NCJ Number
171269
Journal
American Sociologist Volume: 26 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1995) Pages: 76-85
Date Published
1995
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Several researchers have recently challenged the long-held notion among criminologists that rape, along with most other violent crimes, is an intraracial crime.
Abstract
Based on an analysis of survey data, these researchers conclude that black rapists prefer or seek out white victims and that the likelihood of a black offender selecting a white victim has been increasing in recent years. Data from the 1977-1988 National Crime Surveys, however, refute the notion that black rapists prefer white victims. Moreover, these same data fail to support the contention that rapes involving black offenders and white victims have been increasing. According to National Crime Survey estimates, the proportion of black offenders who victimize whites has been declining. The author notes that it is possible to determine if declining levels of black-white rape reflect alterations in victimization patterns or changes in measurement and data collection techniques. 24 references, 2 notes, and 4 tables