A content analysis of women's safety websites: rape myths and the internet

Women’s sexual victimization is perceived as a one sided problem that emphasizes women’s choices and neglect men’s accountability. Rape myths support an explanation of rape that allows women to remain fearful of sexual victimization. This thesis questions whether contemporary websites regarding women’s safety reinforce rape myths. Components of rape myths include the idea that women’s safety is her responsibility alone, echo traditional gender role expectations, perpetuate dependence on others and security products, and suggest that women’s fear of victimization is normal. A content analysis of thirteen websites regarding women’s safety is the subject of this study. Findings suggest that websites regarding women’s safety are perpetuating components of rape myths through safety suggestions. Key

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Criminology

Grantor

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Tzotzes, Kamille

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Alvi, Shahid

• Rape myth
• Gender roles
• Women's safety

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10155/268

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ontariotechu.scholaris.ca:10155/268