Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer points out that the act of rape is one of the most violent and demeaning crimes in society. Further, the writer notes that rape is more associated with aggression and domination than it is with sex. The writer explains that not only does this act cause physical harm but it is also emotionally and psychologically damaging to the victim. In this paper, the writer discusses that in spite of the suffering of rape victims, the myth is often propagated in society that women initiate rape either by being alluring or tacitly leading the male on. The writer concludes that it should be remembered that rape is a crime and a social act that has enormous consequences for the victim.

From the Paper:

"However, mythical attitudes and stereotypes have an extremely negative effect, not directly only on the women who is a victim of rape but also in terms of the reportage and combating of this crime; as well as on the subsequent arrest rates. Due to this myth that women often invite rape, many women feel that they are somehow to blame if they are raped. This has been given as a central reason why many women do not report being raped to the authorities. The myths therefore tend to distort the victims sense of psychological balance and viewpoint and point to the possibility that she may have in some way led the rapist on or encouraged him. These women therefore internalize the dominant social rape myths that are promulgated in the society and culture so that they become a measure of 'reality'."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Buddie A. M. and Miller A.G. (2001) Beyond rape myths: A more complex view of perceptions of rape victims . Sex Roles: A Journal of Research. Retrieved June 6, 2006, from http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2294/is_2001_August/ai_82782443/pg_2
• Burt, M. R., & Albin, R. S. (1981). Rape myths, rape definitions, and probability of conviction. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 11, 212-230
• Campbell-Livingston C. The Harsh Reality of Rape. Retrieved June 2, 2006, from http://www.jahworks.org/travel/health_wellness/rape.html
• List of rape myths. University of Minnesota Duluth. 2001. Retrieved June 6, 2006. from http://www.d.umn.edu/cla/faculty/jhamlin/3925/myths.html
• Mbeki questions SA rape figures. 1999. Retrieved June 4, 2006, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/492669.stm

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