Gender Differences in Attitudes towards Sexual Assault.

Abstract

Gender differences in attitudes towards sexual assault has received significant research attention, yet little research has investigated non-college student sampling despite nearly 50% of rape or sexual assault victims being over the age of 25 (Kilpatrick, 2000). There is also a distinct lack of research conducted surrounding various sexual orientation vignettes (Duncan, 1990; Davies, Pollard & Archer, 2006). In this study, 280 participants took part in an online questionnaire to examine gender differences regarding various factors of a sexual assault scenario. The current study aimed to investigate gender differences within a range of sexual orientation vignettes. Results found no significant gender differences regarding victim blame although, between gender and vignette, it was found that there was a statistically significant interaction as women held higher victim blame of male victims. However, there were significant gender differences found within alcohol and consent and support and recovery with men holding more negative attitudes than women. Such results may help to support prior gender difference findings. It also may be useful for future research to use same-sex vignettes to allow for an exploration of gender differences of sexual assault within same-sex relationships.