The peak age groups of rape victimization for U.S. women are 16-19 years and 20-24 years. Studies of the frequency of sexual assault among college students indicate that 25% to 60% of college men have engaged in sexually coercive behavior, including sexual assault and rape. Little is known about these behaviors and related attitudes among students in former Eastern Bloc countries. The purpose of this study was to examine dating violence and rape tolerant attitudes among Muscovite college students (mean age 20.2 years). A Russian translated version of a previously validated (U.S.) 20-item Likert-type scale measuring attitudes toward dating violence and rape was responded to by 734 students in classroom settings at the Moscow Pedagogical State University during 1997. Men expressed significantly more rape tolerance on 10 items (p<.05), often responding in ways that could be characterized as "victim blaming." However, women and men showed many similar patterns of rape tolerance (e.g., "Some women ask to be raped..." "If a woman says 'no' to sex she means 'maybe' or even 'yes.'"), suggesting that both sexes held beliefs consistent with the popular folklore of sexual assault. Dating violence and acquaintance rape are complex issues, and ones with multiple factors contributing to their occurrence, of which rape tolerant attitudes are one. Elimination of disparities in expectations about dating violence is a challenge for Russian educators as social change evolves in this country. Moreover, the problem is one whose solution likely entails interventions prior to the time that men and women attend college.
Learning Objectives: After this session learners will be able to: 1. Identify gender differences and similarities in attitudes held by Muscovite college students regarding dating violence. 2. Describe how Muscovite college students compare to those in the U.S. with respect to the mythology and folklore of sexual assault and victimization
Keywords: College Students, Violence
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.