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This research aimed to analyze the legality of abortion by medical professionals for rape victims in Indonesia through the perspective of maqashid sharia. This study adopts a normative legal research approach, utilizing statutory interpretation (legal approach) and conceptual analysis (conceptual approach). The results of this study suggest that maqashid sharia emphasizes that abortions should not be performed arbitrarily and are only permissible in urgent situations that fulfill sharia objectives. This includes scenarios where the mother's life is at risk or serious medical conditions prevent the continuation of pregnancy. Such decisions should be made carefully, considering maslahah and mafsadat and involving consultations with medical experts and religious authorities. The maslahah principles elucidated by al-Tufi expand the flexibility in legal interpretation, allowing for Islamic law adaptation to contemporary needs and conditions. This is particularly relevant in abortion cases, where explicit guidance may not always be found in religious texts. Overall, the maqashid sharia approach to abortion underscores the importance of principles of justice, balance, and humanity in Islamic law. By considering all these aspects, Islamic law can provide relevant and adaptive guidance in addressing contemporary issues like abortion while remaining faithful to the primary objectives of sharia to achieve collective good and avoid harm. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis legalitas aborsi oleh tenaga medis bagi korban perkosaan di Indonesia melalui perspektif maqasid syariah. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian hukum normatif, dengan menggunakan pendekatan peraturan perundang-undangan (legal approach) dan pendekatan konseptual (conceptual approach). Temuan penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa ada ketegangan antara norma hukum yang ketat dan prinsip-prinsip maslahat dalam maqasid syariah yang mengutamakan kesejahteraan dan perlindungan terhadap korban perkosaan. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa maqasid syariah menekankan bahwa aborsi tidak boleh dilakukan sembarangan dan hanya diperbolehkan dalam situasi mendesak dan memenuhi tujuan syariah. Ini termasuk situasi di mana kelangsungan hidup ibu terancam atau kondisi medis yang serius tidak memungkinkan kehamilan berlanjut. Keputusan tersebut harus diambil dengan hati-hati, dengan mempertimbangkan maslahah (barang publik) dan mafsadat (bahaya), dan melibatkan konsultasi dengan para ahli medis dan otoritas agama. Prinsip-prinsip mashlahah yang dijelaskan oleh al-Tufi memperluas fleksibilitas dalam interpretasi hukum, memungkinkan adaptasi hukum Islam dengan kebutuhan dan kondisi kontemporer. Ini sangat relevan dalam kasus aborsi, di mana tidak selalu ada panduan eksplisit dalam teks-teks agama. Secara keseluruhan, pendekatan maqasid syariah terhadap aborsi menggarisbawahi pentingnya prinsip-prinsip keadilan, keseimbangan, dan kemanusiaan dalam hukum Islam. Dengan mempertimbangkan semua aspek ini, hukum Islam dapat memberikan panduan yang relevan dan adaptif dalam menangani isu-isu kontemporer seperti aborsi, sambil tetap setia pada tujuan utama syariah untuk mencapai kebaikan bersama dan menghindari bahaya.

Victims of rape must decide whether to file a police report, and many victims decide not to report the rape to the police. The literature on the associations between demographic and individual factors and reporting rape to the police is limited. Here, we investigated the associations between demographic and individual factors (education, socioeconomic status, age, native country, years lived in Finland, gender, sexual orientation, relationship status, close persons, substance use, and mental disorder) and police reporting in a Finnish sample of rape victims (N = 191) who visited the Helsinki Seri Support Center. We collected data through an online survey. We found some evidence that victims with a university degree might be less likely to report than those with a vocational qualification. None of the other factors measured were robustly associated with reporting. It is possible that the services provided by the Seri Support Center successfully mitigate otherwise encountered obstacles to reporting. The current study was the first to investigate this topic in Finland. The practical implications of these findings are discussed, and the value of support services highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tonic immobility (TI) is a common uncontrollable autonomic mammalian response to an extremely fearful situation. It is one of the most immediate devastating consequences of rape and remains poorly understood. While controversies over its definition persist among researchers, this also reflects on the care for and support to victims. The study aimed to explore and describe the onset of TI and the meaning attached to the experience among women raped victims in Nigeria. The study design was the qualitative narrative inquiry approach. Criterion and purposive sampling were conducted across four post-rape care facilities in Lagos, Nigeria, to recruit 13 participants. In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide to generate data that were thematically analysed. The findings of the study revealed five themes relating to the onset of TI as follows: the first two focused on the experience of TI: (1) the onset of TI prior to rape due to perceived imminent danger, (2) the onset of TI as a self-protection mechanism from further harm) while the last three relate to the meaning-making of the experience of TI (3) self-loathing as a meaning attached to TI, (4) suicidal ideations as a meaning attached to TI, and (5) divine intervention as a meaning attached to TI. Conclusion: The findings underscore the experiences and meanings that participants attach to TI following rape. There is a strong likelihood that tonic-immobility is not an uncommon experience amongst rape victims, but that in the absence of research, specialized care on the condition, and its associated consequences will haunt many women, affecting their psychological well-being and their entire quality of life. Describing the phenomenon as it is experienced by the participants is critical because understanding the condition is the first step toward effective appropriate management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Individuals who have been sexually assaulted often turn to their friends for comfort and support. Responses to such disclosures vary greatly and may be influenced by prior victimization, the relationship of the disclosure recipient to the accused, and the recipient’s acceptance of rape myths. Moreover, currently there are no studies to date that have validated the Illinois Rape Myths Acceptance Model in Pakistan. Method To gain a better understanding of this phenomenon, the online survey was administered to the general population. Of this sample, 512 (consisting of 312 females and 200 males) reported having received a rape disclosure from a friend. Results The results showed that having lower scores on rape myths acceptance (being less likely to endorse rape myths) was significantly associated with positive attitudes towards rape victims. Similarly, being female, having graduate or above level education, not blaming the victim, having prior history of sexual victimization, offering support for friends experiencing sexual assault, and being liberal were significantly associated with positive attitudes towards rape victims. Additionally, confirmatory factor analysis of the Illinois Rape Myths Acceptance Scale showed acceptable model fit indices and relevance to the Pakistani context. Conclusion In conclusion, it has been assessed through the results that showed that having lower scores on rape myths acceptance (being less likely to endorse rape myths) was significantly associated with positive attitudes towards rape victims. Similarly, being female, having graduate or above level education, not blaming the victim, having prior history of sexual victimization, offering support for friends experiencing sexual assault, and being liberal were significantly associated with positive attitudes towards rape victims. It is further concluded that having experienced sexual victimization leads individuals towards showing empathy to rape victims and thus may influence them to provide support for such victims. The findings further show that Illinois Rape Myths Acceptance is a valid measure for measurement of rape myths in Pakistan as established through the acceptable model fit indices. With the use of validated scales, we could gain a better understanding of rape and the factors related to it, which could be used to inform practices and policy decisions.

