NCJ Number
158026
Date Published
1994
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Presented to a live audience of college students, this stage dramatization portrays typical circumstances and attitudes that can lead to sex without consent in a dating situation.
Abstract
Part 1 provides introductory comments by the drama director about sexual assault and the frankness of the dramatization to be presented. Part 2 is a dramatization by four actors (two girls and two boys). The two girlfriends discuss double dating and having a beer-and-game party in their apartment. One girl (Sandy) calls her boyfriend (John) and suggests that he invite a male friend (Mike) that her girlfriend (Donna) has met once and liked. The dramatization then shifts to the party as the four sit around a table drinking beer and playing a game. John and Sandy, who have an intimate relationship, begin kissing. Donna, who has begun to feel dizzy and sleepy from the beer, says she want to lay down for a moment in her bedroom. Mike follows her and sits on the side of the bed as she lays down. He begins caressing and kissing her, and Donna pushes him away, explaining that she is "tipsy" and just wants to rest. Mike, however, ignores her resistance and persists in kissing her. The dramatization ends at this point, and then Mike and Donna (in character) speak to the audience about what happened subsequently. Mike proceeded to have sex with Donna without her consent. She explains her depression, withdrawal, and anger at what happened. Mike is nonchalant, expressing the belief that Donna consented and her protests were nothing more than a pretense so as not to appear "easy." Part 3 of the video consists of questions from the audience to the various actors who answer in terms of the attitudes and personalities of the dramatized characters. These questions and answers reveal attitudes that can lead to sex without consent. At the conclusion of the video, the actors break from their roles and make comments about the dramatization. They note that although all of the characters may have made mistakes that contributed to the sexual assault, none of the mistakes justified nor excused the assault. A discussion guide accompanies the video.