Blame Anticipation in Personal Narratives of Rape

Rape myths and behaviors indexed as "appropriate" create "common sense" resources to explain away rape by sanctioning victim-blaming. Victim-blaming talk has been identified in perpetrators, formal service providers, and the public. This qualitative study examines narratives constructed by 12 individuals who experienced rape to identify the discursive tools employed as they formulate accounts to justify their actions. Findings imply that assumptions of blameworthy behavior are informed by rape myths and "ideal" victim traits. Offering accounts in anticipation of blame, they display an awareness of myths and standards that may be leveraged to hold them accountable for "contributing" to the attack.