Rape Against Women: What Can Research Offer to Guide the Development of Prevention Programs and Risk Reduction Intervention?

• NCJ Number: 222636
• Journal: Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice Volume: 24 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2008 Pages: 163-177
• Author(s): Bonnie S. Fisher; Leah E. Daigle; Francis T. Cullen
• Date Published: May 2008
• Length: 15 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article examines rape prevention programs and risk reduction interventions for effective reduction of rape and its negative consequences.

Abstract

Results suggest certain behavioral and situational factors increase the risk of rape. To be most effective at reducing victimization, rape prevention programs and risk reduction interventions should target these behavioral and situational factors. Given the young age at which a majority of women experience the first rape, there is a need for primary prevention education throughout the life course with age-appropriate materials for males and females of all races and ethnicities. These educational materials should distinguish among forcible, drug-or alcohol-facilitated, and intoxicated rape and specify the context under which each form typically takes place and by whom. The importance of reporting rape to formal support providers, such as police, teachers, doctors, and social networks, such as family and friends should be stressed. Women need to be specifically targeted; research has shown that young women between the ages of 16 and 24 are particularly vulnerable. Programming directed at males needs to be focused on changing their sexually aggressive behaviors toward women, especially women who are vulnerable to their advances. Secondary prevention to reduce the risk of revictimization and repeat rape are also needed; identification of those who have been raped, especially after the first incident, may be critical to effectively reducing the risk of subsequent rape. Rape awareness education is only one aspect of prevention programming, but should not be the sole goal of the prevention efforts. Seven key concepts that should be considered in the development of the content of rape prevention programs and risk reduction interventions are: awareness and knowledge about rape, rape myths and rape supportive attitudes, alcohol consumption, effective self protection strategies, self-defense training, and victim empathy and support of responses, and health-care-based interventions. References