Stranger Danger? The Relationship between Rape Victims and Offenders on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”

• In Event: Poster Session 2

Abstract

One of the most common stereotypes about rape (i.e., rape myths) is that perpetrators are strangers to victims; yet, this contradicts what we know about the crime, as most assaults are committed by someone that is known to the victim. As a result of this myth, rapes that involve strangers are labeled as “real” or “legitimate,” while those that are perpetrated by someone known to the victim are less likely to be believed. Depending on this relationship, cases are treated differently in the criminal justice system, with those involving strangers more likely to result in conviction and receive harsher sentences. The perpetuation of this myth is at least, in part, due to the media; how they portray rape influences how people view the crime, including the relationship between victims and offenders. Our research team explored how the long-running show, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” depicts rape cases. We conducted a quantitative content analysis of all 24 seasons of the show and coded case characteristics that were rooted in rape myths (e.g., rapists are strangers to victims). This poster focuses on the results of the victim-offender relationship, including how often the show portrayed stranger rapes compared to non-stranger cases.

Authors

• Victor Bojalil, Texas A&M University

• Angelina Garcia, Texas A&M University

• Alexandra Silver, Texas A&M University

• Gemini Creason-Parker, Texas A&M University / Texas State University / Blinn College