Coping with rape myths

By Erica Miller, On-Line Forty-Niner

Monday, September 28, 1998

Students, faculty and staff gathered at the Graduate Center to hear Patricia Rozee, department chair of women's studies, answer questions about the fear of rape.

The lecture included discussion on the psychological effects of rape and misinformation women receive concerning defense during a rape.

"This is the most positive research I've done. It's information you just don't hear," Rozee said.

Many of the myths about rape that women have been led to believe conflict with the research that has been done Rozee said. One study showed that women are hurt as a result of using force against an attacker.

"In reality, women were hurt prior to fighting back," Rozee said. Another myth Rozee refuted is that women are psychologically unable to fight back during an attack. She said women should take self-defense classes.

"Women are socialized to be vulnerable. They fear that they will freeze during a rape," Rozee said.

Rozee cited factors contributing to women's fear of being raped including media's coverage of assaults against women.

"For every one story they publish about an attempted rape, in which a women gets away, there are thirteen stories about women who were raped because getting away from a rapist is not news."

Rozee quoted various studies conducted by researchers that found women are four times more likely to escape a rapist than to be raped.

"I've learned to appreciate the time I've taken to learn self-defense," student Stephanie Edwards said. "It is important to know the facts."

Rozee urged students to take action and invoke change in their lives.

"The myths are clear to me. I now know the difference between the real facts and the myths," student Christina Soto said.

Students can view the lecture on video at the Women's Resource Center in room LA3-105. Flyers outlining the myths and realities of women fighting back during an attempted rape are also available.