Gendered Perceptions of Sexual Violence

In comparison to the extensive body of literature on sexual violence in general, fewer researchers have specifically examined the extent to which attitudes about gender affect perceptions toward both sexual offending and victimization. A scenario-based survey was administered to a sample of U.S. residents to examine these opinions. The results indicated that victim and offender sex had a significant effect on punitiveness toward sexual offenders, confidence in treatment amenability, and perceptions of victim harm. These findings point to the importance of educating the public on the realities of sexual violence.