Prevalence of Sexual Assault and Rape Myth Acceptance in St. Lucia

• In Event: Victim blaming based on myths about rape and sexual assault

Abstract

Sexual violence is a global social problem. This paper discusses the second in a series of studies which assess sexual violence on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. Using a small convenient sample, this study inquired as to whether participants had experienced an attempted or completed sexual assault using multiple definitions of rape. Additionally, participants reported their acceptance of rape myths using a validated scale from research in the United States. Biological sex and social class differences were examined as correlates to rape myth acceptance. Policy implications and proposed future research will also be discussed.

Authors

• Rebecca Hayes, Central Michigan University

• Souyenne Dathorne, PROSAF-Surviving Sexual Abuse in the Caribbean

• Velika Lawrence, PROSAF-The Power of One

• Christina DeJong, Michigan State University