The Medias Treatment Of Sexual Assault By Athletes In A Post Rape Reform Era

One in three college sexual assaults is committed by an athlete (Crosset et al. 1995). In the past 20 years, athlete sexual violence has gained national attention through the Victim's Rights Movement and specifically through the creation of the National Center Against Violent Athletes. Research reveals that athletes are more likely than their other college counterparts to engage in coercive sexual activity and have rape supportive attitudes; however, little research delves into how victims and athletes are portrayed in the print media during a high-profile case of college athlete rape. Previous research suggests that victims of high profile rape cases are generally criticized and blamed for their role in the assault. Rape law reforms sought to change how victims were treated in the criminal justice system through legislative reforms, but have not achieved all that they intended. This study finds that rape law reforms have contributed to a more favorable view of rape victims in the media, but many stereotypes regarding rape victims still exist. Other findings include the portrayal of victims and athletes in the print media based on description, race, social support and institutional response. This study finds support for previous research that high-profile cases of athlete rape in the print media show evidence of male peer support theory, and that athlete's behaviors are minimized while the victim is placed on trial in the public arena. Future research should be directed to a larger sample of high-profile athlete rape cases, and a more diverse sample of athletic participation.