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What are some of the risk factors for sexual aggression? How many are needed to greatly increase the likelihood of committing sexual assault?

User Tda
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Final answer:

Sexual aggression has numerous risk factors including psychology, sociocultural factors, substance abuse, and exposure to violent media. There is no specific number of factors that guarantee an increase in sexual assault likelihood, but more factors can raise the risk. University environments also influence the risk, leading to the implementation of various prevention programs.

Step-by-step explanation:

There are multiple risk factors for sexual aggression, which include individual psychology, sociocultural influences, and situational factors. Some key risk factors are hostile attitudes towards women, impulse control issues, substance abuse, exposure to violent media, and adherence to hypermasculine norms. It is not a matter of how many risk factors are needed to increase the likelihood of committing sexual assault, as the presence of more risk factors may indeed raise the risk, but there is no set threshold number that predetermines an inevitable outcome. Understanding the complex interplay between these risk factors can help in creating prevention strategies and interventions.

Exposure to violent media is also said to correlate with aggression. Studies have suggested that repetitive exposure to violent media can increase aggressive thoughts and behaviors. However, it is essential to consider that aggression is multifaceted and influenced by a variety of factors, including mental health and family life.

The collegiate environment, such as that seen in some fraternity cultures, can also contribute to increased risk of sexual assault. These environments may normalize aggressive behavior towards women and provide a context in which sexual intimidation and violence occur. Universities attempt to mitigate these risks by providing consent awareness training sessions, establishing sexual assault response teams, and offering survivor support programs.

User Tim Cooley
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