Question: What are Rape Myths - Why Do Myths About Rape Often Blame the Victim?

Answer: Rape myths are assumptions about the act of rape and the victims of rape that frequently reduce empathy for -- and even shift blame to -- the victim. Often unproven or downright wrong, rape myths are nonetheless widely accepted.

A concept first introduced by sociologist Martha R. Burt in 1980, rape myths are defined as "prejudicial, stereotyped, or false beliefs about rape, rape victims and rapists." Rape myths can lead us to justify acts of sexual violence by rationalizing that the victim did something wrong and therefore is at fault. When women believe rape myths, they frequently separate and/or distance themselves from the victim by saying, "That would never happen to me because...."

The following are common rape myths:

It's not rape if

they're dating

there was no force/violence involved

she didn't fight it

she went home with him

she wasn't aware of what was happening

she said no but really meant yes

she's a prostitute

drinking alcohol

wearing tight/sexy clothing

leading him on

slutty/a bad girl/sleeping around

asking for it

young and attractive

in the wrong place at the wrong time

the LA Weekly blog described her

The tendency to take a judgmental view of rape victims is s direct result of viewing this violent crime through the lens of rape myths.

Sources:

Beere, Carole A. "Sex and gender issues: a handbook of tests and measures." Pages 400-401. Greenwood Publishing Group. 1990.

Raja, Sheela. "Rape Myths Persist - Reactions to the Assault on Lara Logan." WomensMediaCenter.org. 17 February 2011.

Wilson, Simone. Lara Logan, CBS Reporter and Warzone 'It Girl,' Raped Repeatedly Amid Egypt Celebration." Blogs.LAWeekly.com. 16 February 2011.