A rape task force at the University of Massachusetts (Amherst) is described with priorities including interagency coordination, a multiple entry system for victims, support for the development of a counselor-advocate program, and community education. (JMF)

An overview of addiction and crime is presented. Crimes of violence and sex crimes are contrasted with non-violent criminal behavior when drug-connected. It is suggested that alternative methods of dealing with drug abuse and criminal behavior be explored, and that several previously discarded methods be re-examined. (Author)

Developed a scale of Rape Attitudes (tolerance of rape) and validated a modified version of the Gough Socialization Scale. For university students and adolescents, males and females, tolerance of rape was associated with sexist attitudes toward heterosexual relationships. For male adolescents, tolerance of rape and sexist attitudes were associated…

A law school teacher describes her response to the incorrect and insensitive treatment of rape in a criminal law textbook, including analysis and criticism of the text's content and communication with the publisher about it. (MSE)

Assessed impact of existing rape awareness and prevention program on attitudes and empathy of male and female college students. Found that men were less empathic and sensitive in their attitudes toward rape than were women, and the program was unsuccessful in reducing the differences. (Author/NB)

Assessed the extent to which postassault situational variables reflecting exposure to attack-similar stimulus appeared to relate to long-term psychological distress of victims. Determined whether a classical conditioning model could adequately describe long-term responses by victims of different forms of assault, including (but not limited to)…

Examined the effects of sexuality classes on 23 sex offenders and 28 college students. Results showed that compared to controls, participants had more positive attitudes toward masturbation and a disgust of perverse fantasies about women, suggesting human sexuality education may be useful in preventing sex offenses and rehabilitating offenders.…

This study looked at the influence of an Asian sociocultural variable, loss of face or social integrity, as a predictor of perceptions of acquaintance rape among Japanese students. In addition to the expected associations between gender, sexism, and perceptions of rape, loss of face was predicted to interact with the perpetrator's reference group…

Interviewed 42 White, female youths regarding possible sexual assault experiences. Half reported at least one sexual molestation. Most of the youths were measurably affected by their assault experiences. Few reported reactions, suggesting severe socioemotional/behavioral disturbances commonly reported in the child sexual assault literature.…

Reviews the literature on the crisis and aftermath, particularly the psychological effects of rape. Discusses findings from a national survey of rape crisis centers. Data was gathered in order to identify the nature and extent of services provided, determine number of rape victims treated, and understand problems confronted by service providers.…

Considers how in the past 30 years almost a dozen picture books for children have made motifs of rape and death their subjects, as they appear in the story of Demeter and Persephone. Discusses why this particular story is so popular and what variations exist among these retellings. (SG)

Presents data on incidence of date rape and advocates concentrated effort to educate college students about data rape and to teach them behaviors that could lead to the prevention of data rape. Lists four goals of such an educational program and provides suggestions for implementing a program. (NB)

Examines the effects of the victim-perpetrator relationship (first date acquaintance, stranger, or steady dating partner) on college students' attributions of responsibility for forced intercourse and unwanted propositions. Investigates both behavioral and characterological components of victim and rapist responsibility. Discusses sex differences…

Of the 129 women interviewed, a large portion (38%) did not recall abuse reported 17 years earlier. Those who were younger when abuse occurred or were molested by an acquaintance were more likely to have no recall. Implications for research and practice are discussed. Periods with no memory should not suggest abuse never occurred. (52 references)…

Discusses and questions the reliance on technology to provide safety for women on university campuses, such as brighter lights, more accessible emergency telephones and reliable escort services. Such measures can and do increase safety for women from strangers but offer no protection from friends or acquaintances women encounter in places deemed…