Attitudes toward Rape: Feminist and Social Psychological Perspectives

A study of the popular perceptions about sexual violence. The author examines issues such as: how rape is defined; who is seen as responsible for sexual assault; and how rape can be prevented. This text reviews empirical research on rape myths and attitudes, drawing on case studies, surveys, experiments and fieldwork. The research reveals biased and prejudicial attitudes at both institutional and individual levels towards rape victims. The volume concludes by suggesting strategies for changing attitudes, such as the use of social action research, designed to raise consciousness and improve services for victims of sexual assault.