Rape Myths

The aim of the current paper is to discuss rape myths members of the general public hold about victims of rape. Also in this paper the difference between male and female victims of rape will be discussed, the problems they have to deal with when reporting their rape and how this has consequences for their psychological wellbeing due to preconceptions of their role as a victim otherwise known as ‘rape myths’. Moreover, the present paper will present a textbook definition of rape and also the preconceived ideas about rape ‘rape myths’. Additionally, statistical rates will be stated in order to show the importance of the public awareness of the damaging impact of such beliefs. The findings from recent research studies will be also discussed to

Rape cases can be identified as one of the most challenging type of crime. This is so, partially because it might be difficult and almost impossible to obtain physical evidence, moreover, we have not found an accurate way of measuring and reporting the extent of psychological damage caused by rape and other violent crimes. Individuals have their own preconceived ideas, thoughts and feelings about rape and rape victims which has been coined as the term rape myths. One of the main contributions to the conception of rape myths is the fact that it is difficult to identify rape victims, due to lack of early reporting. As a result of this the courts are unable to identify perpetrators due circumstantial evidence not being available at the time of reporting. In turn the courts are then unable to gather enough evidence to persecute perpetrators. The aim of the present paper is to cover rape myths and its impact on victims of rape. First of all, it is important to state the legal definition of rape. The Sexual Offences Act (2003) provided a definition of rape, which

Furthermore it states the male sexual organ which also is gender specific, this further feeds the preconception that males are always perpetrators and females are always victims. This may also have ramifications for male rape victims’ psychological well-being as they may feel that nobody will believe them or that they will be ridiculed when reporting rape.

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The findings from previous years statistically show that around two and half per cent of female and almost half of one percent of male rape victims reported that they have been raped or there were additional attempts for victims to be raped in the past year (Ministry of Justice, Home Office & the Office for National Statistics, 2013). Consequently, nearly 475,000 people become victims of sexual abuse each year. Such high rates of the rape victims, makes it a very important and valuable aspect to be discussed and, furthermore, understood.

It is important to understand the reason why people hold wrong beliefs and its impact on victims, without taking into account the gender aspect of the victim and perpetrator. However, it is also vital to further distinguish whether there is difference between female and male rape myths. This section will aim to explain common knowledge about rape