Citation

King LL, Roberts JJ. Vict. Offender 2017; 12(1): 71-89.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15564886.2015.1005266

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Previous research suggests that public opinion about crime is nuanced, as it has been found to vary greatly depending upon the type of questions asked and the amount of information provided. Few have similarly examined the complexity of public attitudes specifically about sex crimes. A survey was administered to a sample of U.S. residents utilizing the factorial survey method. The results suggest that specific details about the offense, offender, and victim had a significant effect on perceptions. The findings point to discrepancies between policy and public opinion, as well as to the importance of educating the public about the realities of sexual offending and victimization.

Language: en

Keywords

sexual assault; victimization; sex offenders