Abstract Background Rape myths are marked for being false beliefs about sexual assault. With the problem being quite prevalent around the world, research has shown that numerous factors such as rape proclivity and perpetuation of rape myths are critical. The present study assesses the role of rape myths acceptance, rape victim empathy, and causal attributions towards rape victims as significantly predicting attitudes towards rape victims among the general population of Pakistan. Rape myths acceptance and causal attributions would significantly and positively predict negative attitudes towards rape victims. Method A cross-sectional research design was used for the study. The online survey questionnaire was filled by 573 participants including 275 males and 298 females who were selected through purposive sampling from the general population of Pakistan. The sample size was estimated using G*Power analysis with 95% confidence intervals. Data collection was done using Illinois rape myths, attitudes towards rape victim’s scale, rape victim empathy, and causal attributions scale were used. Data analysis was done using Pearson product-moment correlation, hierarchical regression, MANOVA, and mediation analysis via AMOS, all of which were executed using SPSS 21.0. Results The findings showed that higher levels of rape myths acceptance, low empathy towards rape victims, and victim blaming are significantly associated with negative attitudes towards rape victims. There were no gender differences among the participants. However, rape victim empathy significantly mediated the association between rape myths acceptance and rape victim empathy. It was also found that rape myths acceptance, rape victim empathy, and causal attributions significantly predicted attitudes towards rape victims. Another core finding was that there were no gender differences among participants with regard to rape myths acceptance, rape victim empathy, causal attributions, and attitudes towards rape victims. Conclusions Therefore, the findings contribute towards a better understanding of the rape myths in the general population of Pakistan and how the prevalence of such myths may contribute towards social, cultural, and legal problems of rape myths. The study also provides policy implications for a region where rape victims experience higher levels of blame and limited legal backing and support.

Interactions with police are vitally important to victims' ability to process their trauma. This study focused on the experiences of victims who reported a rape to police in Sweden. Thirteen women participated in interviews; the material was analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Findings include lack of information and the role of luck in finding an understanding officer; some found comfort, and some felt violated once again. Long processing times bound participants to their trauma. Findings highlight the need for improved knowledge of trauma among police, victims' needs for information and rights to support, and structural barriers that need to be addressed., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

The culture of silence is a worrisome trend evident amongst rape victims due to stigmatization from family and the society. These victims through a conscious effort adopts silence to protect their reputation rather than be labeled victims of rape. The erroneous attitude posed towards rape victims forms their culture of silence which becomes a negative consequence and an after effect of rape which is harmful and accounts for traumatic symptoms such as flash backs, nights mares and depression. This paper critiques the representation of the culture of silence amongst rape victims by analyzing two Nollywood films Alter Ego and Tales of Lucy. The research method applied for this paper is the qualitative research method and the tool used is the content analysis, through a dissection of the culture of silence captured in the films. This work is anchored on Noelle Neumann's spiral of silence process which induces fear of isolation and propels the victims to constantly assess opinion climate and often to change his or her opinion in accordance with the perceived major opinion of the public. This work concludes that fear of isolation, stigmatization, reprisal attacks are identified reasons why rape victims accede to the culture of silence. This research therefore recommends care and responsive support from family, friends of rape victims in order to help victims recuperate from such harrowing experience and make them perform optimally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This issue of Nordic Psychology covers a range of topics including maternal executive functioning, rape victims' decision to file police reports, strengthening parenting among refugees, adolescent social anxiety and depressive symptoms, misogynistic attitudes, self-compassion in patients with eating disorders, and parental reflective functioning in adults with personality disorders. The articles provide valuable insights into these areas of research and offer practical implications for support services. The findings highlight the importance of understanding diverse perspectives and addressing the specific needs of different populations. [Extracted from the article]

