Sexual Molestation and Rape Reported by Homosexual and Heterosexual Women

Questionnaire returns form 225 homosexual and 233 heterosexual adult women revealed 115 cases of rape or attempted rape. Data from 78 follow-up questionnaires are summarized. About the same proportion of lesbians and heterosexuals, age 16 or over, were the object of rape. The lesbians tended to reject all men as sexual partners or companions, while the heterosexuals tended to blame themselves for not being careful. Some of the heterosexual women, age 16 to 18, interpreted the rape as a compliment to their sexual attractiveness. Girls under 16 whose assailant was a stranger are, as adults, as frequently homosexual as heterosexual. Sixteen of the 17 girls, age 4 or 16, molested or seduced (6for as long time) by a relative or close family friend are lesbians as adults. The subjects' attitudes about the incident were highly determined by parental reactions. Inferences are drawn about the rapists' attitudes toward women.