According to recent research, the likeability of the attacker and the strategies they use during the assault can have a big impact on how the public perceives sexual assault perpetrators. The study, published in the journal Sex Roles, delves into how these factors affect whether a perpetrator faces legal, professional, or personal repercussions, a phenomenon often linked to the wider cultural context known as “cancel culture“.
The study examined how perpetrators’ perceived likeability and the use of either force or coercion in sexual assaults influence the level of blame assigned to them, as well as the extent to which they are held accountable. The researchers found that perpetrators who were deemed likeable were less likely to be blamed for the assault and faced fewer consequences compared to those who were viewed as unlikeable. Moreover, when coercion, rather than force, was used, perpetrators were also less likely to be blamed and held accountable.
The research involved 278 participants who were presented with a series of scenarios where the likeability of the perpetrator and the type of assault (coercive or forceful) were systematically varied. The findings were stark: perpetrators seen as likeable received significantly less blame, and the survivors in these cases were more likely to be blamed. In contrast, perpetrators depicted as unlikeable were more likely to be held accountable across all areas – legally, professionally, and personally.
This study sheds light on the complex dynamics at play in the aftermath of sexual assault accusations, particularly in the era of cancel culture and the #MeToo movement. While these social movements have aimed to increase accountability for sexual violence, the research suggests that the personal characteristics of the perpetrator can still heavily influence outcomes. Unlikeable perpetrators, or those who use overt force, are more likely to be “cancelled”, facing significant social and legal consequences, while those who are perceived more positively or use subtler forms of coercion may escape with less censure.
The implications of these findings are significant, particularly in how society understands and reacts to sexual violence. The study highlights the persistent issue of survivor blame, especially when the perpetrator is seen in a positive light. This reflects broader societal challenges in addressing sexual violence and ensuring that all perpetrators are held accountable, regardless of their personal traits or the specific tactics they employ.
The researchers underscore the importance of considering how biases related to likeability and perceptions of force versus coercion can impact the pursuit of justice in sexual assault cases. The findings call for a more nuanced understanding of these dynamics to better support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable, irrespective of their public personas or the subtleties of their actions.
