Rape Myths: Understanding, Assessing, and Preventing

Myths and misconceptions surrounding sexual violence are thought to be implicated in the prevalence of rape and in the lack of justice for women who have been subjected to rape. Rape Myths comprehensively examines the theoretical background, prevalence, assessment, and functions of these beliefs.

Outlining the meaning and feminist foundations of rape myths, this book also considers their conceptualisation as the measurable construct of Rape Myth Acceptance (RMA). Drawing on the authors’ research, the book details the prevalence of RMA among different public and professional groups, as well as the societal consequences of these pervasive beliefs, particularly in terms of treatment within the criminal justice system. RMA is considered in the crucial context of its scaffolding within wider sexism in society and its perpetuation in the media. Looking ahead, Persson and Dhingra question how well rape myth prevention works. Can society reduce the prevalence of these beliefs? If so, how?

Including a detailed overview of the psychometric properties of tools used to measure RMA, and a methodological manual for designing and executing research in this area, Rape Myths is a practical guide for those seeking to research rape myths and other attributions in rape cases.

Dr. Sofia Persson is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Leeds Beckett University, UK. She is also a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society, and a fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Her main research interests are blame attributions in rape cases, sexism, and open science.

Dr. Katie Dhingra is a Reader/Associate Professor in Psychology at Leeds Beckett University, UK. Dhingra’s research interests include self-injurious thoughts and behaviour (suicide and non-suicidal self-injury), the impact of trauma exposure, and violence against women and children.