Running the gauntlet: An examination of initiation/hazing and sexual abuse in sport

Abstract

When does sport initiation become sexual abuse? What can sport organisations do to ensure that the practice of sport is a safe and high quality experience for all? In this paper research on the initiation practices used by the military and North American universities and sport teams is used to explore links between such practices and physical and sexual abuse. In particular, the dynamics of peer abuse, consent and expressions of masculinity are examined. We question whether there can be acceptable initiation practices in sport (Hoover, 1999) and challenge the place of these ‘macho rituals’ (Weinstein et at, 1995) in sport. We make particular use of an expanded version of the continuum of sexual abuse (Brackenridge, 1997b) and of the sport imperatives identified by Kirby, Greaves and Hankivsky (2000). The paper concludes with recommendations for best practices in athlete-centred sport.     

利用红外显微镜无损检测圆珠笔油墨色痕的研究

在这个研究中,红外显微镜聚焦功能得到了充分验证。该研究采用的检测方法是通过红外显微镜将红外光斑直接聚焦在样品表面,采集其红外光谱。根据样品红外吸收峰的个数、位置、强度及形状进行定性分析,以达到区分相同颜色不同品牌的圆珠笔油墨色痕的研究目的。研究结果表明,采用的检测方法可有效区分相同颜色不同品牌的圆珠笔油墨色痕。而且该检测方法具有无损检测特点,保持了物证的原样性。     

Consumers as Collaborators in Research and Action

SUMMARY

This paper discusses the role of consumers as collaborators in disability research conducted in the community. A comprehensive model of participatory action research is described and illustrated with research and training projects conducted in a collaborative arrangement between researchers and a Consumer Empowered Team. The paper describes how adherence to the model could be conducted in actual research and training settings and produce outcomes valued by the consumers at whom the interventions were targeted. The advantages and caveats to using the consumer as collaborator approach are discussed.     

Examining the Traumatic Effects of Sexual Victimization on the Health of Incarcerated Women

Data from the 2004 Survey of Inmates in State Correctional Facilities were used to examine the effects of sexual abuse on the physical and mental health of incarcerated women. This nationally representative sample consisted of a cross-section of 2,885 female inmates ranging in age from 16 to 74. Using bivariate analysis, we made comparisons between sexually abused (n = 1,205) and non–sexually abused (n = 1,680) inmates. Abused women were more likely to report increases in health problems and mental health diagnoses, as well as other self-reported mental health conditions, such as paranoia, depressive symptoms, anger, and lifestyle changes. Respondents with extensive sexual abuse histories (multiple and across the life cycle) were also more likely to suffer higher levels of paranoia, depression, chronic health problems, and attempted suicide.     

The Masculine Yardstick of Physical Competence: U.S. Police Academy Fitness Tests

State and local law enforcement training academies differ in a myriad of ways, including the content of their classes, the type of instruction received, and the tests mandated for graduation. The focus of this study is the physical fitness test and how it affects the proportion of women to men matriculating from these academies. A predictive model of academy completion rates is derived from a sample of 96 police training academies. The presence of gendered physical testing requirements was found to be positively related to the proportion of women to men graduating from training. In addition to the empirical models, data on the specific content of these tests are provided. The variability of tests suggests that gendered physical requirements are an illusionary panacea, as they do not address the fundamental assumptions of the tests themselves.     

Gray Matters: Gender Differences in the Physical and Mental Health of Older Inmates

Although there has been a substantial increase in the number of older female inmates incarcerated in the United States, there has been little scholarly attention paid to this population. The purpose of this study is to extend the current understanding of older inmates by examining gender differences in their physical and mental health. Bivariate analyses of one of the largest known samples of older female inmates (n = 142) revealed significant gender differences. Older female inmates reported a greater number of physical health conditions and mental health disorders in all three time periods: in their lifetimes, since admission to prison, and in the previous year. This research informs the need for gender-specific health programming for older female inmates.     

The Development and Application of Random Match Probabilities to Firearm and Toolmark Identification

The field of firearms and toolmark analysis has encountered deep scrutiny of late, stemming from a handful of voices, primarily in the law and statistical communities. While strong scrutiny is a healthy and necessary part of any scientific endeavor, much of the current criticism leveled at firearm and toolmark analysis is, at best, misinformed and, at worst, punditry. One of the most persistent criticisms stems from the view that as the field lacks quantified random match probability data (or at least a firm statistical model) with which to calculate the probability of a false match, all expert testimony concerning firearm and toolmark identification or source attribution is unreliable and should be ruled inadmissible. However, this critique does not stem from the hard work of actually obtaining data and performing the scientific research required to support or reject current findings in the literature. Although there are sound reasons (described herein) why there is currently no unifying probabilistic model for the comparison of striated and impressed toolmarks as there is in the field of forensic DNA profiling, much statistical research has been, and continues to be, done to aid the criminal justice system. This research has thus far shown that error rate estimates for the field are very low, especially when compared to other forms of judicial error. The first purpose of this paper is to point out the logical fallacies in the arguments of a small group of pundits, who advocate a particular viewpoint but cloak it as fact and research. The second purpose is to give a balanced review of the literature regarding random match probability models and statistical applications that have been carried out in forensic firearm and toolmark analysis.     

Sexual violence perpetrated against women in India: the role of forensic evidence

ABSTRACT

In response to the upsurge in acts of sexual violence against women in India, Parliament passed the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act of 2013, amending existing statutes and rules of evidence relating to crimes of sexual violence and the practices of forensic professionals in the country. While a step in the right direction, this law paid little attention to forensic evidence in sexual violence cases, which can provide a more objective, scientific account of events, aid in the reconstruction of crimes, and help strengthen cases against perpetrators. The objectives of this article are twofold: to raise awareness for the need for a more prominent role of forensic evidence in sexual violence cases and to recommend ways to establish uniform and comprehensive policies and procedures on the collection and preservation of forensic evidence in order to ensure that cases of sexual violence against women are heard in Indian courts.     

代孕行为之民法思考

代孕技术作为现代科技发展的成果,为不孕夫妇带来了福音,同时也给社会伦理道德和法律制度带来了冲击.不孕夫妇的生育权和代理母亲的身体权为代孕行为提供了合法性基础,代孕协议使代孕行为权利义务关系更加确定.法律不应对代孕行为一味禁止,而应当面对问题合理规制,发挥其公益性初衷,遏制其危害性.     

物证鉴定视野下的物质转移理论诠释与定位

物质转移理论起源于20世纪初叶,随着物证鉴定理论与实践的发展和完善,物质转移理论的内涵也不断深化。现代意义上的物质转移理论主要研究客观存在的物体在外力作用下,相互之间发生的物质交换及转移。作为物证鉴定基础理论之一,物质转移揭示出的客观规律对物证技术,尤其是物证鉴定工作具有重要的指导意义。该理论作为诉讼案件中获取鉴定材料的科学基础,其价值不仅在于为确定鉴定方法提供了有力依据,更为物证鉴定提供了重要的理论支撑。