Attitudes and Perceptions about Rape: Evaluating the Standpoint of the Convicted Perpetrators

This study explores the perceptions of the convicted perpetrators of rape in Bangladesh regarding rape as a crime, attitudes toward the victims/survivors and towards women in general. The study involves in-depth interviews with 17 convicted rape perpetrators, aged 25 to 72, selected through purposive sampling. The majority of the perpetrators deny committing rape, allege being victims of false accusations and have a distorted understanding of rape and consent. An orthodox viewpoint about women and gender roles is prevalent among the participants. The theoretical analysis reveals adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including lack of education, inadequate parental guidance, and severe financial hardship are often responsible for such perceptions. The study highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach that addresses the personal, social, cultural, economic, and psychological factors contributing to sexual violence.