Rape: Recent Psychological Research into Victims and Perpetrators
| Date | 01 January 2001 |
| DOI | 10.1177/0032258X0107400304 |
| Author | L.F. Lowenstein |
| Published date | 01 January 2001 |
| Subject Matter | Article |
DR
L.F.
LOWENSTEIN
Psychologist; Director
of
Aflington Manor Psychological
Services Southern England
RAPE: RECENT PSYCHOLOGICAL
RESEARCH INTO VICTIMS AND
PERPETRATORS
Introduction
Rape is one of the more serious crimes, equivalent to murder and arson,
frequently concerning the legal profession.
This article reports on the most recent research into the causes and
associated attitudes and features of rape and looks at the victims
reactions to rape and its prevention and diagnosis, as well as treatment
of rapists and victims. First, however, it is necessary to consider
various aspects of rape and most especially who the rapist is.
A. Aspects of Rape: Who is the Rapist?
There is still considerable uncertainty as to who is the rapist, as pointed
out by Lowenstein (1989). The author makes a differentiation between
rape and seduction, since the latter consists of willing participation or
even eager participation in sexual activities, while the former does not.
The definition of rape is quoted as coming from the term 'rapere',
meaning 'to seize; ravish; to force (a woman); to carry off; carnal
knowledge of a woman against her will; seizing or carrying off by
force'. Seduction, on the other hand, is 'the act of seducing; of
persuading a woman to surrender her chastity; the state of being
seduced; that which seduces; enticement; an attraction; tempting of
attractive quality, a charm etc.'. What is most noted about all these
definitions is that in the area of seduction there is a feeling of external
non-coercion, or there is willingness to participate.
The background of rapists is noted by Lowenstein (1977) who
points out the background of rape or raping as being the following:
(1) general factors including hereditary disposition, early traumas and
relationship problems; (2) current tensions; and (3) immediate situ-
ations that arise. Sometimes rape and seduction occur within an area of
greyness, making it difficult to differentiate between the willingness of
the individual, claiming to have been raped, or the lack of willingness
in this. This is especially the case in 'date-rape', that is when the
individual accused of rape is well known to the alleged victim of rape.
In the case of child and child sex allegations there are also difficulties,
but mostly as to whether, in fact, such action took place.
If
it has taken
place, it is always wrong regardless of any extenuating circumstances,
such as the possible willingness of the victim to participate (Lowen-
stein, 1994). There is almost always an element of sexual aggression
202 The Police Journal, Volume 74 (2001)
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