Effect of Supporter Characteristics on Expression of Negative Social Reactions Toward Rape Survivors in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Using a community representative sample of 1,505 adults we examined interpretations of rape situations in order to establish attitudes toward rape. We assessed their intentions to express negative social reactions (NSRs) toward rape survivors. We then determined effects of attitudinal and sociodemographic characteristics in logistic regression models assessing the odds of expressing NSRs. Being old, male, and Muslim, and failing to interpret the legal circumstances of rape increased their risks of expressing NSRs. The degree of interpretation of lack of consent as rape affected their intentions to express NSRs, but not how they responded to survivors of different social status.