Perceptions of rape: The influence of closeness of relationship, intoxication and sex of participant

Intoxication of the assailant and/or victim is often mentioned in relation to acquaintance rape. The present study tests how independent observers use this information in their perceptions of acquaintance and stranger rape. One hundred and forty-nine females and 104 males read scenarios depicting a sexual assault and made attributions of responsibility for the rape and evaluated the actors. Victims' intoxication consistently influenced perceptions of victim culpability as well as respondent evaluation of her. The impact of closeness of relationship was much more complex and less consistent than the effects of victim intoxication.