2020 Articles

Ethics of Cognitive Restructuring: A Rehabilitation of Rape Victims and Offenders

Monday, Osebor Ikechukwu

The effects of rape include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD reawakens traumatic memory linked to sexual violence, creating depression and anxiety. Retributive justice (punishing the offender) has been the commonly used solution to combat sexual misconduct, aiming to deter rape, punish the offender, and help the victim. While some argue retributive justice is an ethical response to rape, the offenders’ punishment does not solve the long-term problem. Rehabilitation that addresses cognitive behavior and restructures thinking would offer incarcerated offenders a chance to become nonviolent and victims a chance to control their PTSD.