Adolescents' perception of rape
Date
2004
Authors
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Abstract
In order to study adolescents perception of rape, relevant literature pertaining to rape and adolescence as a stage in the development of an individual was reviewed. The literature review pertaining to rape deals mainly with the following aspects:
> Rape in terms of the law.
> Conditions in society that promote rape.
> Reasons for raping.
> Recognition of sexual abuse.
> Reactions to rape.
> Needs of the rape victim.
> Types of rape.
> Coping with rape.
> The responsibility of parents towards rape victims.
Literature on the following aspects of adolescence is also reviewed:
> Developmental tasks of the adolescent.
> Relations of adolescents.
> Characteristics of adolescent sex offenders.
The descriptive method of research was used to collect data with regard to adolescents' perception of rape. Grade eleven learners at selected schools in the Bergville District, Ladysmith Region of KwaZulu-Natal, completed an empirical survey comprising a structured questionnaire.
The data that was collected was analysed using inferential statistics. From the information gathered the following are the
most important findings of the research regarding adolescents' perception of rape:
> Adolescents are aware that rape is unlawful.
> Adolescents believe that effective law enforcement can curb
rape.
> Adolescents do not believe that a culture of violence
contributes to rape.
> Women are reluctant to report being raped.
> Adolescents' perception is that rape victims have difficulty in
coping with relationships with other people.
> The study reveals that it is vital for rape victims to talk about
the rape.
> Adolescents perceive rape as a crime of aggression.
> Adolescents do not want parents to support a child that has
been raped.
> Rape is an action that decreases the self-esteem of women.
> They do not believe that there is any relationship between rape
and family violence.
> They are uncertain if there is a relationship between women
abuse and rape within marriage.
The study also reveals that there is a significant difference statistically between the responses of males and females regarding responses to question that deal with rape whereas there is no significant difference between the responses of males and females regarding questions based on adolescence as a developmental stage.
Based on the findings, the study makes the following recommendations:
> Adolescents must lobby support to ensure more effective law
enforcement, speak out against rape and must not be put
under pressure by peers to engage in sex.
> Parents need to communicate more effectively with
adolescents.
> Law enforcement must be stepped up to curb rape.
> Programs must be put in place to educate adolescents
regarding rape.
Description
Submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Department of Psychology of Education of the University of Zululand, 2004.
Keywords
Rape., Rape victims--Public opinion.