Tested hypothesis that women's attitudes and fantasies about rape arise partially from their socialization to accept sexual aggression as normative. Female participants answered questions on childhood exposure to pornography, sex fantasies, and rape attitudes. Early exposure to pornography correlated to "rape fantasies" and attitudes…

A very significant problem in society is adolescent rape victimization and the growing number of adolescent perpetrators. This paper examines adolescent attitudes about rape in order to develop curricular materials. It is found that adolescents exhibit conservative attitudes about gender roles, general rape myths, and victim issues. (Author)

This study investigated the relationship between sexual aggression and date rape and the character traits of anger, hostility, impulsivity, psychopathology, peer pressure, and pornography use. Male college students (N=480) completed a questionnaire that consisted of 10 instruments measuring character traits and sexual aggressive behavior. Areas…

The string of tragic, violent incidents that occurred during the 1997-98 school year has refocused the American public's attention on school crime and safety. This statistical compilation supports the "Annual Report on School Safety: 1998" by presenting the latest available data on school crime and student safety. The report presents a…

A report is presented of the hearing concerning H.R. 3344, the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act, in which testimony was given by several college officials concerning the steps they have taken and plan to take, and from parents and students concerning their fears and, in some cases, their personal tragedies. Among the individuals presenting…

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…

This study assessed rape supportive attitudes of sorority and fraternity members and evaluated a date rape education program with comparison to a non-Greek group studied earlier. Greek students registered more desirable scores than non-Greeks on an attitudes measure, but the education program did not improve their scores. (Author)

Investigated the effects of reading one of four priming stimuli stories (control, consenting sex, rape, or family) on males' evaluations of, and emotional reactions to, two videotaped date-rape scenarios. Results supported the concepts of a macho personality and revealed interactive effects for both the rape and family prime. (RJM)

Male sexual aggression toward women is a serious social problem, particularly on college campuses. In this study, college men's sexually aggressive behavior and rape myth acceptance were examined using conformity to 11 masculine norms and 2 variables previously linked to sexual aggression: problem drinking and athletic involvement. Results…

Acknowledged rape victims are women who have experienced forced sexual intercourse and view their experience as rape. Unacknowledged rape victims have suffered the same experience but do not view it as rape. Acknowledged (N=39) and unacknowledged (N=29) rape victims completed a sexual experiences interview and a rape attitude survey to determine…

Describes and integrates data concerning the hypothesis that many "normal" men possess the proclivity to rape. Identifies responses that distinguish convicted rapists from the general population; analyzes the relationships between reported likelihood of raping and responses found to characterize rapists; and examines the relationship between…

Reviews methodological problems of previous research on male perpetrators of sexual violence. Discusses the need for a rigorous methodology in defining the extent of the problem. Proposes an aggressive new research agenda that would examine men's prosocial behavior. (KW)

In 1979, reports of sexual harassment and accusations of sexual assault at the University of Rhode Island led to the formation of a Sexual Harassment Committee. One of the tasks undertaken by a subgroup of this committee was a survey of the university community to identify actual experiences of and the attitudes of student and staff toward sexual…

Studied how Catholic women who have experienced sexual assault not only have to deal with society's negative reactions but an additional guilt instilled by religious education. Proposes that religious values have traditionally ignored male responsibility. Suggests counselors may find bibliotherapy an effective intervention tool in these cases.…

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…