Attitudes towards victims and perpetrators of hypothetical rape scenarios involving intoxication: an application to the UK

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of binge drinking behaviour and ambivalent sexism on attitudes towards hypothetical victims and perpetrators of acquaintance rape.

Design/methodology/approach – The research sample comprised 189 students. All were provided with a fictional rape scenario, depicting varying levels of perpetrator intoxication or varying extents to which an intoxicated victim was able to recall providing consent. Participants were then asked to rate their opinions of victim and perpetrator responsibility. They also completed the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI), the Attitudes towards Rape Victim Scale (ARVS), and a measure to assess respondent binge drinking behaviour.

Findings – Respondents attributed more responsibility to intoxicated victims of acquaintance rape than victims who were not intoxicated. Respondents classified as non-sexist had more victim empathy than respondents classified as ambivalent sexists. Respondents' binge drinking behaviour did not impact on attributions of victim responsibility.

Research limitations/implications – Fictional rape scenarios are utilised in the current research. The research literature highlights the difficulties posed by the presence of uncontrolled variables (such as the description of the victim) within hypothetical scenarios. The findings reported here should therefore be generalised with caution. Recommendations for future research are suggested.

Practical implications – The study has practical implications in developing an understanding of legal decision making and factors influencing the potential secondary victimisation of victims.

Originality/value – The paper adds to the current literature in attempting to explore the influence of respondents' binge drinking behaviour on attitudes towards intoxicated victims.