Perceptions Of Rape Research Articles

Pointing Fingers: Who US Adults Blame for the Opioid Overdose Epidemic.

Over 3 million Americans have an opioid use disorder (OUD), and only a fraction receive treatment. Public opinion is crucial in enacting evidence-based policies. Few studies have examined the public's perception of blame for the ongoing opioid overdose epidemic directed at distinct groups. We assessed US adults' perceived blameworthiness for the epidemic and examined factors that may influence the perceived blameworthiness. We conducted a national survey in 2022 using the AmeriSpeak® panel to assess US adults' perception of blame toward individuals with an OUD and external contributors. Of the 3335 eligible panel members invited to participate, 1233 (37%) completed the survey. We developed a measure of knowledge and understanding of OUD, with a higher value indicating a greater understanding of the nature of OUD and recovery-including knowledge and beliefs on evidence-based treatment and relapse. We analyzed the relationships between sources of blame, knowledge, and understanding of OUD, and individual-level correlates. Higher score of knowledge and understanding of OUD was associated with lower odds of blaming individuals with OUD (odds ratio [OR] = 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.51, 1.05]) and greater odds of blaming external contributors: healthcare providers (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = [1.05, 2.12]), pharmaceutical companies (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = [1.50, 3.15]), and health insurance companies (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = [0.97, 2.09]). Those who are female, non-Hispanic White, Democrat, have higher education, or have friends or family who misused opioids tended to score higher in knowledge and understanding of OUD. Perceived blameworthiness for the opioid overdose epidemic is related to knowledge and understanding of OUD. Public health campaigns with a bipartisan agenda to increase evidence-informed knowledge about OUD targeting people of color and with lower education may help reduce the blame toward people with an OUD, which in turn may increase support for evidence-informed policies.

Masculine honor beliefs and perceptions of male rape.

Masculine honor beliefs and perceptions of male rape.

Supplemental Material for Masculine Honor Beliefs and Perceptions of Male Rape

Supplemental Material for Masculine Honor Beliefs and Perceptions of Male Rape

Relatively Unworthy Victims? Middle-Aged Women as Rape Survivors.

This study examines how the age of female survivors impacts public perceptions of rape in China. In our online survey experiment, participants consider rape as less serious when the survivor is a middle-aged woman compared to other groups of women (younger, older, or age unknown). Participants also request shorter sentencing when the survivor is a middle-aged woman than a younger woman. In China, moral codes surrounding chastity and respect for elders lead to greater emotional responses toward rape against younger and older survivors than middle-aged survivors. Our study expands studies of rape perception by theorizing public attitudes toward middle-aged survivors.

Students’ Perception of Rape and Sexual Violence and Methods of Prevention in Tertiary Institutions in Lagos State, Nigeria

This study examined students’ perception of rape and sexual violence and methods of prevention in tertiary institutions in Lagos State. It was a cross-sectional study carried out among one thousand, two hundred and eleven (1,211) female undergraduates selected from two tertiary institutions in Lagos State. The sample size for the study was one hundred and twenty-one (121) representing 10% of the population. Inferential statistics was used for analysis. The results revealed that majority of the students are aware of the different types of rape but did not consider forced sexual intercourse between spouses as rape. The students have a good knowledge of rape and sexual violence. The students perceive that rape can have detrimental effects on the victims’ mental, physical and reproductive health. Avoiding late nights, dressing decently, increasing the presence of security officers at strategic places on campus and the likes were identified ways of preventing rape in tertiary institutions. Among the recommendations proffered are that students should review their dressing styles to conform to the morals of the society to prevent the occurrence of rape.

