n some cases, the relationship may even beencouraged by the mother as a way of escaping her husbandssexual advances. It is hard to estimate the incidence of rape, because manyindividuals have different ideas or standards what constitutesrape. Some states classify any act of a man trying to forcehimself upon a woman as rape, while other states say thatintercourse has to occur, and, there must be a witness. Psychological damage is apparent in both parties. The person whocommitted the act is usually a victim to an anti-socialpersonality-following their impulses, and seizing whatever theywant. In addition to physical harm, the victim will most likelysuffer from physiological damage, manifested in nightmares, lossof appetite, phobic reactions, and difficulty in returning tonormal sexual functioning. The word homosexuality designates sexual activity towardsones own sex. In most societies, it is a very common practice,but has also been severely stigmatized and severely punished. Today, many homosexuals face a tough question; Should I comeout? The answer is not simple, because it has an immediateeffect upon that persons life. Some states have passed laws against discrimination of anykind towards homosexuals. And, in 1973, the Board of Trustees ofthe American Psychiatric Association voted to drop homosexualityfrom the list of sexual disorders. However, they left adiagnostic category for homosexuals who were disturbed by theirsexual orientation and wished to change it. This category iscalled ego-dystonic homosexuality, and it does not include peoplewho are suffering from adjustment problems because the societythey live in do not accept their sexuality. While the human sexual impulse is capable of gratificationthrough a wide range of outlets, Western society tends to regardheterosexual coitus as the only normal outlet. In the years tocome this might differ slightly, due to the rapidly changingideas of the modern world. Opening the doors ...
