NCJ Number
118657
Date Published
1989
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Five hypotheses related to the evolutionary theory of rape causes are tested from a review of relevant empirical studies.
Abstract
Three of the hypotheses are that tendencies to rape must be under some degree of genetic influence; forced copulations should impregnate victims, at least enough to offset whatever risks rapists have of being punished for their offenses; and rape victims should be primarily of reproductive age. The remaining two hypotheses are that rape should be vigorously resisted by victims, especially when the offender is someone to whom the females are not sexually attracted; and rapists (especially those who assault strangers) should be less likely than other males to attract voluntary sex partners. Overall, the weight of evidence bearing upon the evolutionary theory of rape is supportive of the theory. Contrary to assertions by some of the theory's critics, there is evidence that the risks of pregnancy by rape victims is significant. The evolutionary theory accurately predicts that the vast majority of rape victims are of primary reproductive age throughout the world. Although the evidence pertaining to the rate at which rapists may be passing on their genes to subsequent generations relative to other males remains fragmentary, their overall level of sexual activity with numerous sex partners may actually exceed that of males generally.