NCJ Number
75570
Journal
JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY Volume: 2 Issue: 4 Dated: (Summer 1977) Pages: 367-384
Date Published
1977
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Experiences regarding rape, incest, and sexual molestation, as reported by homosexual and heterosexual women, are considered in this study.
Abstract
Questionnaire returns from 225 homosexual and 233 heterosexual adult women revealed 115 cases of rape or attempted rape. Data from 78 followup questionnaires revealed several findings. About the same proportion of lesbians and heterosexuals, age 16 or over, were the object of rape. The lesbians tended to reject all men as sexual partners or companions, while the heterosexuals tended to blame themselves for not being careful. Some of the heterosexual women, who were age 16 to 18, interpreted the rape as a compliment to their sexual attractiveness. Girls under 16 whose assailant was a stranger are, as frequently homosexual as heterosexual in adulthood. Sixteen of the 17 girls who were molested or seduced as children by a relative or close family friend are lesbians as adults. Subjects' attitudes about the rape incident were highly influenced by parental reactions. From the additional information reported, it may be inferred that for the rapist, love had no part in sex. The major gratification seems to have been the sense of power in taking and in demeaning the victim. Seven references are included in the study. (Author abstract modified)