Sex differences in rape reporting

Abstract

The analysis reported here compares male and female rape reporting behavior. Results from an analysis of National Crime Survey data indicate that the characteristics of rape, and factors that influence a rape reporting decision, differ by sex, and that sex role socialization may largely influence the rape reporting decision for both males and females. Both men and women were more likely to report victimization when there was physical evidence, but only women were affected by such variables as the victim/offender relationship, the age of the offender, and whether or not the victimization was perceived to be completed. The analysis also found that women reported victimization more frequently than men, and that there were differences between male and female victims with respect to the characteristics of the rape itself.