The act of rape is one of the most violent and demeaning crimes in society. Rape is more associated with aggression and domination than it is with sex. Not only does this act cause physical harm but it is also emotionally and psychologically damaging to the victim. "Individuals who have been raped are more depressed and anxious than non victimized. They often intrusively recall the assault and blame themselves, which can lead to poor adjustment following the rape." (Buddie A. M. and Miller A.G. 2001) Furthermore is it quite common for victims of rape to suffer from post traumatic stress disorder.
             In spite of these aspects and the suffering of rape victims, the myth is often propagated in society that women initiate rape either by being alluring or tacitly leading the male on. This is a common held myth perpetrated in many male orientated and patriarchal societies.
             This myth is in the first instance opposed by many facts. Research has found that the most of rapes are not initiated by the women in any sense but are in fact planned by the perpetrator. This view also views rape as the responsibly of the rapist and not of the victim. "Research has found that the vast majority of rapes are planned. Rape is the responsibility of the rapist alone. Women, children and men of every age, physical type and demeanor are raped. Opportunity is the most important factor determining when a given rapist will rape." (List of rape myths. 2001)
             Rape myths are related to many social and cultural norm and perceptions. One definition of rape myths by Burt (1980) is the view that these myths are "prejudicial, stereotyped, or false beliefs about rape, rape victims, and rapists" (p.217). Another view by Lonsway and Fitzgerald (1994) views rape myths not only as false stereotypes which are widely held but also that these myths "...serve to deny and justify male sexual aggression against women" (p. 134). One of the ...