Gender differences in police officers attitudes towards rape; Results of an exploratory study

Attitudes towards women in general, rape and aggressive sexual behaviour were measured in a sample of police officers (N = 50) and compared with a sample of students (N = 50). Results indicated no differences in attitudes between the students and the police. There were however a number of gender differences with women expressing more liberal views towards women than men whilst men holding more strongly to rape myths than women. Results are discussed in terms of progress in the police's handling of rape victims, given nearly a decade of attempts to improve services. Attitudinal positions were linked to aspects of gender and occupational socialisation. Implications for police practice are also highlighted.