Perception and prevalence of rape: A survey among in-school adolescents in rural Southwest Nigeria

IntroductionRape has fast become an issue of relevance to global health cutting across geographical and cultural divides. Most studies on the subject are urban based and among adults. This study was conducted to assess the perception, prevalence and perpetrators among in-school adolescents which represent a unique group and in a rural setting. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using a two-stage cluster sampling technique. A total of 640 respondents completed a pretested interviewer-assisted semi-structured questionnaire. Perception and knowledge scores for rape were calculated and data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. ResultsThe mean age of respondents was 15.5 (±2.1) years and M: F ratio of 1:1.2. About one-half (46.9%) had poor overall knowledge of rape in the domains assessed. A significant proportion, 266 (41.6%) still subscribe to victim blaming in rape and 336 (52.5%) had negative perception of rape. Eight-five (13.3%) had been raped at least once while 36 (5.6%) self-reported to be perpetrators of rape. The respondents’ sex (p=0.015) and present class (0.012) of respondents showed statistically significant association with knowledge of rape. ConclusionThe perception of in-school adolescents on rape still leaves much to be desired. Perpetration and experience of rape remain important global health issues.

The systematic development of guidance for parents on talking to children of primary school age about weight

BackgroundThe prevalence of overweight and obesity in children is increasing, alongside increases in rates of children’s anxiety and worry about their weight. In many countries children’s weight is measured, and parents are made aware if a child has been classified as having overweight or obesity. However, many parents are concerned that raising their child’s awareness of their weight, and talking to children about their weight could harm their wellbeing. The aim of this project was to develop guidance for parents on constructive ways to talk to children of primary school age about weight when they need to.MethodsThe project followed a mixed-methods design: Phase 1 involved the collation of evidence including (a) two previously published systematic literature reviews to identify the associations between parent–child weight talk, and broader health discussions, and children’s wellbeing, (b) interviews with children, and (c) development and refinement of narrative messaging (previously published). In Phase 2 we developed a conceptual model and mapped primary findings to techniques and content within a draft guidance document for parents on talking to children about weight. Phase 3 involved a modified Delphi process with 29 stakeholders to refine and agree a final version.ResultsAn acceptable draft guidance was agreed following two stages of feedback from Delphi participants. Key areas for debate and adaptation included: encouraging discussion about health and growth with lesser focus on weight; finding ways to reduce stigma and perceptions of blame; emphasising a whole-family approach; inclusive representation of diversity among children and families.ConclusionsConsensus on the content of guidance for parents on talking to children about weight was achieved through a process of evidence review and stakeholder and expert engagement. The next steps are to measure the impact of the resource on improving the experience of parents and children in communicating about weight.

Perception of marital rape among married women attending psychiatric outpatient department in RIMS, Imphal

ABSTRACT Background: The definition of rape in Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code includes all forms of sexual assault involving nonconsensual intercourse with a woman. However, Section 375 exempts unwilling sexual intercourse between a husband and a wife over 15 years of age from the definition of “rape” and thus immunizes such acts from prosecution. Marriage is thus considered a continuous, unwavering consent for sexual intercourse as per current laws in the country. This is quite removed from most other countries where marital rape is a recognized crime. India is among only 36 countries that still do not consider marital rape as sexual assault. Literature on marital rape suggests both physical and psychological negative impacts on women facing this predicament. However, marital rape remains one of the most neglected kinds of sexual violence against women, both in society and available literature around the world. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study undertaken in the Department of Psychiatry, rims, Imphal. The study period was for 1 year. Semi-structured pro forma will be used to record patient data. Perception of marital rape will be assessed using an examiner-administered semi-structured pro forma which was first validated using on initial 30 samples under the scrutiny of two experienced researchers in this field. Due consent will be taken and confidentiality assured. Patient data were evaluated using SPSS version 21; Chi-square test and t-test will be used to find correlations between different variables. Results: A total of 129 women participated in the study. The majority of the participants (79%) had an average perception of marital rape, 10% had a high perception of marital rape, whereas 11% had a low perception of marital rape. Only 19 (15%) reported having experienced marital rape themselves. Nearly 98% of the participants agreed that marital rape will have a negative psychological impact on the women who are victims of it. Among the sociodemographic variables, only religion had a meaningful correlation with the perception of marital rape among the participants, where Hindu women were found to have a higher perception compared to the rest. Conclusions: The study aimed to find the perception of marital rape among women attending the psychiatric outpatient department in a tertiary hospital in Imphal, Manipur. The study showed that the majority of the participants had fair knowledge about marital rape and its psychological impact on the women who might be victims of it. However, only a minority of the participants reported facing marital rape themselves.

