Over a third of adults would blame a woman for being raped if she was drunk or wore short skirts

drunk women on the floor of a club
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Over a third of adults in the UK would blame a woman for being raped if she was to go out late at night, wear a short skirt or gets drunk, according to new research.

The Sounds Familiar report, conducted by the Fawcett Society, found that 38 per cent of men and 34 per cent of women said that they would totally or partly blame a woman for being raped in these circumstances.

The survey also found that 14 per cent of men aged 18 to 34, in these circumstances would totally blame a woman for being raped. Women aged over 65 were more likely to blame women, with five per cent saying she would be totally to blame and 50 per cent saying she would partially to blame; compared to 48 per cent of men of the same age.

Speaking about the findings, Sam Smethers, Fawcett Society chief executive, said, “I can think of no other crime where we are so ready to blame the victim, but here women are being held responsible for the behaviour of their attacker.”

“It is quite extraordinary and reveals just how deep-seated our readiness to blame women runs within our culture.”

“This resonated with the young women we spoke to who told us about the lad culture they experience on a daily basis and the way they have to manage the situation if they are approached in a bar for example.”

“Just saying the word ‘no’ can escalate to violence.”

“But what these women called for was education not blame.”

“They just want things to change which is why we must have statutory age appropriate sex and relationships education across all our schools.”

The survey also found that 18 per cent of men aged 25 to 34 and 14 per cent of men aged 18-24 said they “do not want the women in my life to have equality of opportunity with men.” Those surveyed also thought that they would be worse off if women were equal. 17 per cent of men aged 25-34 said they would be disadvantaged if women and men were more equal and 20 per cent of men of the same age said women’s equality has “gone too far.”

Download the full report here

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About the author

Alison is the Digital Content Editor for WeAreTheCity. She has a BA Honours degree in Journalism and History from the University of Portsmouth. She has previously worked in the marketing sector and in a copywriting role. Alison’s other passions and hobbies include writing, blogging and travelling.
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