NCJ Number
163629
Date Published
1996
Length
38 pages
Annotation
Although considerable research has been focused on the serious problem of sexual aggression in dating relationships, research on the date rape perpetrator is still very much in its infancy.
Abstract
Research over the past 10 years on dispositional factors and proclivity toward date rape serves as a foundation for identifying assessment and treatment needs of date rape perpetrators. Dispositional factors include attitudes and values, personality characteristics, psychopathology, sexuality, and social perceptions. Referred to as releasers, some factors in date rape are related to a specific behavior in that their presence or use seems to decrease existing inhibitions or to encourage the propensity to engage in a certain behavior. Common releasers in date rape include alcohol, drugs, and pornography. Another significant factor in date rape is a peer subculture that supports such behavior. Clinical intervention with date rape perpetrators requires consideration of assessment issues, such as sexual arousal patterns, sexual behavior, social perceptions and attitudes, and anger control. Treatment intervention involves procedures that modify sexual arousal patterns, increase sexual knowledge, address sexual dysfunction, enhance social and assertive skills, improve sexual communication, modify maladaptive cognitions and social perceptions, and control anger. Ethical issues in working with date rape perpetrators are discussed that concern informed consent, confidentiality, and the duty to take reasonable steps to warn and protect. Appendixes contain additional information on assessment measures related to sexual arousal patterns, social skills, assertiveness skills, attitudes toward women and sexuality, attitudes toward sexual assault and violence, and sex role orientation. 116 references