Gender differences in rape reporting

Abstract

This paper compares male and female rape reporting behavior. Participants from National Crime and Victimization Survey data (90% female, 10% male) are much like victims of other violent crimes (25% non-white, higher than average unemployment, young, and unmarried). The data indicate that the situational characteristics of rape, and factors that influence a rape reporting decision, differ by sex. Whereas men fail to report rape when it jeopardizes their masculine self-identity, women fail to report rape when the rape does not fit the classic stereotypical rape situation. Women reported victimization more frequently than did men. It is asserted that further comparative research on rape reporting behavior utilizing qualitative methods is needed in order to fully understand rape victimization for both sexes.