Rape Myths as Cultural Mandate and Their Impact on the Recovery of Sexual Assault Victims

Juliette Zanni, Rhode Island College

Abstract

Examines the relationship among societal and cultural perceptions of rape, as disseminated through rape myths and media images, and the ability of rape victims to recover from their attacks and subsequent psychological injuries. Argues that rape trauma can be aggravated by the existence and prevalance of culturally prescribed responses.