Research conducted in the last four decades on rape and other forms of sexual violence shows that they are not only the result of transgression behaviors of some people but have been used as strategic, systemic, and calculated tools of war, ethnic cleansing, and genocide. Examining the nature and effect of wartime rape and sexual violence based on their distinctive features, context, and historical background is essential for research and service providers. This paper explores the lived experiences of sexual violence and gang rape victims during the North Ethiopian war in Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Data were collected from three girls and women survivors using a trauma and socio-culturally informed phenomenological approach. The finding shows that participants experienced a broad and complex range of psychological, physiological, emotional, and relational suffering after the rape. The result also shed light on some risk factors such as lack of awareness of the effect of traumatic events, stigma related to rape, and lacks victim protective legislation risk their journey to healing. The paper further discussed individual and community mental health responses for victims of war rape in culturally responsive and resource-poor settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine the extent of state protection towards rape victims in the litigation process under existing laws. However, the phenomenon of gender bias by the surrounding society and law enforcers mostly leads to victim-blaming, which prevents them from reporting the case. Moreover, the study argues that it is necessary to provide a victim's companion at the trial, particularly in the victim-witness examination process, to support them contribute detailed information in a comfortable and secure condition. This study uses a normative-empirical legal approach with primary and secondary data sources. The study discusses the extent of rape victims' protection and the need for companion in litigation process. The results showed that the State had made its efforts to protect women of rape victims by enforcing a sequence of laws beyond the Criminal Code such as Law No. 11 of 2012 concerning the Juvenile Criminal Justice System and Supreme Court Regulation No. 3 of 2017 concerning Guidelines in Adjudicating Women's Cases Against the Law. However, these efforts are deemed insufficient to provide proper protection for rape victims, as evidenced by the significant development of rape cases due to legal enforces' insensibility dealing with women as victims in the litigation process.

Rape, a violent act involving coerced sexual intercourse, necessitates the provision of emergency contraception services to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Competent and authorized healthcare professionals are responsible for delivering these services, which are governed by government regulations in accordance with the health law. Thus, the author explores the legal protection that emergency contraception services offer to both rape victims and healthcare providers, highlighting the underlying principles of this implementation. This research employs a descriptive analysis using a normative juridical approach. Findings indicate several barriers to service provision, including limited doctor knowledge, inadequate standard operating procedures, and exclusion from the hospital's essential medicine formulary. Emergency contraception services are legally regulated as part of the Health Law, as they fulfill the legal needs of rape victims, surpassing the hierarchy of Government Regulations. By preventing unwanted pregnancies without the need for complicated procedures like abortion, emergency contraception services significantly enhance the protection of rape victims and healthcare workers. However, the current regulations lack provisions mandating the provision of information and emergency contraception services to rape victims by healthcare providers. Consequently, not all healthcare workers are willing to offer these services due to the absence of legal obligations. To ensure the availability of emergency contraception services, legislative changes should be made by introducing new articles into the health law, explicitly stating the obligation of healthcare providers to offer emergency contraception services to rape victims.

Tonic immobility (TI) is a common uncontrollable autonomic mammalian response to an extremely fearful situation. It is one of the most immediate devastating consequences of rape and remains poorly understood. While controversies over its definition persist among researchers, this also reflects on the care for and support to victims. The study aimed to explore and describe the onset of TI and the meaning attached to the experience among women raped victims in Nigeria. The study design was the qualitative narrative inquiry approach. Criterion and purposive sampling were conducted across four post-rape care facilities in Lagos, Nigeria, to recruit 13 participants. In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide to generate data that were thematically analysed. The findings of the study revealed five themes relating to the onset of TI as follows: the first two focused on the experience of TI: (1) the onset of TI prior to rape due to perceived imminent danger, (2) the onset of TI as a self-protection mechanism from further harm) while the last three relate to the meaning-making of the experience of TI (3) self-loathing as a meaning attached to TI, (4) suicidal ideations as a meaning attached to TI, and (5) divine intervention as a meaning attached to TI. Conclusion: The findings underscore the experiences and meanings that participants attach to TI following rape. There is a strong likelihood that tonic-immobility is not an uncommon experience amongst rape victims, but that in the absence of research, specialized care on the condition, and its associated consequences will haunt many women, affecting their psychological well-being and their entire quality of life. Describing the phenomenon as it is experienced by the participants is critical because understanding the condition is the first step toward effective appropriate management.