Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Tom T. Diebold

Abstract

Sexual assault is a crime of power and control, and despite the prevalence and severity, remains widely unreported and is met with shame, blame, and skepticism: a likely consequence of a rape culture that fosters rape myth acceptance (RMA). Law enforcement officers (LEOs) act as “gatekeepers” to the criminal justice system and, if they accept rape myths, can negatively influence sexual assault case outcomes. Social Dominance Theory posits that the male-dominated criminal justice system, has intergroup relations and shared cultural beliefs that justify and tolerate myths and behaviors fostering discrimination and skepticism towards victims of sexual violence. This study compared levels of RMA and perceptions towards victim credibility and victim responsibility between 194 LEOs and non-law enforcement (LE) utilizing the Acceptance of Modern Myths about Sexual Aggression (AMMSA) scale and a hypothetical, but realistic vignette. A one-way ANOVA and binary logistic regression were used. Results revealed that LEOs had statistically significantly higher RMA scores than non-LE; however, variations did not differ regarding victim credibility and victim responsibility. Male participants had higher scores towards victim responsibility and females had higher scores towards victim credibility. Only AMMSA scores were predictive of LEO group membership. This research can help maintain accountability, improve interactions, and lead to the renovation and modernization of sexual assault training for the general population and LEOs. Enacting these changes may promote positive social change by helping victims feel more comfortable to report, and increase reporting rates, investigative efforts, and convictions.

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