Drug‐facilitated sexual assault in Africa: A scoping review of empirical evidence

AbstractBackgroundSexual assault has been a major social problem worldwide. Drug‐facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) is a form of sexual assault facilitated by psychoactive substances. DFSA is highly prevalent worldwide, though it is usually underreported. To understand the situation of DFSA in Africa, there is a need to map the available empirical evidence on DFSA in Africa. Hence, this scoping review was conducted to summarize the existing empirical knowledge and gaps in the literature and inform future research on DFSA in Africa.MethodsThis study adopted the design by the Arksey and O'Malley's guideline for scoping reviews. Without year limiters, literatures were retrieved through a systematic search of the 11 electronic databases using appropriate search terms and Boolean operators. The retrieved literatures were deduplicated and screened, using Rayyan, to identify eligible literature for inclusion into the review. Only those articles that met the eligibility criteria were included for data charting, collation, and summarization. Four articles were included in this review.ResultsFour articles were included in this review. The studies reported the characteristics of offenders and the context in which DFSA occurred. In the reviewed studies, rape of men was only reported among South Africans. Sedatives and alcohol are the most reported substances used in such rape. Perceptions of date rape, as documented by sexual assault survivors, suggest the pervasiveness of victim blaming. Typical DFSA cases appear opportunistic in nature, and an acquaintance is often the culprit. However, disaggregating DFSA as a specific sexual assault requires some logistics, including forensic and toxicological investigations.ConclusionDFSA is a significant dimension of gender‐based sexual violence. Infrastructure development should be improved to support systematic toxicological analyses and services to investigate and understand DFSA.

“Something has to change”

“Something has to change”

Society's Perception of Marital Rape and Its Impact on the Legal Attitudes of Muslim Women

Society's Perception of Marital Rape and Its Impact on the Legal Attitudes of Muslim Women

Changing the Perceptions: Tracing Feminist and Postfeminist Apprehensions of Rape Culture in Sohaila Abdulali’s What We Talk About When We Talk About Rape

Rape is the linchpin of patriarchy. The prevailing perception of rape and rape victims is an important matter of discussion as many people still believe in rape myths. Writer, activist, and rape survivor Sohaila Abdulali’s personal narrative What We Talk About When We Talk About Rape questions gender roles and the patriarchal system. She describes how erroneous beliefs about rape, rapists, and rape victims affect society and leads to victim blaming, slut shaming, and questioning the behaviour of women. Rape myths, which are by-products of patriarchy, rationalise sexual violence and promote animosity toward the victims. In the book, Abdulali urges society to shift its focus from women as victims to men as rapists. By depicting the real incidents, the author shows how men use power to justify rape and sexual assault. Born in India, she takes the issue of rape to the global level by addressing rape cases from all around the world to show how rape affects people from various communities and cultures. This paper seeks to explore the ways in which Sohaila Abdulali deals with the issue of rape with reference to gender, race, and class. The paper also looks at how much society has changed over time in terms of its perceptions of rape and rape victims while there are many people who still adhere to the old gender stereotypes. The study draws on feminist and postfeminist theoretical elements to address the issue of rape.

Moral foundations and perceptions of rape in Colombia (Fundamentos morales y percepciones del abuso sexual en Colombia)

ABSTRACT Two studies addressed links between moral foundations, political attitudes, religiosity and perceptions of rape in Colombian respondents. In Study 1, the authors developed a Colombian version of the Moral Foundations Questionnaire (MFQ). In Study 2, the MFQ was further validated in relation to the acceptance of modern myths about sexual aggression (AMMSA), victim vs. perpetrator blaming regarding a rape vignette, political orientation and attitudes towards religion. Results showed that the Colombian MFQ was more reliable than an existing Spanish version. Endorsement of conservative foundations (ingroup loyalty, obedience to authority and purity) predicted right-wing political attitudes, higher religiosity, higher AMMSA and more rape victim blaming. Conversely, endorsement of liberal foundations (care and justice) predicted lower SDO and less rape victim blaming. These results replicate and extend previous work, including the critique that conservative foundations may reflect amoral attitudes rather than universal moral intuitions. Implications and requirements for further research are discussed.

