissertation contributes to three broad bodies of literature: law enforcement decision making, law enforcement perceptions of sexual assault victims, and framing theory. This dissertation was able to tap into officer attitudes to shed light on the ways officers treat women who come forward to report sexual assault, providing valuable insight into officer attitudes, credibility assessments, and victim framing. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Criminology and Criminal Justice 2015

abstract: Many authors have shown that "real victim," "real rape," and traditional gender role stereotypes affect how people attribute blame to victims and perpetrators of sexual assault, and that jury decisions in rape cases are likewise influenced by extralegal factors, such as how much the victim resisted. Most studies only focus on the acceptance of rape myths and stereotypes about female victims, while myths and stereotypes about male victims are largely ignored. It is unknown how female rape myth acceptance (FRMA) and male rape myth acceptance (MRMA) may differently affect victim and perpetrator blame attributions. Whether the juror influences the effect of extra-legal factors on rape perceptions is also unknown. Using a randomized vignette design, the current study investigates 1) the effect of rape myth acceptance and gender attitudes on victim and perpetrator blame attributions, 2) how blame attributions differ by victim gender, level of resistance, and victim-perpetrator relationship, and 3) how the juror role influences the effects of rape myth acceptance and extra-legal factors on blame attributions. Results show that FRMA and MRMA are both positively associated with victim blame and negatively associated with perpetrator blame, that male victims are blamed more than female victims, and that jury membership does not influence the effect of extra-legal factors on blame attributions. Victim resistance and victim-perpetrator relationship also affected rape perceptions in unexpected ways. Implications for rape prevention programing, police and prosecutor decision-making, and jury selection are discussed. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Criminology and Criminal Justice 2017

abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the structures of nonprofit victim service organizations and organizational effectiveness. Past research has rarely considered the structures of nonprofit institutions, and thus there is a lack of understanding regarding how nonprofit service organizations function, and whether not traditional concepts of effectiveness can accurately describe organizational success. Thus, there is an opportunity for further exploration regarding how this structural change impacted organizational effectiveness. This study used mixed-methodology including surveys (N=16), interviews (N=17), and comparative case studies (N=5) to examine nonprofit organizational structures and effectiveness in efforts to answer questions regarding the reality of hybrid nonprofit structures, the characteristics of these hybrid structures, and the presentation of organizational effectiveness in nonprofit service organizations. The findings revealed that a) hybrid structures are overwhelmingly the style of service nonprofits, b) externally bureaucratic structures and collective internal structures are combined to form these hybrid organizations, and c) traditional measures of organizational effectiveness as well as characteristics unique to hybrid structures are influential in determining effectiveness in nonprofit service organizations. Future research should consider what factors influence the collaboration of nonprofit service organizations and criminal justice institutions in order to best support crime victims. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Criminology and Criminal Justice 2018

abstract: Sexual assault at colleges and universities in the United States is a significant health and human rights issue that impacts somewhere between one-in-four and one-in-five students. Despite the alarmingly high burden, overall rates of disclosing to crisis, health, and victim services, and reporting to schools and law enforcement remain low. In order to buffer students from associated short- and long-term harm, and help them reestablish safety and pursue justice, empirically-supported, innovative, and trauma-informed secondary prevention strategies are needed. To address this pressing issue, the current study used a trauma-informed, feminist community research approach to develop and design a prototype of an internet-based decision aid specifically tailored to assist students at Arizona State University who experience sexual assault with making informed choices about reporting and seeking care, advocacy, and support on and off campus. Results from preliminary alpha testing of the tool showed that: 1. It is feasible to adapt decision aids for use with the target population, and 2. While aspects of the tool can be improved during the next phases of redrafting and redesign, members of the target population find it to be acceptable, comprehensible, and usable. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Global Health 2018

The traditional and universal assumption that rape and sexual assault are gendered in nature - perpetrated by men upon women in order to control, oppress, or subordinate them - has implications for victim/survivors of every other form of unwanted sexual contact and non-contact. The historical focus upon male-to-female rape has overlooked the fact that – regardless of gender – children and adults are sexually victimised by people of all ages and genders. In my thesis, I explore the experiences of a group of victim/survivors who national and international research, and anti-sexual-victimisation efforts, have essentially ignored: women who have been sexually victimised by another woman, or women. From my reading, my thesis constitutes the first documented primary research endeavour to create a methodology that combines an auto/biographical approach with an occupational science perspective. This supports my belief that I cannot divorce myself from any aspect of my research, whilst ensuring my perspective remained occupation-focused. I used a web-based survey to generate data regarding the experience and awareness of woman-to-woman rape and sexual assault amongst those members of the general public who responded. One-hundred and fifty-nine surveys were used for analysis. Twenty countries were recorded to describe the respondents’ nationalities, with the large majority from the United Kingdom (UK). Respondents who are victim/survivors of female-perpetrated rape and sexual assault totalled n=59 (37.3%). These are people who identified as a woman and were over 16 years old (the UK age of sexual consent) at the time of their victimisation. No respondents indicated they do not believe woman-to-woman rape and sexual assault is possible. Used as a sampling tool, survey respondents interested in sharing their story in more depth provided a contact email address. I interviewed 10 respondents face-to-face, in various UK locations. An eleventh respondent shared her story through correspondence with me. As intended, hearing and reading these stories enabled me to conduct a deep exploration of the respondents’ victimisations, and their subsequent experience of disclosure, reaction, and support. Four key themes emerged: Identity; Emotion; Survival; and Occupation. Specifically, the victim/survivors expressed the emotional and deleterious impacts which influenced their subjective experience of occupation. Hence, the daily activities, tasks, and things they need or want to do (occupation), that contribute to who they are, their sense of self, their relationship to others (identity), and their experience of health and wellbeing, was affected. Considered in the social and cultural context within which it occurs, my thesis contributes new and unique evidence regarding woman-to-woman rape and sexual assault; this has significance for relevant disciplines and service providers, including criminal justice, health, and sexual victimisation support services. Woman-to-woman rape and sexual assault is a complex form of sexual offending which has an equally complex impact upon victim/survivors; for my respondents, this has remained largely unaddressed and, for many, unresolved. I contend it is unacceptable to perceive rape and sexual assault as only committed by men against women; these are not solely gendered perpetrations and should not, therefore, be exclusively understood and addressed as gendered crimes.

This essay examines how Anderson’s Speak can be used in the Swedish Upper Secondary classroom to talk about the difficult topics ‘sexism’ and ‘sexual assault’. The paper discusses several examples of where the power structures between the genders affect the main character of Speak. The novel contains a connection to Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, which is also discussed in this essay, focusing on the timelessness of the issues discussed. The conclusion is that the difficult topics in Speak are important to discuss in the classroom, because a functional way of battling sexism is through vocalizing the problem.