CULTURAL BELIEFS ABOUT RAPE AND VICTIMS‘ RESPONSE IN THREE ETHNIC GROUPS

Abstract

Cultural definitions of rape were assessed among 101 African‐American, Hispanic, and non‐Hispanic white female rape victims and 89 nonvictims matched for ethnicity, age, marital status, and socioeconomic status. Hispanics scored highest and whites lowest both in perceived community victim‐blaming and in victims' psychological distress. Social and treatment implications are discussed. 1993 American Orthopsychiatric Association