Investigating Rape Myth in the Prism of the Big Five Factors of Personality: An Explorative Study

Background: A society’s perception of rape is largely determined by Rape Myth, an important psychological construct, whose endorsement promotes rape supportive attitudes among people. Again, the extent of people perceiving the various forms of sexual interactions are also largely affected by different personality dispositions. Aim: The present study attempts to assess the impacts of the big five factors of personality (often termed as the OCEAN factors) on people’s acceptance of rape myths. Method and Materials: A total 608 young adults (370 males and 238 females), who are the students of colleges and universities in Tripura, India participated in this study and were administered with the updated Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance (RMA) Scale and the Ten-Item Personality Inventory in order to measure the aforesaid study variables. Statistical Analyses: Product moment correlation and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were conducted to fulfil the objectives of the study. Results and Conclusion: Results in the Structural Equation Modeling model revealed that RMA is significantly correlated to and predicted by the neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, and agreeableness factors of personality. However, RMA and the conscientiousness factor were not found to be significantly related. While neuroticism was positively correlated to RMA, a negative correlation was found between the RMA and the other four factors of personality. The findings add concrete knowledge to what was known about rape-supportive attitudes till date. The study shall serve as crucial literature to future works on rape and rape myths.

Vehicular heatstroke: how do extralegal factors influence perceptions of blame, responsibility, forgiveness and punishment?

ABSTRACT There is very little empirical evidence about how vehicular heatstroke cases are treated by the criminal justice system. Previous research demonstrates a wide disparity in legal outcomes for cases involving vehicular heatstroke, ranging from acquittals to charges of child neglect or murder. To better understand how specific factors could potentially impact justice outcomes for vehicular heatstroke cases, two experiments were designed. In Experiment 1, participants (n = 146) read a scenario involving an infant hot car death, where the mother's workplace (bar or church) and perceived parenting character (perceived as a bad parent or good parent) were manipulated. In Experiment 2, participants (n = 161) read a scenario where the parent's sex (mother or father) and parenting character were varied. The results from both experiments indicated that participants were more likely to assign responsibility for the child's death when the parent was perceived as having a bad parenting character. It was also found (in Experiment 2) that participants were more likely to forgive the parent with a bad parenting character if they were a mother rather than a father. These findings suggest that extralegal factors could influence legal decisions for vehicular heatstroke cases.

THE SOCIO-LEGAL ATTITUDE TOWARDS RAPE VICTIMS IN NIGERIA DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Rape has long been a brutal part of the- human history of forceful sexual intercourse against a person who is weakened, unconscious or powerless of giving valid permission. The documented rise in sexual violence in Nigeria especially people with poor socio-economic legislators and status is not only to attributed to excessive drinking and indecent dressing but men superiority or the support of culture and beliefs that rape is a sign of maleness the fear of stigmatization, extortion from law enforcement, and lastly lack of confidence in the judicial system. However, there is paucity of literature on how socio-legal attribute on rape victims in Nigeria. Hence, this study investigated the effect of socio-legal attitude toward rape victims in Nigeria. The study employed survey research design. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 1000 respondents to obtain information on relevant issues through the aid of Google. Results from the study show that majority of the respondents had a negative attitude towards rape victims. There was an effect on gender differences in the attitude of Nigerians to male rape victims based on gender differences with a p-value < 0.05 (0.000, X2 = 197.307). Therefore, we failed to reject the alternate hypothesis. There was an effect in the attitude of Nigerians to female rape victims based on gender differences with a p-value < 0.05 (0.000, X2 = 18.955). Therefore, the null hypothesis is rejected.In conclusion, there is a need for public health education on rape and as well encouragement of victims to report cases with an assurance of their safety. Specialized women’s right organizations that should provide capacity building support and logistics services to youths and students in higher institutions and more studies should be carried out to identify the perception of gender-based rape among specific regions in the country and assessment of rape myths and factors that make them.

