VAW-The Complexity of Victim-Questioning Attitudes by Rape Victim Advocates: Exploring Some Gray Areas

Summary: Author Shana Maier discusses her article from the December 2012 issue of Violence Against Women, The Complexity of Victim-Questioning Attitudes by Rape Victim Advocates: Exploring Some Gray Areas. Despite efforts to educate and create community awareness, rape myths and victim-blaming attitudes persist in society. This research explores whether advocates express victim-questioning attitudes or questions, negative judgment, or frustration regarding victims’ behavior or choices. Data from interviews with 58 advocates reveal that the majority (76%) of advocates never expressed any victim-questioning attitudes during the interview. However, responses from 14 advocates (24%) show that victim-questioning has evolved into a much more complex, subtle form than historical victim blaming or acceptance of rape myths. http://vaw.sagepub.com/content/18/12/1413.abstract