Collegiate communities are often faced with difficult situations from sexual assault, rape, and other forms of interpersonal violence. These events are not only tragic or traumatic for the individuals involved but also have ripple effects and create collateral damage within the campus community. Many universities are instituting bystander training…

In this commentary, the author reflects on her article entitled, "Alcohol and Dating Risk Factors for Sexual Assault Among College Women" (Abbey, Ross, McDuffie, & McAuslan, 1996) and her work in personal, intellectual, and disciplinary context. The original article can be found at http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2050/content/20/1/147. This personal reflection…

In this commentary, the author reflects on two articles that have been among the most highly cited publications in "Psychology of Women Quarterly" ("PWQ") over its first 35 years, "The Hidden Rape Victim: Personality, Attitudinal, and Situational Characteristics" (Koss, 1985) and "Stranger and Acquaintance Rape: Are There Differences in the…

Our criticism and evaluation of young adult literature is tempered not only by the scope of our knowledge of adolescent literature in general, but also by our notions of adolescence, itself. Adolescent literature that, in Michael Cart's terminology, "shatters the shibboleths" of adolescence and adolescent culture, has the potential to re-shape the…

Although studies indicate that as many as 22 percent of women have been raped, few of these women seek help immediately after the rape. Most rape victims experience a postrape distress response which may not be resolved for some victims. Long-term symptom patterns include fear/avoidance responses, affective constriction, disturbances of…

Colleges and universities have been sued by student-victims of campus crimes in recent years. Analyzes the factors that render colleges and universities vulnerable and suggests actions to limit their liability. Examines the effect that mandatory federal and state reporting laws will have on future litigation. (100 references) (MLF)

A general legal definition of rape is sexual intercourse forced on an individual by another against his/her will and overcoming his/her resistance. Although the female is usually referred to as the survivor and the male as the perpetrator, there are cases of male rape. Rape may be divided into stranger rape and acquaintance rape. Types of…

Focuses on rape prevalence research and examines the relationship between measurement methods and levels of rape detection. Weighs the relative threat to the validity of prevalence estimates posed by fabrication versus nondisclosure. Examines various methodological choices and their relationship to the magnitude of prevalence estimates. (JPS)

The article reviews relevant literature (which suggests women who convey confidence and assertiveness are less likely to be victimized), outlines initiatives, describes a model self-defense course, suggests guidelines for evaluation, and draws implications for university policy on violence against college women. (SM)

A course entitled "Women and Violence in Literature and the Media" extends the definition of violence to include not only physical and emotional abuse but psychological manipulation and destruction as well. The course has two major objectives: to establish that violence against women does occur in our society and is culturally approved of and…

Explores the cultural context of victims of sexual violence and their attackers by focusing on the webs of domination in which women are caught. The author suggests that women of color in North America who talk about sexual violence in court are still subjected to the arrogant gaze of imperialism, racism, and sexism. (GLR)

Suggests the ultimate competition for writers of contemporary adolescent fiction is life--the world that children inhabit is getting stranger and stranger. Discusses parents' and adolescents' different reactions to the novel "Boys Lie," which addresses the issues of rape and sexual harassment. Presents reactions to the speech and the responses of…

Courts have shown themselves increasingly willing to hold institutions of higher education responsible for rapes that occur on their campuses. In some instances, federal law now mandates a duty to help prevent these campus crimes. Provides a general campus security checklist. (82 footnotes) (MLF)

Critically reviews current rape prevention education programs, focusing on common techniques and the assumption that change in rape-supportive ideologies will decrease the actual incidence of sexual aggression. Identifies many issues that must be addressed through rigorous experimentation so that the promise of rape prevention can be realized…

Asserts that, although providing educational programs and materials on acquaintance rape and prevention strategies is important, attention must also be given to victims. Discusses recognition of stress response pattern of victims suffering from Rape Trauma Syndrome and provision of appropriate referral and support services. Includes selected list…