http://dspace.epoka.edu.al/handle/1/2600 2026-04-05T22:05:34Z 2026-04-05T22:05:34Z Kullaj, Maend http://dspace.epoka.edu.al/handle/1/2683 2026-02-04T19:39:28Z 2025-07-17T00:00:00Z

Wording Matters Reconceptualizing Sexual Violence through Contemporary Legal Terminology Kullaj, Maend Among the measures employed to address the prevalence of sexual violence, the very words that define the crimes are overlooked at times. A more critical view is present from both officials and victims, aptly recognizing that even legal language could pose harm. This article delves into the impact legal terminology may have on understanding and responding adequately to sexual violence; how using one term over another may trivialize the gravity of the sexual offense and lead to stigmatization—a stark contrast exists between the terms lewd acts and child sexual abuse, while a more nuanced one does with rape and sexual assault. Crucial distinctions are also found in constitutive elements of sexual offenses, namely the standoff between the elements of force and consent. The article notably draws from revised international terminology guidelines and standards, especially on child sexual abuse and exploitation, including new terms related to novel forms of sexual violence in the digital sphere. Maintaining a semantic analysis, part of the article is dedicated to Albania’s approach to defining sexual violence in comparison with international and neighboring standards. The analysis concludes by highlighting the constant evolution of sexual violence terminology and its association with victim protection standards. Rather than defining sex crimes based on the perpetrator’s actions, the victim’s harm must be the guiding principle of legal terminology. While certainly not the one-all-end-all solution to eliminating sexual violence, it is not without contribution. Recommendations from this article are directed to the relevant professionals to avoid certain outdated and inaccurate concepts and to gravitate toward more contemporary and universal sexual violence terminology, both in law and practice.

2025-07-17T00:00:00Z Naledi Sibanyoni, Morefaith JO Aloka, Peter http://dspace.epoka.edu.al/handle/1/2682 2026-02-04T19:36:45Z 2025-07-17T00:00:00Z

Developing Schools with Secure Bases for Learners from Insecure Parental Attachments in South Africa Naledi Sibanyoni, Morefaith; JO Aloka, Peter This study explored the strategies for developing schools with secure bases for learners from insecure parental attachments in South Africa. The study employed a multiple case-study research design. The sampling frame comprised 27 participants, including 6 life orientation teachers, 18 grade 10 learners, and 3 deputy principals from 3 specifically chosen secondary schools in the Sedibeng West district. A purposive sample strategy was used to select grade 10 learners, with 6 learners selected from each school. Data collection for this study involved the utilization of open semi-structured interviews. The data obtained from semi-structured interviews was evaluated and analyzed thematically. The findings indicate social support to include fighting against poverty, social development initiatives, life development initiatives, teamwork and teacher trainings. The study concludes that a significant number of learners who have insecure attachments have not gotten adequate psychological and social support from their homes and schools to help them enhance their attachment and social competence. The study recommends that train parents on best parenting programs and increase awareness in the community on secure homes.

2025-07-17T00:00:00Z Auriemma, Vincenzo http://dspace.epoka.edu.al/handle/1/2681 2026-02-04T19:33:59Z 2025-07-17T00:00:00Z

Digitalisation of Sexuality Emotional Embodiment and Processes of Co-Construction of Knowledge Auriemma, Vincenzo The aim of this work is to examine how the process of emotional embodiment can restructure various aspects of the person, with a particular focus on sexuality. As highlighted in the full chapter ‘Digital Sexuality and Artificial Intelligence’ of the book ‘Emotion, Embodiment and the Virtual World’ (Auriemma, 2024), this phenomenon emerges as a crucial element in contemporary life. Interaction with virtual elements, such as bots, automated chats, auto-responders and avatars, is increasingly frequent. Contrary to what Grosz argues, in the digital context the body is not defined by organs or physicality, but by processes delineated by the digital world. In this environment, people ‘meet’ and experience pleasures and passions through the avatar, which is controlled by the person in the physical world. The activities carried out range from the most complex to the most elementary, thus influencing behaviour. This work takes up fundamental elements of sociological classics, in particular the concepts of action and alienation of Marx and Weber. The analysis focuses on the role of the concept of embodiment in virtual sexuality, exploring how it is co-constructed, represented and inserted in a discourse of social action. The avatar becomes the point of contact that facilitates interaction between people, mediated by new technologies. This study aims to understand how emotional embodiment in the digital context can influence sexuality and social behaviour, offering a new perspective on human interaction in the virtual world. In addition, the ethical and psychological implications of these virtual interactions will be considered, analysing how the perception of the self and the other is modified through the use of avatars and other forms of digital representation. We will discuss how virtual sexuality can challenge traditional norms and create new forms of expression and identity. Finally, we will explore the therapeutic potential of emotional embodiment in the digital world, assessing how these technologies can be used to improve people's emotional and relational well-being.

2025-07-17T00:00:00Z Makarevicius, Algirdas Harttrup, Philip Krishnan Baburajan, Panthayil http://dspace.epoka.edu.al/handle/1/2680 2026-02-04T19:31:25Z 2025-07-17T00:00:00Z

Generational Cohorts and Educational Trends A Century of Change from the Lost Generation to Gen Beta Makarevicius, Algirdas; Harttrup, Philip; Krishnan Baburajan, Panthayil This paper examines the basic characteristics and educational trends of generational cohorts from the Lost Generation to today’s Alpha Generation. After providing a review of the literature on previous social generations, we examine what motivates Alpha students in and out of the classroom and suggest pedagogical approaches and recommendations on how to keep this generation motivated to learn. Finally, we conclude by looking at the upcoming so-called Beta generation and what we can expect next.

2025-07-17T00:00:00Z