Rape myth acceptance among undergraduate students at the University of Zambia

Abstract

Sexual violence is a major social and public health problem in various sectors of society including institutions of higher education. Several measures have been put in place to combat the vice; however, it continues to prevail in various sectors of society. The study investigated the extent of Rape Myth Acceptance (RMA) among undergraduate students and determines the relationship between demographic factors, awareness of campus sexual violence, and rape myth acceptance. A mixed method approach was used and data was collected using a questionnaire and an interview guide. Using the updated Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale (IRMAS), the study has revealed that the students endorsed rape myths in subtle ways. The study also found that there were statistically significant differences in levels of RMA between gender, year of study, and knowing someone who was sexually harassed and RMA. There were no statistically significant differences in the levels of RMA based on attending a sexual violence workshop and knowing someone who was raped and RMA and there was no correlation between age and RMA. The study recommends the implementation of targeted education programs that challenge subtle rape myths, tailored to different genders and year levels and establish peer education initiatives and provide continuous monitoring to adapt strategies effectively.

Keywords

• Rape myths
• rape culture
• sexual violence
• Joe Thomas, Institute of Health and Management, Australia
• General Science
• Postmodernism of Cultural Theory