Decades ago, during my undergraduate years, I attended a presentation in my dormitory that highlighted the critical importance of obtaining and respecting sexual consent. The presenters clarified that if a partner says ‘no’ or ‘stop’ and someone continues with the sexual activity, it constitutes rape.
In response, a well-known athlete on our campus expressed disbelief, questioning the validity of this statement by claiming it would imply he had raped everyone he had been with. His comment shocked me, but many students laughed, indicating a lack of understanding or acceptance of the issue.
This memory resurfaced when I learned about the alleged sexual assault at Cornell University involving seven fraternity members. As a social psychologist and author who studies why individuals remain silent in the face of inappropriate actions, I find a particular tragedy in the Cornwall case. Reportedly, over 50 men in a group chat knew of the assault as it happened, yet there was no indication of any attempts to intervene, assist the victim, or contact authorities.
Inaction in such circumstances is unfortunately common. In around one-third of sexual assault cases, others are present with the potential to intervene but often choose not to do so.
Misperceptions About Societal Norms
Data suggests that a minority of men commit sexual assault. For instance, research estimates only 6.5% of male college students in the U.S. and Canada have done so. However, many men who disapprove of sexual violence mistakenly believe that other men do not share their views.
A study of undergraduate men revealed that they held certain rape myths, such as ‘If a girl doesn’t fight back, it isn’t really rape’ and ‘It’s her fault if she is raped after going to a room alone with a guy at a party.’ These students then incorrectly assumed that their peers and friends were more accepting of these misconceptions.
The Impact of Peer Influence
Despite inaccurate beliefs, men’s perceptions of their peers’ attitudes more strongly predict their willingness to intervene against sexual aggression than their own views.
The fear of ridicule and a desire not to seem weak often prevent male college students from intervening in potentially harmful situations. Men who have committed sexual assault frequently overestimate the acceptance of their actions among peers, emboldening them to share, leading others to falsely believe that such behavior is widely supported.
Correcting Misconceptions
Changing these misperceptions can greatly reduce sexual violence. Programs designed to refute rape myths and emphasize the need for consent have proven effective. Male college students participating in prevention initiatives often report a decrease in their aggressive behaviors.
Such interventions work by providing men with accurate information about their peers’ attitudes. This makes them more likely to speak out against sexual violence. Those at risk of aggression may reconsider their intentions when learning that their peers do not condone such actions.
The Role of Bystander Intervention
Besides awareness programs, bystander intervention training offers strategies to stop potential assaults. These programs teach specific skills for safely intervening before situations worsen and stress everyone’s collective responsibility in preventing sexual violence.
Research shows lower rates of sexual violence on campuses with implemented bystander intervention programs. For instance, studies reported 11% fewer harassment and stalking incidents and up to 17% fewer cases of unwanted sexual activity involving intoxicated women.
While cases like the one at Cornell might seem isolated, the inability to act against inappropriate behavior is widespread across colleges and beyond. By understanding the psychological factors leading to misperceptions and learning specific intervention strategies, individuals can help make a significant difference.
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