Bondoc, Audrey Shane A.

MSCJ Student

What Experts Know about Men who Rape?

Summarize the findings of the researcher about the various reasons shared by known
sexual offenders why they committed rape or sexual assaults. Discuss the various
motivation and what triggered them to commit such predatory acts.
Based on the article, the following are the various reasons shared by known sexual
offenders why they committed rape or sexual assaults:
1. Emerging of New/Other Patterns
First, let’s tackle the background of these men who commit sexual
assaults. Based on the researcher, “they have little similarities with regards to
class, race, and marital status.” Men had diverse backgrounds, social statuses
and, of course, different personalities and mentalities. There no one specific type
who commits sexual crimes. These means that anyone can commit sexual
crimes, regardless of their background. Studies haven’t found common
background for these offenders. However, it is found that men who rape tend to
start young. We can conclude that any men can rape regardless of their
background but most men who rape learned this when they were young.

2. Victim Blaming
According to the researcher, “young men who expressed remorse were
less likely to offend the following year, while those who blamed their victim were
more likely to do it again.” The offender who blames the victim thinks that he had
to repay the victim for sexually arousing him. They justify their actions by thinking
that it was the victim’s fault and repeat the same because they do not feel guilt
on their wrongful actions.

3.  “Risk Factors”
According to studies, men who commit sexual assaults begin early.
Rapists often see women as sex objects who are there to fulfill men's sexual
needs. Due to the stigma brought to these young men by their peers, they
associate with others who also commit sexual violence. These includes heavy
drinking, perceived pressure to have sex or the loss of self-control on the part of
their victim under the influence of alcohol.
Some tend to hold false beliefs, often described as a belief in “rape myths”
are all risk factors among men who have committed sexual assault. They feel
being judged by their peers if they are “experienced” enough to feel the sense of
belonging. A peer group that uses hostile language to describe women is another
one.
4. Narcissism/ Toxic Masculinity
 "Sexual assault is not about sexual gratification or sexual interest, but more
about dominating people." The source of their arousal was their belief of
dominating or having power over women. They believe that they would have the
power if they would commit these offenses against women. They are motivated
by these emotions or feelings.

5. Rejection from their past

Repeat offenders often tell similar stories of rejection during their high school
days. Men who engage in sports or who are popular in school get all the
attractive women. While average men are being rejected by these women. As a
result, they seek revenge by committing sexual crimes against women.

6. Denial of Reality
Rapists often deny having raped their victims and frequently try to justify their
actions. Men who admit rape often try to find excuses for what they have done.
They acknowledge nonconsensual sex but that does not mean they consider
it real rape. they do not believe they are the problem. They usually deny that they
have raped women even as they admit to nonconsensual sex. Their personal
attributes that have a mediating effect on these factors. These men are highly
aroused by rape porn. They are influenced by what they see on media and thinks
that what they do is normal.

References:
Murphy, H. (2017). What Experts Know About Men Who Rape. The New York
Times. Retrieved on September 9, 2021,
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/30/health/men-rape-sexual-assault.html

“The psychology of a rapist”.(n.d) DW. Retrieved on September 9, 2021,

https://www.dw.com/en/the-psychology-of-a-rapist/a-54814540