Police Perceptions of Sexual Assault Victims: Exploring the Intra-Female Gender Hostility Thesis

• NCJ Number: 239162
• Journal: Police Quarterly Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2012 Pages: 25-44
• Author(s): Ericka Wentz; Carol A. Archbold
• Date Published: March 2012
• Length: 20 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study explored variation in the perception of sexual assault victims among male and female police officers.

Abstract

This study explores variation in the perception of sexual assault victims among male and female police officers in a Midwestern police agency. Surveys that include both qualitative and quantitative questions are completed by 100 patrol officers. An analysis of qualitative data revealed some support for the Intra-Female Gender Hostility Thesis, which posits that female officers subscribe to rape myths and victim blaming more than male officers. Quantitative analysis showed no significant differences in the way that male and female officers perceived sexual assault victims. Policy implications based on these findings are presented and discussed at the end of this article. (Published Abstract)