False rape allegations.
With the cooperation of the police agency of a small metropolitan community, 45 consecutive, disposed, false rape allegations covering a 9 year period were studied. These false rape allegations constitute 41% the total forcible rape cases (n = 109) reported during this period. These false allegations appear to serve three major functions for the complainants: providing an alibi, seeking revenge, and obtaining sympathy and attention. False rape allegations are not the consequence of a gender-linked aberration, as frequently claimed, but reflect impulsive and desperate efforts to cope with personal and social stress situations.
Kanin
E J
EJ
Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-1365.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D008192:Deception; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011902:Rape / Q000523:psychology*; D012919:Social Behavior; D012944:Social Support