NCJ Number
146118
Journal
Research Bulletin Issue: 34 Dated: (Summer 1993) Pages: 18-24
Date Published
1993
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study reviews the literature that has examined whether victim resistance is effective in avoiding sexual assault in Great Britain.
Abstract
Research findings do not provide sufficient evidence on the effectiveness of resistance to sexual assault. Successful resistance apparently depends on the kind of strategy used, offender characteristics, and where the attack occurs. Some research suggests that verbal resistance may be more effective than physical resistance, but other studies show that physical resistance can be effective. Resistance of any type is less likely to be successful if the attack occurs indoors or is committed by an assailant known to the victim. Studies present conflicting findings on the risk of injury associated with various types of resistance. Several studies found that different types of resistance correlate with increased levels of victim injury. Other studies have found no evidence of difference in victim injury between victims who resisted and those who did not. All the research found that resistance did not increase severe injury. The studies that examined the temporal sequence of rape events found that the attacker's aggression level and not the victim's resistance level correlated more directly with injury. This suggests that the speed with which the victim uses resistance during the attack increases the likelihood of success. Suggestions for additional research are offered. 24 references