An alarming new study across Europe has revealed that one in four people believe that rape can sometimes be justified, depending on the circumstance.
Researchers asked 33,000 citizens of different countries in the European Union about whether the believed that rape was acceptable in a number of different situations, such as when under the influence of drugs and alcohol, or if ‘tempted’ by skimpy clothing. The results were published in a report commissioned by the European Union investigating gender-based violence.
The study found that 27% of respondents thought that rape was acceptable in at least one of the scenarios they were asked about. 12 percent responded that it was ok if the victim had taken alcohol or drugs, 11 percent thought it was acceptable if the victim had agreed to go home with the person, and 10 percent thought it was ok if they didn’t say no or fight back physically.
The Independent reported the results by country, showing the spread of responses in this infographic.
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Romania was the country with the most respondents thinking rape was acceptable in some circumstances – with 60% thinking it was ok in at least one of the circumstances.
These results follow a European Union Agency For Fundamental Rights report earlier this year that showed that 55% of women in Europe had been confronted with one or more forms of sexual harassment.
