Definition Of Rape Research Articles

Rape Myths, Rape Definitions, and Probability of Conviction

Feminist analyses of rape hypothesize that adherence to rape myths affects the inclusiveness or restrictiveness of rape definitions, with numerous practical consequences. The results of this research support that hypothesis. The paper also critiques the experimental vignette methodology frequently used to investigate rape definitions. In the process of exploring its cectral hypothesis, this analysis demonstrates the importance and feasibility of using additional techniques to achieve a fuller understanding of factors affecting rape definitions.

Sexual dysfunction during rape.

The legal definition of rape varies somewhat from state to state, but the main issues generally addressed in all statutes and usually requiring evidence for successful prosecution include lack of consent, actual or threatened force in the commission of the act and sexual penetration. Medical evidence is crucial, and often focuses on the presence or absence of sperm in the victim. This study examines the sexual performance of the rapist during assault and its relation to the medical evidence of sexual penetration.The offender sample consisted of 170 men convicted of sexual assault and sent to the Massachusetts Center for . . .

Rape as a Social Problem: A Byproduct of the Feminist Movement

I analyze the anti-rape movement from a theoretical perspective, emphasizing interest-group formation and action and the generation of social problems by social movements. Although a variety of interst groups have expressed increasing concern over forcible rape, thus contributing to its definition as a social problem, the feminist perspective represents the most active and vocal of anti-rape interests. The activities and analyses of anti-rape forces in three areas are examined: at the community level, in the legislative arena, and in the judicial sphere. Although there has been resistance to the feminist challenge of traditional definitions of rape within each arena, much has been accomplished. The process of defining rape as a serious social problem continues.

Forcible Rape and the Criminal Justice System

Forcible rape, a crime which the criminal justice system has historically been inept at handling, has finally achieved in the past decade the recognition it deserves as a societal and crim inological problem warranting serious attention. Its cogency to a variety of current social issues—the position of women in a traditionally male-dominated society, interracial conflict, the inconsistent and discriminating imposition of the death penalty—has put rape in the spotlight of public and official concern. This article singles out a number of salient points of con cern in the control and reduction of rape and describes some efforts that have been or are being made to bring about a reversal in the upward trend o f rape rates. A current, comprehensive, nation-wide research project on forcible rape is described, with a summary of how the results of the project are expected to be utilized by criminal justice agencies and by other organizations dealing with rape. Other points of concern discussed in this paper are the legal and moral issues revolving around the lack of consensus in the definition of rape, not only as specified in state statutes but also as viewed by law enforcement agencies. Conceptual differences in the definition of rape lead to inequitable and inconsistent handling of rape by the criminal justice system in addition to seriously impugning the validity, and hence usefulness, of official crime statistics. Finally, changes in the treatment of rape victims, with the concomitant benefits to them and to the criminal justice agencies responsible for controlling and prosecuting rape, are discussed.

An Interagency Service Network to Meet Needs of Rape Victims

A lack of understanding of the legal definition of rape and lack of social work coordination with other disciplines can result in further harm to the victim