
However, women do carry out sexual violence against other. Second, it places the responsibility of preventing sexual violence solely on the victim.Ī more helpful dialogue for sexual violence prevention would focus on holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, as well as talking with children and teens early on about personal boundaries and respect for others. Fact: The majority of rapes and sexual assaults are committed by men against women and children.This can lead to a false sense of security. First, this approach does not take into consideration the most common source of rapes and assaults (that is, someone the victim already knows).

However, this focus has two negative consequences: The vast majority of rapes are committed by people who already know the victim.

Evolutionary psychologists, however, would say that it. Department of Justice, Bureau of Statistics,1997).Ī common response to rape and sexual assault in our society is to focus on ways for victims or potential victims to increase their personal safety (such as not walking alone at night or carrying a whistle). Sociologists will tell you that the tendency for men to be more violent than women is a result of traditional gender roles, such that in many cultures boys are raised to believe it’s important for them to be dominant and competitive, while girls are raised to be more nurturing and gentle.

Contrary to popular belief, the vast majority of sexual assaults are not perpetrated by strangers.
