Go Back Research Article January, 2018

If It Wasn’t Rape, Was It Sexual Assault? Comparing Rape and Sexual Assault Acknowledgment in College Women Who Have Experienced Rape

Author Mary P. Koss Author Sapana D. Donde Author Sally K. A. Ragsdale Author Alyssa N. Zucker

Abstract

The present study investigated (a) comparisons in rates of rape and sexual assault acknowledgment and (b) a comprehensive multivariate multinomial logistic model predicting rape and sexual assault acknowledgment in a sample of 174 college women who had experienced rape. Significantly more women acknowledged having experienced sexual assault than rape. Greater perceived perpetrator force was associated with increased likelihood of rape and sexual assault acknowledgment. Increased age and greater perceived emotional impact were associated with increased odds of rape acknowledgment. Implications for policy, education, and practice within university settings are discussed.

Keywords

Rape Acknowledgment Sexual Assault College Women Victim Perception Perpetrator Force Emotional Impact Gender-Based Violence Campus Safety Consent Education Reporting Barriers Survivor Support University Policy Trauma Awareness Prevention Strategies Legal Definitions Psychological Impact
Details
Volume 24
Issue 14
Pages 1718-1738
DOI 10.1177/1077801217743339
ISSN 1552-8448
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