Predicting Rape Victim Empathy Based on Rape Victimization and Acknowledgment Labeling

Two studies examined rape victim empathy based on personal rape victimization and acknowledgment labeling. Female undergraduates (Study 1, n = 267; Study 2, n = 381) from a Northeast U.S. midsize public university completed the Rape-Victim Empathy Scale and Sexual Experiences Survey. As predicted, both studies found that acknowledged rape victims reported greater empathy than unacknowledged victims and nonvictims. Unexpectedly, these latter two groups did not differ. Study 1 also found that acknowledged rape victims reported greater empathy than victims who acknowledged being sexually victimized. Findings suggest that being raped and acknowledging rape together may facilitate rape victim empathy.