Apparel as One Factor in Sex Crimes Against Young Females: Professional Opinions of U.S. Psychiatrists

The rate of rape in the U.S.A. quadrupled from 1963 to 1989. Sex crimes against young females have become a major concern. Visual excitation is often involved in normal sex activity, so a natural question is whether provocation via attire is one of many factors in rape and molestation. This study invited expert opinions by mail from 1,769 randomly selected U.S. psychiatrists. Of these, 581 (33%) from all 50 states replied via completed questionnaires. A highly significant majority of both sexes concluded that what a young female wears may affect her risk. An important variable is whether the attire invites direct sex attention. Another majority conclusion stated that provocation by revealing attire may result in resentment by some males, who perceive it as uncaring teasing by females. Parental awareness of these insights might reduce risk for young females.