NCJ Number
87829
Date Published
1982
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Aired on television before a live audience, the National Crime and Violence Test on Rape was hosted by Art Linkletter and Jayne Kennedy. The test measures how well individuals are prepared to handle a rape situation and covers common misconceptions about rape.
Abstract
The test is composed of eight parts. For each part, the audience fills out a test form composed of true-false or multiple-choice answers. A certain amount of time is allotted for the audience to pick their answers, after which the hosts discuss each possible response, explaining why a certain answer is the correct one and the others are not. The scores are added up at the end of each section and again at the conclusion of the test to indicate rankings (i.e., a certain score shows the test taker knows a lot about rape, while another score indicates ignorance of the facts). Rape incidences are recounted, and the victims are identified. Pauline Marzette, an expert on helping rape victims, also participated in the presentation. Specific parts of the test focus on rape facts, defending yourself, where and when rape occurs, and avoiding rape. Other sections pertain to facts about rapists, myths of rape, what to do after a rape occurs, and security. It is emphasized that rape is an aggressive act, that rape happens to women of all ages and that individuals must take personal responsibility for their own security. One rape occurs every 6 minutes in the United States, for a total of about 80,000 annually. Most rapes occur in the victim's home by men who are employed and are repeat offenders. If a rape cannot be avoided, the victim should go to a safe place after the rape, call the police, and get medical attention.