NCJ Number
31904
Journal
TIMES MAGAZINE Dated: (JANUARY 26, 1976) Pages: 4-8 AND 14-16
Date Published
1976
Length
8 pages
Annotation
DESPITE SHARP INCREASES IN REPORTED RAPES OF MILITARY WIVES AND SERVICEWOMEN, MOST MILITARY AUTHORITIES ARE STILL OPERATING UNDER THE ERRONEOUS ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT RAPE THAT ARE BEING DISCARDED IN CIVILIAN COMMUNITIES.
Abstract
THE AUTHOR REPORTS THAT THE 'RAPIST AS MADMAN', 'VICTIM PROVOCATION', 'FALSE RAPE REPORTS' MYTHS CONTINUE TO BE ACCEPTED BY OFFICIALS, POLICE, AND HOSPITAL PERSONNEL IN THE ARMED SERVICES DESPITE STATISTICAL EVIDENCE THAT RAPE IS ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING CRIMES IN THE MILITARY COMMUNITY. SHE ARGUES THAT MILITARY RAPE LAW IS IN NEED OF REFORM SINCE IT REFLECTS NONE OF THE CHANGES BEING MADE IN STATE RAPE STATUTES, AND THAT ARMY RAPE PREVENTION PROGRAMS ARE WELL MEANING BUT OFF TARGET IN THEIR EMPHASIS ON HOW POTENTIAL VICTIMS CAN AVOID PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE WOULD-BE RAPIST. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THE PREVAILING ATTITUDE TOWARD RAPE AND RAPE VICTIMS IN ALL BRANCHES OF THE ARMED FORCES IS DUE THE HOSTILITY AND RESENTMENT MANY SERVICEMEN FEEL TOWARD THE INFLUX OF WOMEN INTO MILITARY CAREERS. THE AUTHOR ADDS THAT THE NEGATIVE ATTITUDES OF COMMANDING OFFICERS TOWARD WOMEN IN THEIR UNITS TENDS TO ENCOURAGE THIS HOSTILITY, WHICH IN TURN LEADS TO THE INCREASED SEXUAL ASSAULTS.