Understanding Misperceptions Around Sexual Violence and Intervention

Decades ago, as an undergraduate, I attended a workshop on the importance of sexual consent. The session clarified that proceeding with sex after a partner says ‘no’ is rape. Shockingly, a prominent athlete dismissed this, suggesting he had unknowingly committed rape. His comment drew laughter, revealing a gap in understanding consent. This disturbing mindset resurfaced with recent allegations against seven fraternity members at Cornell University.

As a social psychologist and author writing about the silence around problematic behaviors, I’m troubled by reports that over 50 men were aware of the assault via a group chat yet none intervened. Such inaction is common. About one-third of sexual assaults occur with bystanders present who choose not to act.

Misperceptions and Their Impact

Research indicates a small percentage of men commit sexual assault. Studies estimate 6.5% of male college students in the U.S. and Canada have committed rape. However, many men, offended by sexual violence, mistakenly believe their peers are not. For instance, men surveyed about rape myths wrongly assume others support these myths more than they do. This misperception prevents intervention in stopping unacceptable behavior.

Men’s beliefs about peers’ attitudes often influence their actions more than their personal beliefs.

Men fearing ridicule often refrain from challenging harmful behavior. Those who commit assaults typically overestimate their peers’ approval of such actions, leading them to mistakenly feel supported. This false belief perpetuates an erroneous norm.

Correcting Misconceptions

The goal isn’t to change social norms, but to reveal the true norm that condemns sexual violence. Programs aimed at correcting these misconceptions can reduce assault rates. For instance, first-year male students undergoing training on rape myths and consent report lower aggression months later.

These programs succeed by providing accurate peer belief data, encouraging a shift in behavior. They also highlight peer pressure influences, urging loyalty to protect peers by preventing misconduct. One athlete emphasized prioritizing teammates’ well-being over risky interactions, noting, ‘Maybe you don’t get the girl, but you’ll keep your scholarship.’

Learning Intervention Strategies

Bystander intervention programs teach methods to halt misconduct before escalation. These initiatives build confidence and willingness to act among participants, and campuses implementing them report lower sexual violence cases. For instance, a study showed an 11% reduction in sexual harassment and a 17% decrease in certain unwanted sexual activities.

The Cornell case shouldn’t be narrowly viewed as an isolated issue or confined to fraternities. Everyone has faced situations of potential misconduct, and many have chosen silence. Recognizing common misperceptions and learning intervention techniques can substantially impact reducing such behaviors.

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