Sexual Violence in the Mass Media: Legal Solutions, Warnings, and Mitigation Through Education

• NCJ Number: 137768
• Journal: Journal of Social Issues Volume: 48 Issue: 1 Dated: (1992) Pages: 145-171
• Author(s): D Linz; B J Wilson; E Donnerstein
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 27 pages
• Grant Number(s): MH40894
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Mental Health
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Three approaches to the problem of sexual violence in the media are explored: legal restrictions, informational labeling, and formal education.

Abstract

Exposure to sexual violence in the media can promote antisocial attitudes and behavior among adolescents and adults. Legal solutions to the problem are inadequate. Calls for strengthening traditional obscenity laws are inappropriate due to their focus on sexual explicitness rather than violence. Also ineffective as a solution is the information provided by the already existing film rating system. The most promising solution is educational interventions directed specifically to changing beliefs about rape and sexual violence. A program of research that capitalizes on prior research with college students and is designed as a formal and easily administered education program is proposed. 67 references (Author abstract modified)