Violence
Multimedia Resources
Click on the following links. Please note these will open in a new window.
Video
Description: The Invisible War is a groundbreaking investigative documentary about one of America’s most shameful and best kept secrets: the epidemic of rape within the U.S. military. On the PBS website there are clips from the movie.
Questions to Consider:
1. Prior to taking this class, were you aware of the prevalence of sexual assault in the military? Now that you are aware, how do you feel about the militaries response?
Related Website
The Invisible War: A Film and Discussion
Description: Katie Couric interviews director Kirby Dick and producer Amy Ziering to discuss their film The Invisible War.
Questions to Consider:
1. What are the reasons Kirby Dick cites as reasons to take the decision to prosecute out of the control of the chain of command? Do you agree or disagree? Explain.
Ending Sexual Abuse Behind the Walls: An Orientation
Description: This video is sponsored by the New York State Department of Corrections and shows a number of convicts that have experienced sexual assault in prison. It details what to do if as a prisoner you are sexually abused.
Questions to Consider:
1. Do you think that our society has concern for prisoners who are sexually assaulted? Why, or why not?
Web
Description: Zerlina Maxwell reports for Time magazine regarding the dynamics of “rape culture.”
Questions to Consider:
1. Discuss the statement “rape culture: a culture in which sexual violence is the norm and victims are blamed for their own assaults.” Do you agree or disagree? Explain.
Related Website
Ten Things to End Rape Culture
Description: “Ten Things” is a monthly feature of The Nation a weekly news magazine. In this article, Walter Moseley discusses the 10 things that we as a society must do to end our culture of rape.
Questions to Consider:
1. Do you agree that our definition of masculinity contributes to the rape culture? Explain.
Brock Turner’s Father Sums Up Rape Culture in One Brief Statement
Description: Brock Turner is an ex–Stanford swimmer who was given a 6-month jail sentence for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman. In this article, Christina Cauterucci reports on the action of Brock’s father, Dan Turner, who characterizes rape as sex and “20 minutes of action.”
Questions to Consider:
1. It appears that athletes are held to different standards when they commit crimes. Do you think that participation in athletics should be seen as a mitigating circumstance?
Related Website
The Powerful Letter the Stanford Victim Read Aloud to Her Attacker
Description: A former Stanford swimmer who sexually assaulted an unconscious woman was sentenced to 6 months in jail because a longer sentence would have “a severe impact on him,” according to the judge. At his sentencing, his victim read him a letter describing the “severe impact” the assault had on her.
Questions to Consider:
1. After reading the victim impact statement, what are your thoughts regarding the sentence of 6 months in jail for the rapist?
Description: RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest antisexual violence organization. This page focuses specifically on child sexual abuse and the warning signs that this crime may be occurring.
Questions to Consider:
1. Is child sexual assault more likely to be committed by a stranger or someone that the child knows?