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Attitudes regarding the perceived culpability of adolescent and adult victims of sexual assault

Sexual abuse allegations are notoriously difficult to prosecute. One possible reason conviction rates are so low is due to misconceptions held by the general community – and thus jury members – on sexual assault, victim behavior, and responsibility. This article investigates community attitudes on victim culpability, in particular, whether there are differences in perceived culpability of adolescent victims to adult victims. A survey was conducted with 173 adults on issues of responsibility, blame, consent and guilt in fictitious cases of a 15 year old and a 20 year old victim, regarding physical or verbal resistance, promiscuous or affectionate behaviour, prior consent, revealing clothes, or sexually provocative behaviour. The study found that misconceptions about victims of sexual assault are still prevalent, and that 15-year-olds seem to be viewed more negatively than 20-year-olds as credible witnesses.

Posted in: Grey Literature on 07/28/2011 | Link to this post on IFP |
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