Tonic Immobility as a Defensive Trauma Response to Rape: Bridging Public Health and Law

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

There is widespread scientific evidence that validates tonic immobility (TI) as part of the trauma response in victims of rape, and criminal justice practitioners are increasingly trained in trauma-informed approaches. Yet, legal and policy definitions of consent do not fully recognize TI during the incident as evidence of nonconsent. Using a systematic review of U.S. law and policy regarding sexual violence and consent, this paper analyzes the substantial legal reform of rape law and definitions of consent, suggesting ways to further integrate TI into existing law and legal practices to improve public health approaches and justice responses for victims.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3111-3139
Number of pages29
JournalViolence Against Women
Volume30
Issue number12-13
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2024

Keywords

  • affirmative consent
  • rape law
  • sexual assault
  • tonic immobility
  • trauma

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gender Studies
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Law

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Tonic Immobility as a Defensive Trauma Response to Rape: Bridging Public Health and Law'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this