Contemporary Mainstream Bengali Movies and Societal Perceptions towards Rape: Legal Perspectives

Incidents like the rape of late have been grabbing the spotlight which is one of the most significant challenges in Bangladesh. This paper aims to assess people's perceptions by establishing a link between movies and society. This paper goes on to discuss people's perceptions of rape as well as how rape is depicted in Bengali films. While addressing how these portrayals affect people's perceptions in general, this research will also address whether or not the filmmakers open themselves up to any social or legal responsibilities to society. As a result, this study sought to examine to extend a film could indeed change a viewer’s perceptions and behavior from a socio-legal context. This paper further briefly discusses the existing laws to prevent rape and censorship rules for Bengali movies. The paper will identify the major setbacks in existing legal instruments and possible legal recourses to address the setbacks.

Perceptions of Common Rape: How Rape Myth Acceptance, Victim Gender, and Victim Resistance Affect Victim and Perpetrator Blame Attributions in Party Rape and Date Rape.

Among rape perception studies, common types of male rape remain understudied. Using a randomized vignette design, I sampled 622 college students from a large Southwestern university to examine how victim gender and victim resistance influence blame attributions in party rape and date rape. Results revealed important interactions between victim gender, victim resistance, and rape type. Among other effects, resistance only affected victim blame in date rapes involving male victims. Results indicated that how respondents perceive victim and perpetrator responsibility, and which factors influence these perceptions, vary across rape type and victim gender. Implications for the rape perception literature are discussed.

"She Lied": Relationship Between Gender Stereotypes and Beliefs and Perception of Rape Across Four Countries.

Research indicates that heuristic cues and stereotypical assumptions influence receivers' judgment about rape, although cross-cultural knowledge about the relationship remains elusive. Using a convenience sample of 699 respondents from the U.S., South Africa, Ghana, and Nigeria, the present study examined the relationship between gender stereotypes and beliefs and believability of rape. Results suggested that being male and beliefs about sexual submissiveness of women were associated with endorsement of a "she lied" myth. Country moderated the relation between emotional and sexual stereotypes and believability of rape. For respondents in South Africa and Nigeria, high endorsement of emotional stereotypes about women was related to greater endorsement of the myth that the female victim lied about rape; however, for respondents in the U.S., there was a much smaller difference in endorsement of the myth between low and high endorsement of emotional stereotypes. Similarly, for respondents in Nigeria, high endorsement of sexual stereotypes about men was related to greater endorsement of the "she lied" myth; however, for respondents in the U.S. and South Africa, there was a much smaller difference in endorsement of the myth between low and high endorsement of sexual stereotypes. Findings highlight the effects of generalized view of women on judgment about rape and reinforce the realization that gender-sensitive policy and programs and cultural reorientation might help shift the focus from sexual superiority of men and male ownership of female sexuality to sexual rights and privacy of women. Implications of findings and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Masculine honour beliefs and volunteering to prevent rape versus volunteering to help women who have been raped

ABSTRACT This research examined how masculine honour beliefs (MHB) relate to individuals’ intentions to volunteer for organisations that aim to prevent rape or to provide services to women who have been raped. We predicted both men and those higher in MHB would be more supportive of efforts intended to prevent rape and less supportive of efforts intended to provide support to women who have been raped. Participants (N = 195) were recruited at a large Midwestern university and indicated their willingness to volunteer for ten organisations, three of which addressed either the prevention of rape or the provision of support to women who have been raped. Participants also reported their adherence to individual difference variables, including MHB. Our results supported our hypotheses, suggesting that for both men and those higher in MHB, protecting women from rape, or deterring and preventing rape, appears more important than supporting women who have been raped. This research extends our understanding of how gender roles and MHB relate to perceptions of rape, its prevention, and its consequences.