Go Back Research Article April, 1992

The Under detection of Rape: Methodological Choices Influence Incidence Estimates

Author Mary P. Koss

Abstract

This paper discusses the extent of rape in the U.S. today, including a critical analysis of federal and independent sources of incidence data. Rape incidence estimates derived from the National Crime Survey (NCS) are flawed because of measurement methods that undermine full disclosure of victimization. Conclusions include (a) the incidence of rape is much higher than federal statistics suggest, but data are insufficient to resolve whether an epidemic is underway, (b) acquaintance rape is far more common than documented in crime surveys, and (c) improvement in rape detection is promised by the proposed revisions in the NCS.

Keywords

Rape Incidence Under Detection Methodological Choices Measurement Methods National Crime Survey (NCS) Victimization Disclosure Acquaintance Rape Crime Surveys Federal Statistics Independent Data Sources Incidence Estimates Rape Detection Survey Revisions Sexual Violence Reporting Bias Data Accuracy Rape Sexual Assault Consent Violation Non-Consensual Sex Coercion Rape Culture Sexual Abuse Rape Laws Sexual Coercion Psychological Impact of Rape Trauma Recovery Victim Blaming Legal Consequences of Rape Survivor Advocacy Rape Prevention Rape Recovery Gender-Based Violence Sexual Exploitation Power Dynamics in Rape Rape Myths Social Stigma of Rape Victim Support Rape Perpetration Perpetrator Accountability Rape Awareness Sexual Aggression BDSM Kink Sadism Masochism Power Dynamics Sexual Fantasy Role-Play Coercion in BDSM Trauma Chloroformed Gagged Gagged OTN (Over The Nose) OTM (Over The Mouth) Tieable Mask Wrap Gagged Stuff Gagged Masturbation Fantasy Legal Responses to Rape Trauma-Informed Care Legal Reforms for Rape Survivor Empowerment Psychological Effects of Rape Non-Consensual Acts Sexual Coercion in Relationships Sexual Offenders Consent Education Victim-Blaming Rape Crisis Intervention Perpetrator Behavior Rape Recovery Programs Sexual Trauma Healthy Relationship Education
Details
Volume 48
Issue 1
Pages 61-75
DOI 10.1111/j.1540-4560.1992.tb01157.x
ISSN 1540-4560
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