Norway: Young men in South-Trndelag County in central Norway reveals disturbing attitudes towards rape
Posted by African Press International on May 16, 2007
Young men believe rape myths
A new study of young men in South-Trndelag County in central Norway reveals disturbing attitudes towards rape.
The study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) researcher Mons Bendixen found that one in three believed that a woman can enjoy a rape.
“Extremely alarming,” Bendixen told newspaper Adresseavisen.
The study was based on a survey of 334 students from three high schools in the county.
The study of young attitudes to sexual harassment also showed that one boy in four agreed or strongly agreed that women have a tendency to exaggerate how harmful a rape is, and that one of three believe it is important to assess the victim’s past in a rape trial.
Bendixen believes the answers express an attitude of sex discrimination.
“When one belittles a group it is easier to accept that they are exposed to violence and abuse,” Bendixen said.
Lifted by and published by African Press in Norway, apn, africanpress@chello.no tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6300 2525 source.aftenposten.eng
