Sexually Assaulted Female - Innocent Victim or Temptress?

• NCJ Number: 75133
• Journal: CANADA'S MENTAL HEALTH Volume: 25 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1977) Pages: 26-28
• Author(s): S H Geller
• Date Published: 1977
• Length: 3 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: Canada
• Note: Modified version of this paper presented at the 1975 Convention of the Canadian Psychological Association, Quebec City, Quebec (Canada), June 20, 1975

Annotation

Two theories of sexual assault and the effects of hitch-hiking upon sexual offenses were examined for the period of the 23-day, 1974 transit strike in Toronto, Canada.

Abstract

The first theory, which purports that the female is in no way responsible for the offense committed against her, led to the hypothesis that the number of sexual offenses against female hitch-hikers would increase during the strike because such persons become readily accessible victims. Offenders would select these targets over others, and the total number of sexual assaults would remain the same. The second, which states that female victims deliberately or unconsciously invite offenses, led to the hypothesis that both the total number of sexual offenses and the number against hitch-hikers would increase since hitch-hiking would allow females to release their inhibitions and provoke males into performing offenses. For comparisons, 23-day periods ending one week before and starting one week after the strike were considered, as were three comparable periods in 1973 (to determine if seasonal factors were significant). The results supported the first theory and hypothesis. During the strike, the number of sexual offenses against female hitch-hikers increased nine-fold while the total number of offenses remained constant. Apparently, a relatively constant number of males commit sexual offenses, and these persons focused on hitch-hikers as more readily available victims. If the females had deliberately or unconsciously invited sexual offenses, then the total number of offenses for the city would have increased. Seasonal factors appeared to have no effect on the offense rates. Based on these findings, preventive suggestions are that females should avoid isolated situations with unfamiliar males; be aware of the characteristics of male offenders in general and of common elements in most offenses; and that they should either actively defend themselves or try to deceive their assailants. A data table and footnotes with references are included.