How do contextual influences affect the prevalence of sexual assault? What is involved in effective sexual assault prevention?

Contextual influences, such as the prevalence of rape myths, can affect the prevalence of sexual assault. College men are more accepting of rape myths than are women, and are more likely to cling to them following date rape education classes. Gender-role stereotyping may contribute to the prevalence of sexual assault, as cultural stereotypes of men's and women's roles, encouraging dominance, aggression, and competition in males and passivity in females, may support attitudes that are accepting of sexual violence. Research with college students has shown that students who are highly gender stereotyped and believe in strict gender roles are more likely than their peers to blame sexual assault survivors, express attitudes condoning nonconsensual sex, and be aroused by depictions of rape. Men who engage in sexual assault tend to interpret women's behavior inaccurately, often perceiving warmth and friendliness as indicating sexual interest. They buy into rape myths, such as the belief that a victim "asked for it" by dressing attractively or behaving flirtishly; that nonconsensual sex with a romantic partner, friend, or acquaintance cannot be considered rape; or that men are driven to commit rape by uncontrollable sexual impulses.
Effective sexual assault prevention educates men and women about gender socialization, the nature and impact of sexual violence, debunks rape myths, and offers suggestions on how to intervene as a bystander. In women, effective sexual assault prevention includes helping women assess assault risk from acquaintances, overcome emotional barriers in acknowledging danger, and engage in effective verbal and physical self-defense.