Perceptions of single and multiple incident rape

This investigation focused on impressions of single and multiple incident rape victims. College as well as non-college male and female samples reported their perceptions of a rape victim who was raped for the first time or who experienced a prior rape 1, 3, or 8 years previously. Half of the fictional victims with prior rape histories were described as having reported and half as not having reported the earlier incident. No differences in perceptions were related to initial or repeat victimization. Attempts to ward off realization of vulnerability to victimization were offered as explanations for differences in male and female observers' perceptions. College and non-college sample differences in observers' perceptions were discussed in terms of differences in living experience. Caution seems warranted in estimating the general public's perceptions of rape victims from assessments based on college student samples.This investigation was supported by a grant from the University of North Texas Organized Faculty Research Fund. Special thanks are extended to the Legal Services Department of the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport for their assistance and to Jack Haynes for assistance in the data analysis.