NCJ Number
209051
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 16 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2001 Pages: 424-436
Date Published
May 2001
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study examined the influence of race and prior sexual assault on the acceptance of rape myths among a sample of undergraduate college women.
Abstract
Recent research on the serious problem of rape on college campuses has documented the impact of attitudes and beliefs supportive of sexual aggression in dating situations. These “rape myths” function by denying or minimizing the injury to the victim or by blaming victims for their own victimization. The current study drew on data from a 1997 mail survey of 623 undergraduate college women to explore the impact of race and prior sexual assault victimization experiences on rape myth acceptance. Variables under consideration included race (Black or White), year in college, victim status, and age. Results of statistical analyses indicated that neither race nor victim status significantly affected the acceptance or rejection of rape myths among this sample of college women. While most women in the sample rejected the rape myths presented, one rape myth received a high degree of support; this myth concerned the belief that women who falsely reported rape had a need to call attention to themselves. The findings suggest the need for educational programs on rape and sexual assault at all age levels to counteract the tendency to blame the victim or deflect responsibility from the rapist. Tables, references